Back in October 2019, in those days we fondly remember as "before Covid" I joined RHP, a relatively small social housing provider based in South West London that provides around 6,500 rented homes to people in the area in which I've lived for the last 17 years. I have learned a huge amount in that … Continue reading On housing
This week I have learned: Assumptions based on thin evidence are easy to make and potentially fatal. Whether it's assuming experience because of the role that someone is in, or lacking context that explains otherwise inexplicable behaviours, we do it all of the time. Generalising is how we make sense of the world. Yet it's … Continue reading Weeknote 584: scaling back
We don’t really talk much about finishing jobs. There’s a whole industry about starting new jobs - the first 90 days and all that jazz. But how to finish up - well… Searching the World Wide Web it’s notable how starting a job is framed positively, yet if you search for finishing up an old … Continue reading On finishing
This week I have learned: there seems to be far more conversation in the world about starting things than ending things. Ending things is hard. Will write more about it soon.by running a session with a law firm, I was able to give the PlayCards another go. I have missed running workshops in person. It's … Continue reading Weeknote 583: endings/beginnings
On a reasonably regular basis, I get asked to speak at events. I mean, I'm not deluged with offers. And none of them pays me. But it's nice to be wanted. However, requests in the last few months go something like this: Me: Thanks ever so. I'd really like to take part. Full disclosure, though. … Continue reading Crossing the divide
This week I have learned: the challenges of unpacking thingsintersectionality can raise the hackles in unexpected placesthat in-person events are probably better overall than online ones... but if you promise me breakfast, I need breakfast!that in-person makes family diary management soooo much harderthat an increasing number of "last times" starts to get emotionalthat there are … Continue reading Weeknote 582: decoupling
A few weeks ago I posted something vaguely witty on Twitter. This is such a regular occurrence that I can't even remember what it was. It was probably funnier in my head than it was on screen. But some people responded to it. Some Likes. Some Retweets. These aren't important to me (of course they … Continue reading Forget about the bloody water cooler
This week I have learned: How a 19" rack can give the illusion of order and tidinessThat there's no sign of things letting upThat a path will emerge out of the fogThat the Roundhouse is a glorious spaceThat it's good to be podcasting again Next week: my last event as a CIO for a while … Continue reading Weeknote 581: gigging
Over the course of what I self-deprecatingly refer to as my "career" I've worked in and with a large number of different organisations in a very varied number of industry sectors. The sociologist in me finds learning about new organisations utterly fascinating, and quickly being able to pick up the nuance of a new setting … Continue reading Trump cards
This week I have learned: the things that you stress about for ages and ages are probably rightly stressful.saying that you are going to leave is never easy.but it's such a relief when you do.I never seem to have pulled off the knack of "gardening leave"I'm mostly focusing on leaving, but I'm starting to get … Continue reading Weeknote 580: Out
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