Unfolding plans 103 – Gillian Lynne

I’ve been using this story recently, especially in relation to the skills audit.  We haven’t had too much success with getting this off the ground for one reason or another but I am reminded about the story of Gillian Lynne.  I don’t remember when I came across it but it popped up again in ‘Talk … Continue reading Unfolding plans 103 – Gillian Lynne

Unfolding plans 102 – Why do you want to talk like Ted?

I've come to enjoy presentations. You and I know that I do enough of them. Lately it seems to have been the main topic of my conversations, which is apt. I’ve been trying hard to improve my technique and practiced much harder than I used to.  I’m trying to hold conversations rather than stick to … Continue reading Unfolding plans 102 – Why do you want to talk like Ted?

Unfolding plans 96 – Phil Jackman Author

I am an author.  I am a writer.  I have written a book and it has been published.  I doubt it is the best book ever to have been written and I don’t expect it to be in the best sellers list but that is not the point.  It is published and a small number … Continue reading Unfolding plans 96 – Phil Jackman Author

Unfolding plans 95 – Spennymoor in the millennium

This postcard challenge is going to be harder than I thought.  By day two I was close to throwing in the towel but my never say die attitude pulled it off in the end.  It seems that postcards are only sold in tourist type destinations and are not ubiquitous.  Why didn’t I think of that?  … Continue reading Unfolding plans 95 – Spennymoor in the millennium

Unfolding plans 94 – exciting times in the North East

London is a hot place when the sun shines.  On Wednesday it got well over thirty degrees.  I think I was the only one in the capital to be wearing a jacket and tie but standards have to be kept.  I had caught the train down (yes not up) to present at a conference on … Continue reading Unfolding plans 94 – exciting times in the North East

Unfolding plans 89 – every other day

I do a lot of presentations.  You know I do because I mention them a lot.  It’s not true but it seems that I do one every day.  I guess I’m always on show, always presenting and so in one way or another I suppose that I do.  A quick look back, however, in my … Continue reading Unfolding plans 89 – every other day

Unfolding plans 79 – the Independent Chapel

Chapel Street runs from West to East across the top of Manchester.  It is on the boundary between the city to the south and Salford to the north.  I think it might be in Salford, which is a city in itself.  I don’t know if it is eponymous but there is a chapel within the … Continue reading Unfolding plans 79 – the Independent Chapel

Unfolding plans 75 – having a fresh face helps

A future driven by the customer, that was the message that Paul left us with on his last slide at the presentations.  I’d asked for volunteers from the management team this time as I think having a fresh face helps to keep them well… fresh.  Paul was the first to put his hand up.  He … Continue reading Unfolding plans 75 – having a fresh face helps

Unfolding plans 73 – The Myth of Sisyphus

It has been some year.  They seem to be coming along faster and faster these days.  No sooner have we planned for this one then we are half way through it.  We’re already in month two of the new fiscal year.  Already we are thinking about our plans for next year and even the year … Continue reading Unfolding plans 73 – The Myth of Sisyphus

Unfolding plans 69 – the ‘S’ word

Does the fact that you mention something make it real?  It would seem so.  One of my colleagues brought it to my attention that if I keep banging on about something it sets it squarely in people’s minds.  This is the case even if I am asking if the subject is true or not.  After … Continue reading Unfolding plans 69 – the ‘S’ word