Author: admin

This week there is a simple idea for us to think about. The idea is this:

…Do we always get the best from the people who work with us, or do we give them work they are not ideally suited to and then get frustrated with them, when they fail to do it well?

Are you thinking?

It’s tempting to employ a person for task A and then to get fed up when they can’t really do task B. We sub-optimise their potential output, by giving them things that simply are not a strength for them.

And then we vent steam by telling someone that so-and-so isn’t really up to the job!

What a con! They were up to it on day one! We have sub-optimised their performance!

So, this week, the next time we criticise someone, think about if we are really being fair with them? Or if should we organise their workload so that we optimise their performance?

Next week: What Would You Say To Your Younger Self?

A couple of years ago I started a new tradition, which involved giving the children fun tasks to do over the summer holiday, in return for pocket money. Puppet shows, Lego models, turning our kitchen into Cafe Grumpy Teenager (24 hours of feeding us for a change) ….we have had fun and the summer has passed by happily.

Last year I introduced a more family element and we all decorated china ornaments at a pottery painting place. It felt good to be there together and we cleared a space on the mantelpiece for them once they had been through the kiln and returned to us bright and colourful.

This year I have decided that the projects need to include something for everyone and therefore, I will set one for myself too. The idea behind the projects is that they are fun things and have a learning edge to them.

I’ve decided I want to learn a new skill over the Summer. Not to become an expert in any way, but just to have a dabble. Last year we had a go at painting with water colours, which was very relaxing. This year I will…..hmmm need to think about that.

What skill would you like to have a dabble in over the Summer?

You can have fun you know!

Next week: The Sub-Optimisation Con