Watching the birds or commuting?
There’s a Blackbird in the garden this afternoon, who’s learned to hover over the Sarcococca and knock off the shiny black berries. Once they’re on the ground, he rummages around in the Winter debris to find them. It didn’t take long before he realised that the bush wouldn’t sustain his weight. This learned behavior makes me smile every time he appears. I’ve no idea whether it’s the same birds that return to the garden each year, although they quickly make themselves at home and compete with the Tits for space in the Catalpa trees.
The antics of these garden visitors, the honied fragrance of the Sarcococca and the snowdrops by the front door all suggest that everything is going to be fine. Hopefully Spring is on the way. A little early I accept, although the daffodils about to burst with enthusiasm can’t be wrong, can they?
It’s been a welcomed ingredient of consultancy, although I was unconvinced that I’d settle to work so well at home. After all I’d commuted to work for so many years, running between platforms at the station and dodging armpits and elbows on trains was all part of the territory. Somehow grumbling about the traffic on the M25 was cathartic and I learned to love the early morning radio (Terry Wogan, Chris Evans and Zoe Ball) just as much as a cappuccino at the station. I even remember the smoke-filled buffet cars, two slices of soggy buttered toast and a nasty white polystyrene-tasting tea, second-placed only to a G&T on Friday evenings to ease the crush. Yes, Caroline and I knew how to survive as commuters!
Yet here I am this afternoon, thinking and typing about the garden at the same time as HR system implementations. My work life and home life have become entwined and instead of onboard snacks, I’m able to raid the freezer for homemade soup or Watt’s marmalade on toast. I don’t miss all the wasted hours spent travelling, although my commute afforded me lasting friendships borne out of sharing cabs and conversation when the trains let us down.
When Teams took over the world, I was focused on individual coaching assignments and mostly using Zoom or Skype for one-to-one conversations or learning. It worked for me, and I was happy. Then, just before Christmas last year, I took on a brand new 3-week assignment. I was delighted to get stuck in and get on, although I didn’t really have the time to even consider yet master the helpful technology. The regular Teams meetings were a dream – I arrived (as a guest) on time, camera and audio switched on and managed to share my screen as required. I survived (as you’d expect) although I was late to the “chat” party every single time!
I’ve recently began a new project with a different client organisation. I’m a fully paid-up member of the Team and not a guest. I actively take part in real time chats (thank heavens for last year’s baptism of fire) and I’m gradually finding my way around. I’m picking up the functionality as I go, and I’m learning the hard way, that some actions in Zoom don’t translate exactly to Teams. My new colleagues have been extremely patient with me and hugely supportive, although let’s be honest, I’m two years late to the party. Not that anyone minds.
This is another step in realizing my vision for this year – remember to learn as you go. Just like the Blackbirds, I’m picking up what I need to know in real time. And I’m encouraging anyone else who hasn’t met Teams, to take heart. It’s a fabulous application and it’s easy to learn as you go. But remember to ask for help when you need it.
I’ve dedicated this piece to my new and helpful colleagues, with thanks for their patience – we’re going to have fun!
Remember to get in touch and let’s talk about how I can help you to realise your recruitment dreams.
