A while ago, I came across a fantastic example of someone going about their work in an apparently quiet and dilligent way and suddenly being noticed. The unusual thing was the methods she employed the carry out her task and the interest she created.
It made me think about how we need to find a balance between establishing standard processes (one size fits all) and allowing individuals to creatively get on with their jobs using all the skills and talents they bring with them.
So what was the story?
During BBC flagship evening news programme "Newsnight", she was observed collecting cups and mugs in the background. Peter Barron, editor of Newsnight, explains;
A challenge at work for many people is reaching the unresponsive. How do to deal with those who don't repond to our encouragement, guideance and requests (even threats!!). A story in the news today offers us a challenge - is their outward communication a true reflection of their inner thoughts and feelings?
BBC News reports this facinating story about an unfortunate road accident victim, who despite suffering brain damage and being in a 'vegative state' - has demonstrated brain activity "indistinguishable from a healthy patient".
She was diagnosed as being in a vegetative state, which meant even when she was awake, she was unresponsive.
While her brain was being mapped, the researchers asked her to imagine simple tasks, such as walking around her home and playing tennis.
What a WOW!!
There is a disconnection between what's going on inside and what's happening outside. Although in this sad case we have no way of knowing how 'aware' the victim is - it does raise an interesting point for those of us frustrated by unresponsive people.
Even though they don't show it... they might be getting it but their outward actions do not match their inner intentions and abilities.
During a recent training workshop, the managers identified that they are often not able to do the things they know they should do because they have too many emails to write, reports to read and admin to take care of.
Well, I've just got the new catalogue form Hawkins Bazaar and they have a great product that could free up valuable time that could be spend coaching and supporting staff.
I've not purchased anything on-line from Hawkins Bazaar, but I love their shops. They're a great source of fantastic bits-an-bobs to scatter around the training room.
update
since writing this article the product
seems to have been discontinued - it was the 'document stamp' you see
in the picture at the top of this article
During a recent 'Core Management Skills" training workshop for Leaps and Bounds, the managers investigated the traits, characteristics and behaviours of a champion team. As part of their review, they demonstrated their findings as a modern sculpture - with movement and sound !!
Here's the video of the 3 groups and their demonstrations:
