Weeknote 684: books

This week I have learned: how fun Julia Hobsbawm's events are. I mean, I knew that already. It's just she hasn't done any for a while. A very engaging afternoon in the Cheesegrater talking about the future of work. I've started a new book project. Let's see if this one comes to fruition. I've been … Continue reading Weeknote 684: books

Some futures of work

I spent a fascinating few hours yesterday afternoon as a guest of MS Amlin and Julia Hobsbawm at an event looking at some dimensions of the future of work. Looking out over the skyline of London there were some thought-provoking conversations. Here, in no particular order, are some of the thoughts the discussions sparked for … Continue reading Some futures of work

Weeknote 683: two years

This week I have learned... After two years at Equal Experts, I'm more convinced than ever that if you want engaged employees, you need to make their work engaging. There's no point in doing stuff around the periphery that takes their mind off the sheer mindlessness of a job designed exclusively around the needs of … Continue reading Weeknote 683: two years

Weeknote 682: starting

This week I have learned: the value of participant observation. Being able to get real views from the ground in front of people working in the heady echelons of an organisation is really valuable. finding a space to talk. Getting that space is the tricky bit. Once it's provided, the talking comes freely. I have … Continue reading Weeknote 682: starting

Weeknote 681: bricks

Things I have learned this week: Lego Serious Play. I spent a good few hours this week on Amale's LSP for Coaching course with a wonderful group of other coaches and facilitators. I have to say I've been a bit sniffy about LSP until now, partly because the book I bought about it was so … Continue reading Weeknote 681: bricks

A lack of imagination

There's a familiar trope that tells us that Science Fiction shapes the future. And while there are things that have been talked about in Science Fiction that have turned into reality (rocket ships, VR, Video Recorders, the Internet...), there is a tonne of stuff that hasn't (teleportation, time travel, hoverboards...). But with the revelations over … Continue reading A lack of imagination

Weeknote 680: going out

This week I have learned: going out two nights running is a challenge these days. Probably more so because I still seem to wake up at the dawn chorus no matter when I collapse into bed. it was worth it, though. Tuesday saw a catch-up with a lovely client followed by going to the British … Continue reading Weeknote 680: going out

Weeknote 679: expansion

This week I have learned: I felt a bit sad deciding to close the #100Coffees project. However, it continues—as Lisa Riemers suggested, it's now "live." Apparently, studies in the US have shown that people are reticent to tie themselves to performance targets that are actually within their control. This is fascinating and could explain some … Continue reading Weeknote 679: expansion

The final #100Coffees curtain

It's time to draw a close to the #100Coffees experiment. It's become a part of my general working out loud practice, but in the last couple of weeks, I've realized that I've stopped thinking of it as a project.So that brings it to a close. What have I learned? Loads. I presented this talk at … Continue reading The final #100Coffees curtain

Weeknote 678: fictional

This week I have learned: the power of using fiction as a tool. This sprang out of a conversation with a new connection at the beginning of the week. I like the idea of creating prosaic artefacts of the future to think about how the world might be different and better. a personal form of … Continue reading Weeknote 678: fictional