National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / May 2025
Lire la version en français ici
In this edition
NMC Insight
Events and Celebrations
- Change Management 101 Coping and thriving during constant change
- Everyday Resiliency: How to Master Working and Living Well
- National Top 3 Things Managers Should Know about Empathy & Conflict in Virtual Teams
- FYN Future Leaders Forum
Spotlight on Resources
- Opportunities to participate in a coaching circle and a co-development group
- The Directive on Telework – New GCXchange page
- Change Management compendium of tools
- Call-out HR and Pay Manager Focus Groups
Regional News
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Moncton
- Networking Breakfast in Bathurst NB
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Halifax
Prairies & Northwest Territories
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Winnipeg
- Networking Breakfast in Winnipeg
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Saskatoon
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Victoria
- Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Vancouver
NMC Insight
NMC at 25: Renewed Vision, Stronger Community
As we celebrate 25 years of meaningful growth at the NMC, we’re excited to share our refreshed mission, strategic objectives and updated governance. The NMC is evolving to better support you through collaboration, communication, and high-quality resources. A big thank you to our Advisory Boards members for their guidance and input throughout this process.
Here are a few highlights you’ll benefit from as an NMC member:
- National Engagement – A stronger focus on collaboration across departments and regions.
- Business Sustainability – Improved efficiency and clarity in how we work.
- Two-way Communication – A continued commitment to listening to managers and responding to your evolving needs.
- Manager Growth – Access to high-quality, relevant development opportunities.
→ Curious to know more? Visit our About Us page on GCwiki to learn more about our renewed governance, the members behind it, and their roles.
As we continue to evolve, we want to make sure we’re meeting your real needs as a manager. That’s why we’d love to hear from you:
📊 NMC Managers Check-In
On a scale of 1 to 5, how effectively does your current work environment support your ability to lead and manage your team?
What specific changes would improve your effectiveness as a leader? 👉Answer here
Events and Celebrations
Change Management 101 Coping and thriving during constant change
Are you tasked with leading or supporting a change within your team? Are you simply curious to better understand change management? Participate to this interactive 90-minute session designed by certified practitioners from the Interdepartmental Organizational Change Network’s (IOCN)! Learn what change management is, explore typical reactions to change, discover effective strategies, and get an overview of proven models like PROSCI. Strengthen your leadership and organizational development skills with practical, actionable advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your knowledge.
📅 English Session: May 15, 21 and 26, 2025 | Virtual | 12:30 pm to 2:00 p.m. (ET)
📅 French Session: May 22, 2025 | Virtual | 12:30 pm to 2:00 p.m. (ET)
📅 Bilingual Session: May 29, 2025 | Virtual | 1:00 pm to 2:30 p.m. (ET)
Save your spot today and Register Here.
Everyday Resiliency: How to Master Working and Living Well
The Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace is proud to welcome Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe for an inspiring session: Everyday Resiliency: How to Master Working and Living Well.
Discover the five pillars of resilience and gain practical tools to strengthen your well-being and effectiveness at work and in life.
📅 May 29, 2025 | Virtual | 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (ET) | More details and registration here (Session in English with simultaneous French interpretation.)
National Top 3 Things Managers Should Know about Empathy & Conflict in Virtual Teams
Managing conflict is especially tough in virtual teams, where misunderstandings can quickly escalate. This session introduces the Empathy 3R Framework—Respect, Responsibility, and React—to help prevent and manage conflict. Learn how to show respect in digital spaces, take responsibility in tense moments, and respond with empathy when emotions run high. Whether you're leading a remote or hybrid team, you'll gain practical tools to strengthen communication, build trust, and create a more supportive team environment.
📅 June 10, 2025 | Virtual | Details and registration: English session 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (ET) | French session 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (ET)
FYN Future Leaders Forum
Federal Youth Network (FYN) In-person Learning Days: A full day of career development held in 26 cities across Canada and featuring hands-on activities, insightful discussions, and networking opportunities to support public servants’ career growth.
