I have recently had the joys of attending some training at work. The training in question was designed to make me, and my colleagues, better leaders. Over the course of six modules I will learn how to get better results from myself and those around me. Perhaps I am addressing a deficit in leadership capabilities. Perhaps we all have room for improvement. Regardless of the rationale, part of my homework involved reading two books that would, I was told, assist in my learning experience.
Book one was a tale of two mice who lived in a maze and undertook daily missions in search of cheese. The cheese was a metaphor for whatever you want in life, and the mice had to contend with occasional inexplicable cheese relocations to see how quickly they adapted to change. For anyone who wants to learn about change, or who just wants to read about mice and/or cheese, the book was called 'Who moved my cheese?'.
Book two was a more straight up telling of a student of leadership, who learned from the 'One Minute Manager'. This technique involves getting the best from those around you by being clear with your goals (one minute goal setting), by praising good performance (one minute praising) and reprimanding poor performance (yes, predictably, the one minute reprimand). The book took longer than one minute to read.
Both books were sufficiently short and simple to allow absolutely everyone to understand them, and sufficiently logical for everyone to wonder why we hadn't all one-minute managed all of our lives, or gone in search of new cheese. Both reiterated that the messages learnt within them were most effective when shared, thus generating vast sales figures for each of them and no doubt making the authors millionaires in the process (one minute millionaires - who needs new cheese now?!).
Because they were both short books, I read them on the train on my way down to my regional office in Exeter. Part way through the trip, I suddenly felt very self-conscious, as though I was engaging in some form of self-help ritual. I'm not sure why that should make me self-conscious - I'm sure self-help has self-helped millions of people globally. But with my headphones in I felt as though I may also be listening to an audiotape with someone repeatedly telling me very loudly that 'I can do it', and inviting me to repeat it along with them, which, ironically, I couldn't bring myself to do.
One of the books had a lot of reviews on the inside cover, including one from Jack Bauer! I suspect this was a different Jack Bauer to the one found in 24, but I like the thought that, in between saving America from a catastrophic terrorist atrocity over the course of a day, Jack takes time to learn leadership lessons and how to adapt to change more quickly. Useful skills when undertaking counter-espionage no doubt.
Having discussed these books with other colleagues, we came up with a couple of potential titles of our own, including a book for overzealous talkers, 'Is anyone really listening anyway?', and one for nervous interviewees, 'Who moved my anti-perspirant?'. Such cynicism carried through into the course where, I'm delighted to say, I was sufficiently open-minded enough to have taken on board some of the points raised, not least when I showed quality leadership skills by initiating a (one-minute) conga through our regional office. I think the title of my self-help book will be 'You put your left foot in...'!
Monday 26 January 2015
Friday 16 January 2015
Dental Malpractice
It dawned on me lately that it's about time I refreshed my assorted appointments. The optician had written to me to remind me, and it has been nearly three years since I last saw my dentist. With a few days leave to use up in the next month or two, it seemed like a good thing to get out of the way.
I am fortunate in that I have not required frequent visits to the dentist as my teeth are in reasonable condition (cue disastrous next health check!). I am unfortunate in that my memory between one visit and the next is sufficiently poor to recall the name of the practice or who I saw. I can recall where my dental practice is located, which makes finding it slightly easier - on this occasion using google street view to remind me what it was called (I could even see their phone number on the sign!).
So I called them. A generic sounding receptionist picked up the phone and said something generic at high speed that I was unable to comprehend. I could guess roughly what it was since she managed to inflect each word or statement in a perfectly generic way. It sounded like the usual 'Hello-XXX-Dental-Practice-thank-you-for-your-call-how-can-I-help-you-today?' response, but I wasn't 100% sure and had to confess that I hadn't understood a word of what she had just said. It turned out she had asked me if she could put me on hold because they were very busy, which was ironic since she her efforts to be more efficient with her time had backfired spectacularly by me asking her to repeat herself.
I was lulled into a sense of dental calm by the 'on hold' music, which featured the soothing tones of Zero 7 with a soft voice over telling me about various reasons to use their dental practice over others, which seemed to be preaching to the converted. Presumably very few dental practice 'on hold' recordings contain adverts for other dental practices. I like the idea of this. I would like to hear someone giving me a phone number for a different dental practice where the receptionists speak clearly and where I won't be put on hold (presumably in case I then get persuaded to call elsewhere, starting a never-ending cycle of calling dental practices).
When the generic receptionist returned, I confirmed that I was hoping to book an appointment, and she asked my name. I always spell out my surname since most people don't include the middle 'a'. Having done so, there was a long period of silence punctuated by tapping at a keyboard and periodic sighing, before she asked me to confirm the spelling again as she couldn't find me on the system. When that returned nothing, she asked whether I had been to the practice before. I had, and was able to tell her that my last appointment was nearly three years ago. She sounded grumpy and said she would have to check the old system. This brought up several questions in my mind:
1. How frequently do dental practices update their systems?
2. Does the old system not talk to the new system?
3. Does she assume that everyone requiring dental treatment will have been seen since the new system was put in place?
It turns out that none of this mattered, since I was also not locatable on the old system either. Having confirmed my date of birth, she was finally able to find a record of my last appointment. At this point I felt confident that things were moving forward. Alas, my confidence was short-lived. It turns out that I have lapsed from their books. I have no idea how or why this has occurred. I did not ask to lapse. I had no contact from them to forewarn me of my impending lapsing, or offering me the opportunity to remain unlapsed. Perhaps everyone lapses automatically if they don't have an appointment for nearly three years. That would appear to be discriminatory against people with teeth in reasonable condition.
In order to resolve this predicament, I would have to re-register, a process that necessitates a visit to the practice to pick up a registration form. Only then can I book an appointment. So now I have to go there twice, instead of once as planned. When I do go, I shall ask the generic receptionist what the optimum length of time is between visits to ensure that no further lapsing ensues. Let's hope the check up is more successful than arranging the check up.
I am fortunate in that I have not required frequent visits to the dentist as my teeth are in reasonable condition (cue disastrous next health check!). I am unfortunate in that my memory between one visit and the next is sufficiently poor to recall the name of the practice or who I saw. I can recall where my dental practice is located, which makes finding it slightly easier - on this occasion using google street view to remind me what it was called (I could even see their phone number on the sign!).
So I called them. A generic sounding receptionist picked up the phone and said something generic at high speed that I was unable to comprehend. I could guess roughly what it was since she managed to inflect each word or statement in a perfectly generic way. It sounded like the usual 'Hello-XXX-Dental-Practice-thank-you-for-your-call-how-can-I-help-you-today?' response, but I wasn't 100% sure and had to confess that I hadn't understood a word of what she had just said. It turned out she had asked me if she could put me on hold because they were very busy, which was ironic since she her efforts to be more efficient with her time had backfired spectacularly by me asking her to repeat herself.
I was lulled into a sense of dental calm by the 'on hold' music, which featured the soothing tones of Zero 7 with a soft voice over telling me about various reasons to use their dental practice over others, which seemed to be preaching to the converted. Presumably very few dental practice 'on hold' recordings contain adverts for other dental practices. I like the idea of this. I would like to hear someone giving me a phone number for a different dental practice where the receptionists speak clearly and where I won't be put on hold (presumably in case I then get persuaded to call elsewhere, starting a never-ending cycle of calling dental practices).
When the generic receptionist returned, I confirmed that I was hoping to book an appointment, and she asked my name. I always spell out my surname since most people don't include the middle 'a'. Having done so, there was a long period of silence punctuated by tapping at a keyboard and periodic sighing, before she asked me to confirm the spelling again as she couldn't find me on the system. When that returned nothing, she asked whether I had been to the practice before. I had, and was able to tell her that my last appointment was nearly three years ago. She sounded grumpy and said she would have to check the old system. This brought up several questions in my mind:
1. How frequently do dental practices update their systems?
2. Does the old system not talk to the new system?
3. Does she assume that everyone requiring dental treatment will have been seen since the new system was put in place?
It turns out that none of this mattered, since I was also not locatable on the old system either. Having confirmed my date of birth, she was finally able to find a record of my last appointment. At this point I felt confident that things were moving forward. Alas, my confidence was short-lived. It turns out that I have lapsed from their books. I have no idea how or why this has occurred. I did not ask to lapse. I had no contact from them to forewarn me of my impending lapsing, or offering me the opportunity to remain unlapsed. Perhaps everyone lapses automatically if they don't have an appointment for nearly three years. That would appear to be discriminatory against people with teeth in reasonable condition.
In order to resolve this predicament, I would have to re-register, a process that necessitates a visit to the practice to pick up a registration form. Only then can I book an appointment. So now I have to go there twice, instead of once as planned. When I do go, I shall ask the generic receptionist what the optimum length of time is between visits to ensure that no further lapsing ensues. Let's hope the check up is more successful than arranging the check up.
Friday 2 January 2015
Roll on 2015
So we've made it to 2015. I'm not really sure how it happened. One minute I was going to party like it's 1999, and the next thing I know I'm in my thirties and have a mortgage. Three years ago today I moved to Salisbury. Inevitably at this point in the calendar we tend to take stock of our achievements over the last 12 months, and then make some sort of notional plan for the next year, usually resolving to do various things that we didn't have the will power to manage at any previous point in time: "THIS year it will be different, because I'm older and wiser and more committed to (insert unrealistic ambition here)". Though I tend to ridicule resolutions, I can see that they work for some people. More than that it's impossible not to reflect on how well we perform against our self-imposed goals and ambitions. So how did I do in 2014?
