National Managers' Community (NMC)/ Newsletter / August 2025

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In this edition

NMC Insight

• Our 2024–2025 NMC Annual Report Is Available!
• What You Told Us – July Check-In Results

Events and Celebrations

• Upcoming Mental Health Events
• Empowering Managers to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
• NMC Top 3 Things Managers Should Know about Change Leadership

Spotlight on Resources

• New Job Aid: Leading with Emotional Intelligence
• OpenAI's ChatGPT Explained
• Invitation: Talking Circle on Culturally Appropriate Workplace Accommodation
• Welcoming Service Dogs in the Workplace: Key Tips for Managers
• Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO)

Regional News

Atlantic

• Managers’ Connect Event in St-John’s

Quebec & Nunavut

• Opportunities to participate in a co-development group

British Columbia & Yukon

• Managers’ Connect Event in Whitehorse
• Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health

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NMC Insight

Our 2024–2025 NMC Annual Report Is Available!

We’re excited to share the latest NMC Annual Report to the Clerk, marking another milestone in our journey to support managers across the federal public service.

Over the past year, we’ve continued to connect, engage, and support thousands of managers, supervisors, and aspiring leaders from departments and agencies across the country. From the success of our in-person events and national virtual sessions to the steady growth of our membership, which now includes over 14,000 managers, every initiative reflects our commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to mark the 25th anniversary of the NMC, a meaningful milestone that reaffirms our purpose and deepens our commitment to the manager community.

As our Champion, Arun Thangaraj, puts it: “Networks like the NMC help us stay focused on our purpose—especially through change and uncertainty.”

📄 Read the full report here

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What You Told Us – July Check-In Results

In our July Managers Check-In, we asked: What would help you feel more connected to other managers in the public service? Your responses were clear.

Regional in-person events topped the list, showing a strong appetite for authentic, face-to-face networking. You also emphasized the value of mentorship, collaborative projects, and small-group discussions to build meaningful cross-departmental connections.

Virtual sessions and discussion forums were noted, but less preferred than personal, hands-on engagement.

The least selected option? Social media groups, such as LinkedIn.

Several comments also called for greater senior leader engagement and support, as well as short informal opportunities to connect like coffee chat, lunch-and-learns and 5 à 7s.

These results reinforce a key message: managers want more opportunities to connect authentically, exchange ideas, and learn together, especially in person.

This feedback is especially valuable as we work to increase in person participation, reduce last minute cancellations and gain more senior leader support for managers to take time to connect. It reinforces that participation in these events isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s part of career development and well-being! Your input will help us guide where we focus time and resources.

📊 The NMC is taking a short pause from Check-In questions in August, but it's a great time to catch up!

If you haven’t had a chance to respond to past Check-In questions, we invite you to take a moment now:

• May: How effectively do you feel your current work environment supports your ability to lead and manage your team?
• June: Which leadership topics would be most valuable for your growth as a manager?
• July: What would help you feel more connected to other managers in the public service?

We’ll be back in September with a new question as we continue our monthly Check-In series, stay tuned!

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Events and Celebrations

Upcoming Mental Health Events

Among the great events presented by the Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

this September, we’re highlighting three timely virtual sessions designed to help managers lead with empathy, confidence, and care:

· How to Respond to Feedback Constructively

With Dr. Bill Howatt, Learn practical strategies to respond to feedback with a growth mindset.

📅 September 2, 2025 | Virtual English session with simultaneous interpretation in French | 1:30–2:30 p.m. (ET) | More details and registration here

· Leading with Compassion Through Challenging Times

With Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett, Discover trauma-informed leadership practices to better support your team through uncertainty.

📅 September 18, 2025 | Virtual English session with simultaneous interpretation in French | 1:30–3:00 p.m. (ET) | More details and registration here

· Strengthening Employee Engagement

With Danl Loewen Explore strategies that boost autonomy, mastery, and sense of purpose – and lead to higher satisfaction, better performance, and greater resilience.

📅 September 23, 2025 | Virtual | More details and registration : English session 1:30–3:00 p.m. (ET) / French session available from 10:30-12:00

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Empowering Managers to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Even the most experienced leaders can struggle with self-doubt. Imposter syndrome is real, and it can quietly affect your performance and well-being.

Join us for an insightful session with Dr. Katy Kamkar Ph.D. C.Psych, clinical psychologist and Associate Ombud of Mental Health at Public Services and Procurement Canada.

We’ll discuss:

·      How imposter syndrome shows up in leadership

·      Tools to build resilience and self-confidence

·      Strategies for managing stress in today’s evolving workplace

📅 September 22, 2025 | Virtual | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm (ET) | More details and registration here

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NMC Top 3 Things Managers Should Know about Change Leadership

Change is constant and how you lead through it matters more than ever. As a manager, your leadership can either ease the transition or amplify resistance. Understanding how to support diverse reactions to change is key to fostering trust, engagement, and resilience in your team.

Join us for an inspiring session that will explore the top three things every manager should know about leading change. You’ll reflect on your leadership style, uncover your strengths, and learn how to lead with greater clarity and intention through every phase of change.

Discover practical tools to help you adjust your leadership posture, inspire your team, and build a healthier, more human, and more aligned workplace.

