Written in the stars

As this blog is me exploring personal/professional blend it was a no-brainer I would pen a post about attending a Comms Unplugged (CU) event.

#CU18 was billed as a comms CPD event that included personal health and wellbeing. It is held on a campsite in Dorset. Other than taking photos, use of all tech and social media during the event is banned with any culprits sent to the naughty tent and made to eat granola for breakfast. Obviously, delegates are encouraged to camp and experience the great outdoors.

I missed the 2017 launch event as it clashed with our 25th wedding anniversary! No dilemma there, not for a minute. None. But I was always going to be in the top one when baggsying a ticket for 2018.

The following is a somewhat incoherent, day after brain dump on developing thinking of why it worked for me. I’ll no doubt process it and discuss further over coming days and weeks.

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Keep calm and conference on

It’s 3am on a Friday morning. I’m restless and can’t sleep. There’s stuff going round in my head that needs to be noted so I don’t forget it. I get up, make some tea and sit down to start writing. I then see the cup I inadvertently used. It all comes together.

Three of the preceding four working days have been taken up attending my organisation’s leadership conference and then two days of LGCommsAcad – our public sector communications conference, fortunately for me, both in Leeds.

How going places makes me a better communicator

Many years ago I completed a leadership programme that, in part, suggested I lean towards the visual side of things. My mum always said I never listened so it sort of made sense. In the years since I’ve tried to better understand and develop this trait to help me be a better communicator.

It was never about the man bag

For the past few years I’ve headed off on summer holidays having switched off the work mobile leaving it in a drawer at home. I’ve realised it’s definitely one of the gadgets I don’t need or want when on leave and I’ve never had a problem treating it like that.

This isn’t one of those posts advocating a digital detox; far from it as I use devices on holiday to keep in touch, take and share pictures, listen to music, find out what there is to do, what’s currently happening in places I might go and also to pay for things. 

This is more about realisation and appreciation of usefulness and letting go of stuff that isn’t.

New blood

27 May 1987 was the day I started working at Leeds City Council. Looking back as I reach the 30 year anniversary, I imagine not many people have a good idea how their career will work out. 

Despite planning and professional development intentions, extra skills and experience you might gain from volunteering, sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time. 

I’ve learnt that sharing what you know can make a good idea great or stop a stupid idea going further. Also there will be times when keeping your mouth shut even when you know you are right can be the wisest thing to do. All these are some of the experiences we pick up along the way but perhaps don’t realise at the time.

Currently, amongst other things I’m involved with, I find myself part way through a recruitment and induction process where six communications and marketing graduates will join our communications team at Leeds City Council. This was going to be a looking back post but it actually seems more fitting to reflect on new blood and share the learning from the recruitment process for future applicants and anyone considering recruiting.

On the front foot

I’ve been contemplating a couple of work/life decisions in preparation for the implications. It’s the ultimate personal/professional dilemma.

They say never go back but I’ve had a niggling regret for 27 years that I never got a half century when I last played cricket. I fell short by 3 runs. So this year I’m reigning back on the golf clubs and taking up cricket again to try and get that elusive 50.

Many things have changed in 27 years and a recent reminder made me realise this isn’t something to be taken as likely as it once was. So I’ve invested in some proper equipment and this time bought a helmet. It’s not particularly comfortable but necessary, and peace of mind for those I care for and who care for me.

#trulysocial The post-truth sequel

There’s been particular times in my life when I’ve had major boosts to my confidence that led to me going on and doing better things. The important part is I now recognise they provide the opportunity to be more creative and effective and I need to take advantage of them. I also know that probably applies to others too.

One for the quiet people

Being nominated for and winning the 2016 comms2point0 lifetime achievement unaward for services to communications made me immensely proud.

Life’s what you make it

I’ve recently been nominated for a lifetime achievement award for services to communications. Reading the kind words someone had taken time to craft into a 100 word summary, in effect covering my working life so far, was quite moving but also a bit unnerving.

So firstly, thanks Kate for nominating me. I’m honoured to be in the company of other nominees and previous winners. They do some great things.