FYN Future Leaders Forum : A leadership development day geared towards public servants at all levels who are exploring a leadership role as their next step in their career or who are new to leadership positions and are looking to develop their leadership skills.
Participate as a Mentor! A speed mentoring session is being offered at each in-person learning day and Future Leaders Forum. Managers can register to participate as a mentor at the following links:
- In-person learning days: https://forms.office.com/r/DuzEfQwRDx
- Future Leaders Forum: https://forms.office.com/r/07ykQ61zPT
Spotlight on Resources
Opportunities to participate in a coaching circle and a co-development group
Achieve clarity and take action — with the support of your peers.
Now more than ever, managers need free access to safe, supportive spaces to learn and solve real challenges together. This month, the NMC is promoting two peer-based initiatives the NMC Peer Coaching Circles (national) and the Co-development Groups (Québec Region only).
Both groups bring together managers from across departments, guided by trained facilitators, to support a peer through real-life work challenges. They share a foundation of confidentiality, respect, and collective learning but differ in their approach:
🔹 Co-development has a mentoring approach. Participants ask questions and offer advice based on their experience with an emphasis on reflection and shared insights. Sessions last 3 hours monthly (Oct–June),
🔹 Peer Coaching Circles use a coaching approach. Participants ask open-ended questions to help the “coachee” gain clarity, reflect deeply, and identify their own path forward. The process fosters self-reflection and empowerment. Sessions are 1 hour every 4–6 weeks (Sept–June).
Interested to grow with your peers? Register now:
👉NMC Peer Coaching Circles 2025–2026 (National)
👉Co-development Initiative 2025–2026 (Québec Region only)
The Directive on Telework – New GCXchange page
As you may be aware, revisions to the Directive on Telework came into force on April 1, 2025. The updated Directive provides alignment with the evolving hybrid work environment, while also clarifying roles and responsibilities for managers, employees and Heads of Human Resources.
To help you navigate the implementation of the updated Directive, there is now a GCXchange page for the Directive on Telework which contains frequently asked questions, presentations related to the Directive and other related information and tools.
Change Management compendium of tools
As a manager, you're at the forefront of organizational change. The Change Management Compendium of Tools, supported by the Interdepartmental Organizatonal Change Network (IOCN), is designed to provide you with the resources needed to lead and manage change successfully.
Key Highlights:
• Tools, templates, and guides to support your change management efforts.
• Webinars and recorded sessions to expand your skills in navigating transitions.
• Best practices for addressing resistance and promoting organizational resilience.
➡️ Access the tools here: Change Management Toolkit - Wiki
Call-out HR and Pay Manager Focus Groups
The team responsible for the training HR-to-Pay for Managers (COR137) within Treasury Board Secretariat, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (TBS-OCHRO) will be hosting focus group sessions. The purpose is to gather feedback on the scenarios and the embedded complementary tools available on the HR and Pay Learning Community GCXchange page. They are looking for section 34 managers in the core public administration, ranging from seasoned to newly appointed managers.
The time commitment is approximately 2 hours in early June. Please register here: Registration for Focus Groups - HR and Pay Tools for Managers. For more information, please reach out to wanda.nash@tbs-sct.gc.ca.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!
Regional News
Atlantic
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Moncton
Join us for a full day of learning, connection, and growth in Moncton. Engage with experienced leaders on strategies for using effective communication to navigate change. Participate in interactive workshops on managing a multi-generational workforce and fostering resilience and compassionate leadership with a human-centered approach. Gain valuable insights to enhance your leadership skills and connect with peers.
📅 May 15, 2025 | 8:30 to 16:00 (AT) | Canvas Moncton, 55 Queen Street, NB | Learn more and Register here
Networking Breakfast in Bathurst NB
The NMC is organizing a networking breakfast for supervisors and managers. Taking advantage of the time of day when people are refreshed, this friendly event is a unique opportunity to meet your peers, expand your professional network, and share experiences and ideas in a relaxed setting (perhaps while enjoying a coffee!).