📅 September 23, 2025 | Virtual | More details and registrations here: English session 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (ET) - French session 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (ET)

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Spotlight on Resources

New Job Aid: Leading with Emotional Intelligence

The Canada School of Public Service has developed a practical job aid to help leaders foster effective, healthy teams—whether in person or remotely. Leading with Emotional Intelligence offers simple, actionable tips to strengthen your awareness of others, improve engagement, reduce stress and burnout, and boost team performance. By paying attention to how colleagues are doing, you can create a supportive environment that inspires trust, collaboration, and results. This resource is a quick read you can apply right away to make a meaningful impact on your team’s success.

👉 Leading with Emotional Intelligence (TRN4-J48) - CSPS

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OpenAI's ChatGPT Explained

This article explores OpenAI's ChatGPT system, its capabilities as an AI language model and its present-day limitations.

👉 OpenAI's ChatGPT Explained article

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Invitation: Talking Circle on Culturally Appropriate Workplace Accommodation

Managers are invited to participate in a talking circle focused on culturally appropriate workplace accommodation for Indigenous federal employees with disabilities. This initiative responds to recommendations from the Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion (KCII) report, emphasizing the importance of integrating cultural considerations into workplace accommodation practices. The session will be led by an Indigenous facilitator, supported by an Elder, and opened by Deputy Minister Champions. It is part of the Better Accommodation Project (BAP), a one-year initiative sponsored by Tina Namiesniowski, Deputy Minister Champion for Employees with Disabilities, aiming to transform how workplace accommodation is delivered across the public service.

We are seeking 15–20 Indigenous managers with experience supporting employees through the accommodation process. The session will take place on August 27, 2025, from 12:30–3:30pm EST.

To express interest or request accommodations, please contact ESDC.BAP-PAMA.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

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Welcoming Service Dogs in the Workplace: Key Tips for Managers

The Office of Public Service Accessibility (OPSA) at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has launched the GC Service Dog Toolkit, a new resource to help organizations create inclusive and barrier-free workplaces for employees with service dogs.

Here are three key reminders for managers:

1. Service dogs are part of a duty to accommodate. They are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and provide essential support.
2. Not all disabilities are visible. While the service dog is visible, an employee’s disability may not be. Respect employee privacy and confidentiality throughout the accommodation process.
3. Foster an inclusive environment. Notify your team in advance, use signage, share etiquette tips, and balance all accommodation needs (e.g., allergies, phobias) through collaboration.

• Access the GC Service Dog Toolkit on GCpedia

For questions, contact your departmental accessibility specialist or email OPSA at AccessibilityPassport.Passeportdaccessibilite@tbs-sct.gc.ca.

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Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO)

The Public Service Commission has developed valuable resources to assist you throughout this journey. The comprehensive guide for managers and HR specialists covers everything you need to know before, during, and after a SERLO, ensuring that you are well-prepared and confident in your decisions.

Once you've read through the guide, it is highly recommended to watch the HR Council SmartShop: Selection of Employees for Retention or Layoff (SERLO). The smartshop provides an insightful overview of the steps and requirements involved in conducting a SERLO.

For an overview of the workforce adjustment including SERLO, you can register to the online self-paced course: Understanding Workforce Adjustment (COR123) at the Canada School of Public Service.

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Atlantic

Managers’ Connect Event in St-John’s

Join fellow managers for an inspiring day of learning and connection on the theme Communication and Influence: Leading Change with Insight and Integrity. Together, we’ll explore how to lead with clarity, compassion, and strategic intent in times of change.

Through interactive sessions, you’ll strengthen essential leadership skills and walk away with practical tools to support mental health, foster psychological safety, and build trust through meaningful conversations.

📅 September 17, 2025 | In Person | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Details and registration here

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Quebec & Nunavut

Opportunities to participate in 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 the peer-based initiative Co-development Groups (Québec Region only).

Groups bring together managers from across departments, guided by trained facilitators, to support a peer through real-life work challenges. The initiative shares 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 2 hours monthly (October to June).

Interested to grow with your peers?  Register now. The deadline for registration is September 12, 2025:

👉Co-development Initiative 2025–2026 (Québec Region only)

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British Columbia & Yukon

Managers’ Connect Event in Whitehorse

The National Managers’ Community is excited to return to Whitehorse for a two-day Managers Connect event on September 10–11, 2025. Join us for one or both days of learning, networking, and practical leadership insights.

Day 1: Dr. Katy Kamkar shares tools for supporting employee mental health and managing disability-related challenges with compassion.

Day 2: Michelle Sangster explores emotional intelligence and resilience to help you lead with impact.

Whether you attend one day or both, you’ll leave with strategies to foster well-being, strengthen teams, and lead with confidence.

📅 September 10 & 11, 2025 | In Person | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm | Details and registration here

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Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health

We’re pleased to share the Manager’s Mental Health Toolkit, developed by the BC Federal Council’s Community of Interest on Mental Health, with contributions from the National Managers’ Community BC and Yukon regional representative and committee members. The toolkit is available on the GCXchange site - Manager Mental Health Toolkit.

Created in response to the unique mental health challenges faced by federal public service managers, this resource draws on insights from the Mental Health Pulse Survey, the Opening the Door to Mental Health symposium series, and other key initiatives.

It offers practical tools to promote mental wellbeing, foster psychological safety, and support managers in creating healthy, high-performing teams.

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Learn more about the NMC and how we help support managers

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