Doug Shaw

Three Little Words

I’m doing a lot of work in London and though the commute is a bit of a drag, I do enjoy the walk to the train station of a morning. In my head three words buzzed around as I walked. Three words I will need to help me do good work this week.

Simple. Accessible. Authentic.

I tweeted these three words while waiting for my train and I invited others to respond. Here is what the immediacy of Twitter fed back to me:

Natalie Weaving was first out of the blocks with: Motivated. Positive. Committed.

The HRD, back from a week on holiday hit us with simply….: Wine.

Rosemarie McGuire went for: Reality. Impact. Professionalism.

Kevin Ball then suggested three words for Gareth Jones. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Given that I was on the way to meet Gareth for breakfast and he in turn was then off for lunch and other mainly eating related appointments – this was a fitting set of words.

Katie D, aka HRHopeful is hoping for: Focus. Clarity. And good candidates.

Sukh Pabial (Gareth’s lunch date) was in search of: Sleep. Friends. Food. I know he found the second and third – more news on number one when I get it.

Katherine Wiid is seeking: Perseverance. And she appreciated (and is welcome to share) Authentic .

And suddenly, they were gone. Twitter’s in the momentness is great. This morning it allowed me to share three little words and for others to share theirs too. Twitter – I love you.

If you want to share three little words here. Please. Do. So.

photo c/o Tony3

Stretch it don’t break it

I’m having learning pains this week.

My agility is not always matched by those I work with. And I need to learn to slow down a bit. I visualise the relationship between a customer and me as being connected by a rubber band.

In order to serve effectively, I must be patiently impatient.

It’s my job to stretch that band.

It’s not my job to break it.

Phantom HR

The #zombiehr series continues. Today I publish my first poem. Fittingly – this is a scary moment for me. Here goes:

We talk about engagement, I want to help you start a movement

I sit and look at nodding heads, You leaders give agreement

Too easily

So plans are made and papers wrote, You say “approved” leave me no doubt

That what you say and what you do, Are both quite different parts of you

Carry on

So here I stand, on the brink, Of brave endeavour and I think

A glance behind to check you’re there, And it’s too late…

Thin air

You decide, withdraw support, I think perhaps you maybe ought

To write and sing your own work anthem, You disappeared, a leader phantom

I am Alone

I believe that all folk come to work, And do not mean to be a jerk

Yet somehow you can’t help yourselves, And into politics you delve

Protect yourself

If you fancy adding a verse or two – feel free to do so in the comments. Thanks

photo c/o americanvirus