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 176 – Poor old email

There are eighteen ways to be more positive at work, at least that what the infographic says from CMD, a British manufacturer of office ergonomics products.  A colleague of mine sent me it by twitter.   Now I’m used to there being seven ways to something or ten rules to get what you want but eighteen … Continue reading Unfolding plans 176 – Poor old email

Unfolding plans 174 – Walking meetings

Jenny suggested that we go for a walking meeting.  It sounded fun and the weather was fine so why not.  Actually it has been unseasonably warm for the time of year and the wind was blowing a gale but we are hardy folk and were not going to let a spell of blustery weather put … Continue reading Unfolding plans 174 – Walking meetings

Unfolding plans 172 – World Paper Free Day

It’s World Paper Free Day today. I hope you’re enjoying it.  I hope you didn’t send a card!  I didn’t know there was such a thing until a couple of weeks ago but I put it in my diary and here it is.  I’ve long been an advocate of getting away from paper at work.  … Continue reading Unfolding plans 172 – World Paper Free Day

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 plans 162 – #Dynamites15

Last night’s Dynamites15 was excellent.  The banqueting hall in Newcastle Civic Centre was packed to the gunnels with a whole host of people interested in the tech industry across the North East.  Every seat was sold which made it a bigger and better event than the first one we had last year.  A huge amount … Continue reading Unfolding plans 162 – #Dynamites15

Unfolding plans 161 – Fun Day

Of all the audiences that I speak to, I find young children to be the hardest.  I’m sure I would get used to it but I’d have to work hard to be a teacher.  This morning we laid on a fun day at the education development Centre for a group of Year 5 pupils from … Continue reading Unfolding plans 161 – Fun Day

Unfolding plans 158 – three great speakers

We’ve held the last Society of ICT Managers (SOCITM) meeting for the year.  It was a bit touch and go at times getting the speakers and the running order sorted but in the end Graham, as always pulled it off. What could have been a bit of a pup turned out to be another interesting … Continue reading Unfolding plans 158 – three great speakers

Unfolding plans 157 – Profanity

Is profanity ever acceptable?  The first sentence in ‘The Martin’ contained the F word.  The opening sequence to ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ was filled with it.  Celebratory chefs are noted for its liberal use.  They pepper their phrases with it. I’ve been trying not to use it so much if at all, especially the … Continue reading Unfolding plans 157 – Profanity