Are there some stories that are innate, that are built into our genetic code, stories that we all knew before we were ever told them? Are there stories that we have heard many times but have known them all along? Just as a bird knows how to build a nest or a silkworm knows how … Continue reading Innate stories
Alex Ferguson – lesson in leadership
I have never really been a fan of Alex Ferguson but must admit to having a begrudging admiration for him and his achievements. I have never liked the way he seemed to lose his temper at a whim and the way he used this as a tool in his armoury or the mind games he … Continue reading Alex Ferguson – lesson in leadership
Do structures make a difference?
There is that quote attributed to Gaius Petronius Arbiter, the Roman Emperor Nero’s adviser on elegance and good taste that goes along the lines of ‘We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganised. … I was to learn later in life that … Continue reading Do structures make a difference?
Stories born from adversity
We’ve been trying to use stories at work to set the tone, to highlight the positive things that we achieve and to encourage cooperation and integration across the various teams. It’s early days yet and we’ve only tried it a few time but already we’ve found that using positive stories creates a much more upbeat … Continue reading Stories born from adversity
Beanz meanz quality
When I think about quality the things that come into my head aren’t Rolex watches or Hermes scarves or shiny red Ferrari cars. No, the thing that comes into my head is a humble tin of Heinz Baked Beans. I see the tin with its bluish green label and the black crest proudly saying what … Continue reading Beanz meanz quality
Communication is a what?
I’ve often heard the phrase that communication is a two way street. Well it isn’t, that’s a bad analogy. In a two way street the traffic goes one way up one side of the road and down in the opposite direction on the other. Up and down only. Unless there is an obstruction in the … Continue reading Communication is a what?
Blowing my own trumpet
I find it really hard to blow my own trumpet. I fill my lungs and purse my lips and blow but it doesn’t matter how hard I try, I find it hard to make a note. I can get a rich tone from a Boosey and Hawkes B flat clarinet and I can play a … Continue reading Blowing my own trumpet
Spam and ham
I write my blog purely for the pleasure of writing and not to be read, though I do confess that I regularly check the statistics to see if anyone is reading my pieces. Some are and occasionally I even get a comment. The WordPress people are very kind and try to weed out the unsolicited … Continue reading Spam and ham
Public Sector Show 2013
I’m never really sure whether or not I enjoy going to trade shows and exhibitions. They are usually a long way away and it can be touch and go how good they are. My measurement of success of such events is usually how long it takes me from the start to wish I hadn’t bothered. … Continue reading Public Sector Show 2013
Management speak
I’ve been trying to learn a foreign language for as long as I care to admit. I wish that I had tried harder at school because the older I get the more difficult it becomes. I’ve got by in French, dabbled a bit in Italian, German, Swedish, Icelandic and Portuguese. I have even managed to … Continue reading Management speak
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 