Reach for the magic dust ... it's that time of year

Right now, I’m probably somewhere between reaching for the reindeer and still trying to find the unicorn.  I’m never quite sure when I should follow the advice to dream big. Is it something I should do before Christmas or as the new decade begins?  It’s all very well that I advise taking some time out for self-reflection each day (in other words, little and often) yet here I am desperately trying to decorate the house and complete recruitment assignments.  It feels more like an avalanche than little and often.

It’s been an interesting year for me.  Some ongoing work with Gatwick, recruitment workshop design and delivery and personal development planning, not to mention new clients like the Emerging Payments Association, Women in Paytech project and my work with individual clients on their personal development journeys have all kept me on my toes.

More recently I’ve supported a small group of travel colleagues who’ve found themselves unexpectedly needing alternative employment.  Those who worked at TC certainly shared a strong work ethic and inspired me with their positivity.  I’m glad to have made a very small contribution to their continued success.

Sometimes I wish that I could say more about individual triumphs and other corporate achievements although confidentiality kicks in and rightly so.  I am hugely grateful to all my clients who continue to recommend me.

Strongly supported by Rob Watt who encouraged me to do what I said I’d do for almost 15 years, I mustn’t forget my web site which launched back in the Spring. Rob is a fabulous facilitator.  He persuaded me to write some great content and stories without hang ups.  I felt safe but never complacent.  I know that content shouldn’t stand still, so I’ve got a few updates planned for the first anniversary.  How time flies and all that.

While I’ve been writing this piece, I’ve concluded that I should sprinkle some magic around bottomless recruitment processes (no I didn’t say prosecco).  Processes which continue to evolve or change direction once candidates are hooked are often counter-productive.  We all know enough about unicorns, so my advice is to treat great candidates with respect – give them a great experience and they’ll tell their friends.  And remember feedback matters.

Let’s chat if you have a challenge which you’d like to discuss or if you are a like-minded professional who wants to chew the fat.  Together we can decide whether to go after the reindeer or the unicorn and where else to sprinkle the magic.  Happy holidays and dream big for 2020.