Elbows Up: Why Canadian Leaders Need a Builder’s Mindset to Thrive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5LEl1ncu8g

In hockey, “elbows up” isn’t about picking a fight. It’s about protecting your space, staying strong under pressure, and keeping your eyes on the goal. For Canadian business leaders, this analogy is more relevant than ever. With shifting global markets, rising competition, and new challenges around every corner, leaders need more than just defensive tactics. They need a builder’s mindset - one that’s focused on creating value, seizing opportunity, and inspiring teams to move forward.

Ron Harper, President and CEO of JFE Shoji Power, knows a thing or two about this. Drawing on decades of experience in manufacturing, he believes that Canadian leaders must do more than just weather the storm. They need to build, innovate, and lead with purpose. This perspective lines up perfectly with Dale Carnegie’s teachings, which stress resilience, optimism, and the power of a positive vision.

A builder’s mindset starts with seeing opportunity where others see obstacles. It’s about focusing on what you can create, not just what you can protect. In today’s business landscape, that means looking beyond cost-cutting and crisis management. Canadian companies can’t just play defense - cutting costs and managing resources will only get you so far. Eventually, you have to shift gears and focus on creating new value for your customers, your industry, and your community.

Ron uses the “elbows up” analogy to explain how leaders can defend their ground while still looking for ways to grow. It’s about holding your space without getting stuck in a scarcity mindset. Instead of just reacting to threats, leaders should be proactive, build on their strengths, and look for opportunities to collaborate. This is especially important in industries like energy and manufacturing, where innovation and strategic investment can make all the difference.

Collaboration is a key theme here. Ron argues that Canadian leaders will win when they learn to collaborate as well as they compete. This means working with partners, government, and even competitors to create shared value. Dale Carnegie’s principles encourage leaders to build trust, foster teamwork, and focus on win-win solutions. By working together, Canadian businesses can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and strengthen the entire economy.

But a builder’s mindset isn’t just about big-picture strategy. It’s also about the day-to-day attitude you bring to your work. Leaders need to inspire their teams, encourage creativity, and be willing to take calculated risks. Ron points out that real innovation often comes from having limited resources and tight deadlines. When your back is against the wall, that’s when true creativity emerges. The key is to maintain an attitude of abundance, even in tough times, and to trust that new solutions are possible.

Purpose is another critical element. Ron emphasizes that leaders should help their teams see the bigger picture. It’s not just about making a part out of steel or hitting quarterly targets. It’s about contributing to something larger - like transforming Canada’s energy systems or building the next generation of technology. When people understand the purpose behind their work, they’re more motivated, engaged, and resilient.

So what does it take to put this mindset into practice? Start by shifting your focus from defense to offense. Look for ways to add value, invest in innovation, and build strong relationships with your team and your partners. Encourage open communication, celebrate small wins, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember that leadership is about inspiring others to follow, not just managing tasks.

Canadian leaders face real challenges, but they also have incredible opportunities. By adopting a builder’s mindset, staying “elbows up,” and focusing on collaboration and value creation, they can turn adversity into advantage. Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles - trust, optimism, and a commitment to growth - are the foundation for this kind of leadership.

In the end, it’s not just about surviving tough times. It’s about building something meaningful, leading with purpose, and inspiring others to do the same. That’s how Canadian leaders can truly make an impact.