📅 May 28, 2025 | 9:00 to 10:30 (AT) | Néctar Cuisine Internationale (2nd floor), 50 Douglas Ave Bathurst NB | Learn more and Register here
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Halifax
Join us for a full day of learning, connection, and growth in Halifax. Hear from experienced leaders, dive into practical workshops, and gain tools to lead with confidence, compassion, and resilience. From tackling Imposter Syndrome to managing diverse teams, this event is packed with valuable insights. Wrap up the day with a social mixer to connect with peers!
📅 June 10, 2025 | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (AT) | The Hollis Halifax - a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel, 1649 Hollis Street, Halifax | Learn more and Register here
Ontario
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Kingston
Join the NMC for a full day of learning and connection featuring two interactive coaching workshops led by Julie Wills and Susan Badame, focused on solution-based coaching and peer leadership. In the afternoon, Dr. Katy Kamkar will share practical strategies for stress management and self-compassion, followed by a panel of senior leaders offering insights on today’s leadership challenges.
📅 June 17, 2025 | 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) | Learn more and register here
Register for the NMC networking activity in Montreal
Join the NMC and the Innovation Lab on May 29, 2025, in Montréal for an energizing afternoon of knowledge-sharing, networking, and fresh ideas. Through interactive discussions and peer-led workshops, we’ll explore real workplace challenges, exchange best practices, and spark new connections.
📅 May 29, 2025 | 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. (ET) | 800 Boul. René-Lévesque O, Montréal | Learn more and register here
Prairies & Northwest Territories
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Winnipeg
Join us for a day in Winnipeg, we will features two interactive workshops led by Mike Lund, Chartered Mediator and Informal Conflict Resolution Practitioner, focusing on managing difficult conversations and delivering effective feedback. In the afternoon, a panel of senior leaders will share practical insights on navigating today’s challenges, followed by an engaging speed mentoring session.
📅 May 14, 2025 | 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. (CDT) | 391 York Ave, Winnipeg | Learn more and register here
Networking Breakfast in Winnipeg
The NMC is organizing a networking breakfast for supervisors and managers. Taking advantage of the time of day when people are refreshed, this friendly event is a unique opportunity to meet your peers, expand your professional network, and share experiences and ideas in a relaxed setting (perhaps while enjoying a coffee!).
📅 June 5, 2025 | 9:00 to 10:30 (AT) | OEB Breakfast Co., 330 Main Street #100 Winnipeg, MB R3C 0Y7 | Learn more and Register here
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Saskatoon
Join us in Saskatoon for a day of professional development and networking on June 11th in Saskatoon.
The program includes a two-part coaching workshop for managers and supervisors facilitated by Susan Badame, ICF Certified Coach, Peer Coaching Circle Leader and NMC Regional Lead for Ontario, in addition to attending a panel discussion with senior leaders and taking part in speed mentoring. Don’t miss your chance to expand your knowledge and strengthen your skills!
📅 June 11, 2025 | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (CDT) | HMCS UNICORN, 405 24 Street East Saskatoon | Learn more and register here
British Columbia & Yukon
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Victoria
Join us in Victoria for a dynamic, in-person event led by Roxana Kendall and Michael Atkins from the Defence Team Coaching Program, this interactive day will focus on Emotional Intelligence, recognized by Forbes as the top leadership skill in 2024. You'll explore how EQ and resilience enhance leadership effectiveness and walk away with practical tools, insights, and a personal development goal. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow public servants from across the region.
📅 June 11, 2025 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (PT) | Locations, details and registration here
Register for the NMC Managers Connect event in Vancouver
Join us for this full-day, in-person event about building Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and resilience, recognized by Forbes as the #1 leadership assets for 2024. The morning features an engaging session on EQ and resilience, followed by an afternoon panel of senior leaders sharing real stories and practical insights. Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn, develop and connect with others across the region. Come expand your leadership toolbox and strengthen your network.
📅 June 25, 2025 | 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. (PDT) | Locations, details and registration here
Learn more about the NMC and how we help support managers