Working with a keen group of US-based interns this week, I was asked a surprising question. ‘Are you Red or Blue?’ I get asked this question frequently by people in the UK, but it was the first time from a US audience. It’s a football (soccer) thing. When you’re from Liverpool like me, you’re born… Continue reading Breaking the Ice
Category: Interaction
Onboarding
Good onboarding is a great way of getting lasting commitment from new members of staff. It is important to discuss and manage expectations on both sides as early and clearly as possible. It helps when everyone is flexible, aware that there may be blips and sudden changes due to unforeseen circumstances. This is a time… Continue reading Onboarding
It was Twenty Years Ago Today …
My business started, with me standing at Oxenholme train station, waiting for the train to London Euston. I was full of anticipation, enthusiasm and a bit of nerves. I thought there were strong possibilities and I wanted to explore them. Since that successful first job, I’ve delivered training throughout the UK & Ireland in person… Continue reading It was Twenty Years Ago Today …
Others
What is it that causes some people to have issues with ‘others’? A different gender, skin colour, language, accent, ethnicity can cause some to display a strange mix of fear, insecurity and hostility. Today, as we walked the dogs around Culloden Battlefield, we encountered people from all over the world, all with a common interest… Continue reading Others
Small Things that Brighten our Day
What brightens up your day? For me, it’s the small things that make a huge difference. Saying or hearing the words ‘thank you’. A smile. Laughter. Someone giving their time, because they choose to. Our town has had its postboxes decorated for Easter. A small gesture, purely to give pleasure to others. It is great… Continue reading Small Things that Brighten our Day
Peace
A lovely, peaceful walk on the beautiful Moray Coast today. On the beach, you can see the sea defences. A reminder of a time when the peace we often take for granted needed to be defended. Peace can be hard work. Being comfortable in your true self, recognising the rights of self and ‘others’, tolerating… Continue reading Peace
Dialogue
This week I’ve had some conversations about conversations; how they can sometimes turn into an emotional, adversarial debate. The apparent certainty of our views, defending them, attacking others’ views and pursuing our one and only solution rarely resolves any conflict. Using dialogue rather than debate can be a more effective approach. It is possible to… Continue reading Dialogue
Home from Home on Burns Night
Again rejoicing Nature seesHer robe assume its vernal huesHer leafy locks wave in the breezeAll freshly steep’d in morning dews (Robert Burns – Composed In Spring) I am a proud Scouser. I am also proud to call Scotland our home for the past twelve years, so tonight we will be raising a tot of whisky… Continue reading Home from Home on Burns Night
Different Perspectives
You get some cracking conversations before the start of a virtual session… Him: ‘Bet you can’t wait to do some ‘proper’ training again.’ Me: ‘Well, I’d like to think I’m still doing proper training.’ I knew what he meant. He was surprised that I’ve enjoyed running virtual training sessions for seven years, rather than doing… Continue reading Different Perspectives
Nature’s Gifts
Since leaving London 19 years ago, I have become more interested in the nature around me. I have learned to appreciate nature’s gifts of stillness, peace and quiet, as well as beaches, mountains, lochs and forests. The weather has more significance and I increasingly find myself checking where my food comes from. In the past… Continue reading Nature’s Gifts