mmitII

This week I have learned: three engagements coming to a close (or to significant milestones) at the same time has been a bit overwhelming. Partly because of the workload, but I think also because of the confluence of three sets of endings where team members will disperse off to do other things.One of the biggest … Continue reading Weeknote 723 – combined endings

This week I have learned: That there might be a distinction between soft software and hard software. What we traditionally think of as software is actually pretty hard - explicit artefacts of code and user interfaces. However the soft software is the usually tactic meanings and culture that has led to the software's creation. Some … Continue reading Weeknote 722 – Nottingham

This week I have learned: that it's possible to separate out the feelings one feels from the actions that one takes as a result of those actions. It's perfectly reasonable to feel remorse or guilt about the latter. Not so much about the former.Parenting teenagers is a constant learning curve. things occasionally click part one: … Continue reading Weeknote 721: feelings and actions

This week I have learned: the stated problem is often not the actual problem. It might be a symptom, it might be a solution. It might be a solution in search of a symptom. Digging into that, but in a way that respects the starting point, is an artform. Early stages of consulting engagements are … Continue reading Weeknote 720: lift-off

This week I have learned: I can context shift pretty well. I'm good at facilitation. Context shifting and facilitating concurrently stretches me a bit. It's that point when it becomes clear that people "get it". That's when I get most satisfaction at work. Well, that and also getting to a point where people have confidence … Continue reading Weeknote 719: multi-tasking

This week I have learned: Lisbon is a very pretty city. An excellent place to bimble around. We had a very enjoyable few days exploring. Lisbon's pavements, however, are a deathtrap. I speak as someone who has recently been assaulted by a pavement. A two-day week is to be applauded. Having said that, it's been … Continue reading Weeknote 718 – Lisbon

This week I have learned: I really am in my element when facilitating workshops. It's about getting the best out of people, thinking on my feet, being creative, being a performer, not taking myself too seriously.As a generalist is sometimes hard to pinpoint the things that I'm good at, but this is one of them. … Continue reading Weeknote 717: workshopping

This week I have learned: Yes, there are some nasty people in the world. Many of them are in positions of great power and influence. But most of us are lovely. Thanks go to the three folk who helped me out in Manchester last night. I would like to think that the correct sequence of … Continue reading Weeknote 716: falling pavements

This week I have learned: The Thai language is essentially all in the present tense, so lots of explaining is required. An English book translated into Thai will have 130-150% more pages than the original. The existence of JB Priestley's book "Delight" which both is, and also has unlocked something for me about how to … Continue reading Weeknote 715: Words