David Barrick

If you’ve ever worked with an ineffective leader, you know that poor leadership always comes at a cost, especially working in public offices. An ineffective leader can be demotivating and demoralizing, which can put a damper on productivity and the ability to reach goals. Not to mention it creates an uncomfortable workplace environment, and nobody wants that. This, in turn, can adversely impact your team.  While few people would argue the importance of effective leadership, it can seem like an elusive idea. What really is effective leadership? What are the most important leadership qualities? And can anyone learn how to become an effective leader, and if so, how? This article will dive into the questions of how to be an effective leader in the public sector. Are effective leaders born or created? Let’s start off by answering some of the commonly asked questions about whether or not it makes sense to invest one’s energy to become a more efficient leader. After all, if leaders are bo...

In 2018, David Barrick, who was the interim CAO of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), spoke out against the media after they misrepresented the NPCA due to conflicts they had with civilians in 2010 regarding undisclosed flood mapping. While the organization hadn’t been following its legislated mandate, the NPCA was vastly improved since the issue arose. Barrick shared his perspective and the facts, calling out the media for not representing the full story in their coverage. As such, he wrote an Op-Ed offering complete transparency for the NPCA and corrected the record.  Read the full article below.