The dawning of a New Year, as always, brings with it an almost universal time for reflection on what lies ahead.

One of my fundamental goals as a Business Intelligence & Leadership consultant is to raise this process of reflection or awareness in client organizations all year round. In my years of legal, diplomatic and business experience I am more convinced than ever that it is the organizations with a heightened preparedness to factor balance of probability/the unknown into strategy, planning and operational arenas that sustain steady evolution and healthy profit margins. Organizational ability to simultaneously manage the two seemingly opposed concepts is a daunting task – Achieving/securing team buy-in to a clear and accountable process while encouraging people flexibility and openness to change/innovation.

This basic corporate requirement inspired my new book, Corporate Intelligence Awareness, Securing the Competitive Edge, (launched on 1 November 2006) that has been nominated in two categories (Business & Best New Voice – Non fiction) of the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Book Awards. According to my publisher, it would appear that as well as a useful step-by-step people awareness guide to those in the business of sales, marketing, planning/strategy and knowledge management, indications are that the material will serve as an academic or text book resource to business students.

I have also been invited to appear on several television programs, including CBC Newsworld. Business interest generated since publication seems focused largely on the related areas of corporate espionage, privacy issues and the people aspect of safeguarding organizational secrets. This subject fully taps into my Leadership; Decision-making; Conflict Management; Ethics; Trust; & Strategic Communication consulting experience, as well as the ability to assist organizations manage the daunting juggle of process/structure and chaos/wildcard events.  I am also finding that, more than ever, I am drawing heavily on legal and diplomatic expertise.

To illustrate long-term benefit of my concepts, I quote several reviews received a year prior to publication:

“At a time in business when the most prized economic currency is information and knowledge, it should be on every leader's agenda to read this book.  Rodger's thorough presentation of the Corporate Intelligence 'engine' will give business readers the tools by which to harness and institutionalize this currency into every day organizational life while avoiding the common trap of information overload.  In our industry, where the "assets" go home each night (and take knowledge with them), getting this right is crucial.

- Michael Shostak

Executive Vice-President, Managing Director - Interactive

Arnold Worldwide Canada

 â€œThis material contains powerful Information gathering and processing tools to empower the workforce in driving sustainable business”

- Stephanie Mackendrick, President, Canadian Women in Communications (CWC-AFC)

“Rodger is an energetic, entertaining and a highly educational facilitator. I would recommend his Corporate Intelligence Awareness program.”

– Barry Mackinnon, VP Marketing, Bombardier Aerospace

“Through this book and Rodger’s seminar I discovered how awareness of small intricate detail can uncover a great deal of corporate intelligence. My eyes have definitely been opened to a new way of thinking.”

– Nicolas Bourque, Regional Manager North America

Creaform Inc.Scan & 3D Digital Solutions (Quebec, Canada/U.S.A.)  

“This book is an invaluable resource to any organization intent on enhancing an efficient information/intelligence culture”

– Mike Ferreira, Director Communications, BBM Canada

“This material provided me with one of the most motivating and educational experiences while at Bombardier - Thanks for a great investment.”

– Benjamin Boehm, Director, New Commercial Aircraft Program Management Office.

My best wishes for a safe, fulfilling & prosperous 2007!

Rodger Nevill Harding BA LLB

Toronto, January 2007