Woody Wonders

I've said this a million times so here's a million and one times - you don't realise how much you need a break until you actually take one. I've had the pleasure of being on holiday from work this last week and the first weekend of it was spent with a crazy bunch of women at Center Parcs for my niece's hen do.  As you can imagine, it was utter carnage but sooo much fun.  We had a packed agenda of activities, drinking, activities, drinking, erm more drinking!! Our time in the sub-tropical swimming paradise centre was fabulous fun as we all reverted back to being children again.  We threw ourselves down the wild water rapids, numerous waterslides and screamed with delight when the wave machine was turned on.  There was also 10-pin bowling, laser combat, crazy golf, cycling and the spa - oh the spa, ridiculously good and so relaxing.  I also took my running kit of course and squeezed in two runs! It was like being in a bubble of fun for four days and it made me rea...

Have you noticed that quite often the build up to something is far worse than the actual event itself? Last week I went into the office for the first time since May, in fact I was only in for a couple of hours to collect my belongings in May, so last Thursday was my first proper day of working in the office. It sounds ridiculous after previously working 4 full days in the office during 'normal' times but I have to admit that I felt quite apprehensive.  It wasn't the fact that I didn't want to go back in, it was simply a fear of the unknown.  Fear could be a slight exaggeration but nevertheless there were a number of things that were bothering me: What was the traffic like on the motorway these days? What time did I need to set off? What did I need to take with me? Where was my pass?!! Would I have any technical issues with my laptop? Would there be a docking station and 2 screens Where would I sit following the changes in the office? Where are all the feckin controls on...

Let's be honest, communication and creating better relationships at work is more important than ever before as most of us start the transition to hybrid working.  It's vital that we feel comfortable to speak to each other on an equal partnership basis.   Clear communication and trust is key: Observe how other people work in order to build rapport Show your 'human' side - be authentic, it's ok to show vulnerabilities Establish common ground - people often find it difficult to communicate if they feel they have nothing in common with the other person, you will - you simply need to find it Like any other relationship, you can't mould people into how you want them to be, so you have to figure out ways to work together. One thing that's really come across loud and clear over the past 18 months is that we need to create a culture of listening and learning from each other.  After speaking with a number of people recently, it's clear there's both a mix of ex...