This time last year I was in New Zealand. I was having a genuinely incredible time with a group of fantastic people working in a stunning location and forgetting about all my worries and my strife. I'd just come out of a relationship and was contemplating career options. My sabbatical was intended to make me take stock, to refresh my appetite for work and rejuvenate me. And it worked to some extent. I realised that, although I never cease to find an opportunity to complain (you may have noticed a certain degree of cynicism in my writing too!), I have a very good job. It challenges and develops me; it's flexible and largely enjoyable; I get to work outside much of the time; and I'm still passionate about what I do. So I came back reinvigorated for the work side of things, and stone-curlews had a good year too, with the population bouncing back after a couple of years in decline.
Having determined to continue with the job for a while at least, it made sense to consider finding my own place. I won't run through the ins and outs of the process, since you can read about that here. The thought of buying a house hadn't even crossed my mind at this point last year, so I can't claim to have succeeded in one of my annual ambitions. But in reviewing the year, buying a house seems to be quite a notable moment for me.
But there have been many notable and memorable moments this year. Last new year, being away from home, I recall thinking that 2014 would be a year for friends and family. With two family weddings coming up the Tomalin clan had cause for celebration, and I think we managed it in style. I would never have predicted that a group of Tomalins and associates would end up dancing together on the steps of the Ambassadors house in Sofia, Bulgaria. Definitely one of the highlights for me in 2014.
And shortly after that, we all got together again to celebrate my sister's wedding. Two Graham's gained and two Tomalin's lost! Massive congratulations to Fran and Graham and Dot and Graham, and also to Saz and Dipak, Verity and Harry, Charlotte and Ben, and Els and Brian. 2014 was the year of weddings - six in all and more to come in 2015!
Between all the weddings and the work, we even managed to squeeze in a promotion in hockey, and the club continues to provide a weird and wonderful assortment of activities, social events and people to entertain and amuse.
2014 provided a number of challenges too, and it wasn't all skipping merrily through the fields singing and holding hands. But looking back at the year it will be far easier to move on from the challenges and remember the good things when so many good things were happening. I think the notion that it would be a year for friends and family was right, and I'm grateful to everyone who shared the highs to help me get through the lows.
So what about the goals for the next 12 months? Much as I'd love to learn Spanish and to play the guitar, I think I'll stay realistic and keep them on hold for now. I'm still enjoying the photography, I'm playing the piano again, the hockey club takes up much of my free time and work is not going to be any less busy. I also have a house to stamp my own authority on. I think some kind of trip is very much needed. After the joys of New Zealand a year ago it would be great to head off for an adventure somewhere in 2015.
But I remain resolute that resolutions are not for me. After all, I had none last year and all sorts of unexpected things have happened! Although I've spent some time looking back, the best bit is contemplating what comes next. I have no doubts that 2015 will develop in much the same way - spending time with friends, moaning about work, more weddings. And despite being a thirtysomething homeowner, I'm rather looking forward to it!
This time last year I was in New Zealand. I was having a genuinely incredible time with a group of fantastic people working in a stunning location and forgetting about all my worries and my strife. I'd just come out of a relationship and was contemplating career options. My sabbatical was intended to make me take stock, to refresh my appetite for work and rejuvenate me. And it worked to some extent. I realised that, although I never cease to find an opportunity to complain (you may have noticed a certain degree of cynicism in my writing too!), I have a very good job. It challenges and develops me; it's flexible and largely enjoyable; I get to work outside much of the time; and I'm still passionate about what I do. So I came back reinvigorated for the work side of things, and stone-curlews had a good year too, with the population bouncing back after a couple of years in decline.
 |
| A stone-curlew chick |
But there have been many notable and memorable moments this year. Last new year, being away from home, I recall thinking that 2014 would be a year for friends and family. With two family weddings coming up the Tomalin clan had cause for celebration, and I think we managed it in style. I would never have predicted that a group of Tomalins and associates would end up dancing together on the steps of the Ambassadors house in Sofia, Bulgaria. Definitely one of the highlights for me in 2014.
 |
| Tomalins dancing - apparently! |
 |
| Charlotte & Ben |
 |
| Brian & Els |
 |
| Dot & Gray |
 |
| Fran & Graham |
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| Saz & Dipak |
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| Harry & Verity |
 |
| SHC Men's 2nd XI - the Xmas edition |
So what about the goals for the next 12 months? Much as I'd love to learn Spanish and to play the guitar, I think I'll stay realistic and keep them on hold for now. I'm still enjoying the photography, I'm playing the piano again, the hockey club takes up much of my free time and work is not going to be any less busy. I also have a house to stamp my own authority on. I think some kind of trip is very much needed. After the joys of New Zealand a year ago it would be great to head off for an adventure somewhere in 2015.
But I remain resolute that resolutions are not for me. After all, I had none last year and all sorts of unexpected things have happened! Although I've spent some time looking back, the best bit is contemplating what comes next. I have no doubts that 2015 will develop in much the same way - spending time with friends, moaning about work, more weddings. And despite being a thirtysomething homeowner, I'm rather looking forward to it!
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