Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special

December 23 2009 - (0) Comments - posted in creating excellence

On Monday 21st December, along with my colleague Julie, I attended the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special at TV Centre in London.

We queued like all good Brits for 2 hours uncomplaining - well maybe a little - braving the driving rain and at times heavy snow, huddling under minute brollies against a brick wall in the hope that our stoic efforts would, in the end, be rewarded with the opportunity to see the show - I should point out that queuing for a BBC show does not necessarily guarantee entry !

However, having eventually gained entry into the hallowed place, we then proceeded to queue again for the cloakroom, and yet again to acquire, by now, a much needed a beverage (or two, or three!)
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My Olympic and Paralympic Dream - by Sarah Storey

December 16 2009 - (0) Comments - posted in inspirational speakers

As athletes we are all always assessing and evaluating our progress in both training and competition to ensure that we move forward in the most productive and successful way. The process of doing this is immensely satisfying, whether to try a different approach when things aren’t going quite so well, or to be in the privileged position of being ahead of schedule. Regardless of the situation, the process also allows you to be brutally honest with yourself and even when things are going badly it gives you the chance to think of alternative ways of getting the result that you are after.

In swimming and cycling I have had my fair share of ups and downs, both with illness or injury and also when the coach at the club…

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Business Card Etiquette - By Nicholas Boothman

December 15 2009 - (1) Comments - posted in inspirational speakers It’s staggering how many people attend business parties at this time of year and forget to take their business cards.

I attended a launch for a book on leadership last week. Eighteen people asked me for my card. When I asked for their card in return seventeen shrugged and made excuses and went off to borrow scraps of paper from the waiter to write down their own information. Only one managed to find a card.

Treat It with Respect

We can learn a lot from Japanese business card rituals. The first thing that Japanese business men and women do is exchange cards, and the key to what follows can be summed up in one word: respect. Accept the card as if it were a gift—which it is. Hold it with both hands and…

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