In an office I know, there’s a wooden window pole.  I suspect it could come from the 1920s at least, though I’m not entirely sure.  The pole might best be described as a gaff … leading me to an enlightening conversation one particular morning about the origin of the role “Gaffer” in the early days… Read More Getting the job done . . .

The level of the current heatwave my own country is currently gripped by has been matched only by my husband’s ambition.  He bought an electric fan. Rolls Royce jet engine division would be proud of its epic proportions. It’s so noisy even maximum volume on the tv doesn’t block it out.  In fact, we’ve given… Read More Knowing why you’re there . . .

I’ve been working with lots of people recently talking about reflective practice. Some people are entirely on board with it; some acknowledge that they resist; some resist permanently and say it’s not for them now, nor ever will be. And one lovely person in sharing how they had found the act of writing a daily… Read More A new leaf . . .

In the workplace, do you know these people: Commentators – people who only point out what’s wrong Finger pointers – people who point out what’s wrong, and what needs to change The positively dissatisfied – people who point out what’s wrong, what needs to change, and … then take responsibility to make it happen. Know… Read More Ask yourself . . .

“I am [insert your own self-doubting word or phrase]” Now . . . what are you going to do about that?  

‘Open to new ideas’: What does teacher’s report really mean? This take on the actual meaning of positive-spin comments in the context of school reports is well worth a read. It made me wonder how many times in the workplace we fudge the issue, and avoid what we mean to say because we can’t find… Read More Bite by bite . . .