One of the beauties of being semi-retired is that on some days I get to do what I want. This can mean going out for a coffee, reading a book, visiting somewhere interesting or even picking up a hobby. Some things are good when the weather is fine, I have even been known to do … Continue reading Starting from the middle
Trofast
Last month I described how to use Ikea instructions as a way to understand a process. This week I gave it a go in a proper workshop. I must admit to having some trepidation as to whether the metaphor would work but in the end it did. It got the group into a way of … Continue reading Trofast
Unfolding plans 178 – Out of the toolbox
The topic for this round of presentations has been ‘Out of the Toolbox’. The title is an obvious reference to thinking outside the box but also attempts to draw us back to the work that we do. It was Saul Kaplan who said that we need to take our ideas off the white board and … Continue reading Unfolding plans 178 – Out of the toolbox
Unfolding plans 175 – Lest we forget
There is some irony that on the day we remember the glorious dead of conflicts around the world that there is a conference in Malta to try and stem the flow of migrants into Europe. On the day that we are to remember those who have fallen defending our way of life, who have been … Continue reading Unfolding plans 175 – Lest we forget
Unfolding plans 171 – Document management
So, one of the best things about going down to the Local Government Forum in Manchester earlier this week was the drive there and back. I know it was awful. I said so in my blog. We got stuck in bad traffic both on the way down as well as the drive home yet it … Continue reading Unfolding plans 171 – Document management
Unfolding plans 170 – free from location
I thought the traffic was bad through the Team Valley but having travelled to Manchester yesterday I'm thinking I've been getting away with it lightly. Lee and I were making our way to a Local Government Strategy Forum at the Worsley Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club just north of the city. The drive down … Continue reading Unfolding plans 170 – free from location
Unfolding plans 166 – War and Peace
I’m not sure if I remember this correctly as it is a long time since I’ve read War and Peace. I’ve always loved the way that the Russian classics were written and whilst it is a long book, (my version was in three separate books) it is well worth a read. I think I have … Continue reading Unfolding plans 166 – War and Peace
Unfolding plan 159 – the data trail
Somehow I’ve let data slip off my agenda. It has slipped off the map. I realised this when I was at the Open Data Event put on by Dynamo North East and the Federation of Small Businesses. I should mention Sunderland Software City as well. I realised that while we were full of intent we … Continue reading Unfolding plan 159 – the data trail
Unfolding plans 152 – taking stock
Friday is always a good day to take stock. Today is day five of National Customer Service Week and so it’s a great opportunity to think about what has happened. It was not just ICT Services that got involved. Social Care Direct, Transport, First Contact, Customer Services (of course), Neighbourhood Services, Highways, Regeneration and Economic … Continue reading Unfolding plans 152 – taking stock
Unfolding plans 151 – Employee engagement and culture
This week is flying by. It’s day four of National customer Service Week already. I’m still wearing my Institute of Customer Service badge (with pride) even though I’ve changed jackets since yesterday. Today’s theme is employee engagement and culture which is perfect as we’re having our second day of our Lean Start-Up training. The group … Continue reading Unfolding plans 151 – Employee engagement and culture
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 