Monthly Archives: October 2009

I have long believed that sexual relationships between work colleagues are best avoided. The unholy mess at Aviva, gleefully reported at HR With Balls, only reinforces my view.

This is one of the best things I have ever seen on YouTube. They’re called Lulu and the Lampshades and, as far as I can tell, they are from London. They are playing at the ICA in London on 6 November, … Continue reading →

There are a number of golden rules to follow when preparing for difficult meetings. If you are going to say something which will make you really unpopular, make sure you are prepared, know all your facts and can reel them … Continue reading →

It’s almost six months since the Treasury’s Operational Efficiency Programme published its recommendations. At the time, I was doubtful about the extent to which public sector organisations would be willing to cut costs by sharing back office functions but there have been some … Continue reading →

A few years ago I was doing some coaching on performance management for chief executives of NHS trusts. When I put the question ‘Who is your boss?’ to the group it provoked a long discussion. The CEOs were unsure whether their … Continue reading →

‘Household economics’ is a term I’ve heard used a few times recently in the debate over government debt and public spending. It’s usually used by those who argue that government debt isn’t as big a deal as some are making … Continue reading →

One of the tricks of being a successful journalist is being able to write confidently and with the impression of authority on subjects about which you know next to nothing. Sathnam Sanghera admits that he has never dealt with anyone in … Continue reading →

According to the Daily Mail: Huge swathes of the Civil Service would be privatised under radical plans being considered inside the Treasury. Administrative functions across Whitehall, such as pay and human resources, would be hived off into new ‘public service … Continue reading →

Explaining his decision to force Haringey council’s summary dismissal of Sharon Shoesmith, Ed Balls said: I had to make a grand gesture to appease a rabid tabloid campaign. Faced with the same circumstances, I would take the same decisions again. Well, … Continue reading →