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In my experience there’s two types of training course. First the kind of learning that improves an individual’s performance in their role, and ultimately their career prospects. Second, corporate ‘sheep dip’ training for issues a large number of staff need to be proficient in. There’s no doubt in my mind which is the employee’s favourite. Continue reading “The Reluctant Learner”
A few weeks ago I overheard some of the other mothers outside my daughter’s dance class talking about email etiquette. One of them originally hails from Spain and was explaining to the others how it’s extremely impolite in her country to send an email that addresses someone only by their first name, and is not preceded by some kind of greeting. She went on to say that if such an email ever graces her inbox she feels very offended. Continue reading “Comprendez my colloquialism?”
If you haven’t seen a British comedy programme called “Black Books” you’re missing out. Irish comedian Dylan Moran plays the grumpy offbeat bookstore owner, Bernard Black. He’s certainly passionate about his books, but not about the people who want to buy them. In the first episode a pretentious rich type wants to know if the Dickens are bound with ‘real leather’. In order to avoid talking to the customer, Bernard picks up the phone. Yet the customer persists in barraging him with questions. Bernard scribbles “on phone” on a post-it note and sticks it to his forehead. The customer storms out. Situation resolved.
I’m the type of person who enjoys taking on the projects that nobody else wants. Typically these are things that get put to the bottom of other people’s piles. Things that other people see as boring. And yes, sometimes they are boring, but important nonetheless.
Risk. It’s a scary word.
I’m not just talking about striking fear into the heart of managers when they realise two hours of their precious diary time has been dedicated to a meeting for “risk mitigation scenario planning”. Continue reading “Risky Business”
HR Potential 