Get to Know Sylvie Lapointe
Who am I?
Stemming from my background in psychology and sociology, I have a passion for helping individuals grow and thrive as they make meaningful contributions to their community. I come from a family of teachers and inherited a deep desire to facilitate learning.
My artistic side allows me to use the creative arts to awaken human potential.
What fascinates me?
The dynamic between individuals and their organizations is a fascinating one. How do people create a niche for themselves in their organizations where they feel validated and important? How does the organization create an environment where everyone’s contribution is solicited and celebrated? How can the individuals influence the system? Change the culture? How does the system adapt to the changing times or, to the changing needs of its people and clients?
No matter how you look at it, an organization is simply a group of individuals working towards a common goal. An organization is only as strong as its employees and the relationships existing between employees. The big question is how do we achieve a Yin and Yang like balance between the head and the heart in our organizations? How can humanity happily co-habitate with the fast paced and sometimes impersonal world of business transactions?
What am I committed to?
Creating the conditions for people to flourish and grow in their organizations through training and facilitation. I like to think of it as building a bridge from the head to the heart of an organization through its people.
What do I do?
If I had to describe my work in ten words or less, I would have to say that it is all about fostering opportunities for meaningful conversations leading to culture change.
I am an artist at heart and I love to tell stories. I like to use metaphors to trigger honest dialogues. I believe that when a group has laughed together they are more apt to listen to each other so I inject humor in my presentations and workshops. I believe that you generate energy in groups by giving of your own energy – so I strive to be a dynamic and enthusiastic speaker.
My areas of expertise are leadership development, creative problem solving, Appreciative Inquiry and personality type inventories.
Making it happen
I have to admit that I am a bit of a dreamer and that I live in a world of possibilities but I also have a strong business side - I like to get things done. I co authored a managers and facilitators reference book entitled Facile…the art of cultivating leadership moments through facilitation which proposes a business model to enhance the application of facilitation tools, techniques and practices to allow people at all levels to step up and take action, and be agents of change.
I have also co-authored a second publication called GET REAL - The art and power of storytelling in workplace communities. Storytelling is a powerful communication tool. It is a great way to facilitate learning and transfer knowledge.
For me, working with people is a wonderful journey of discovery. I hope to have the chance to travel along with you.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has - Margaret Mead
