Sharpstone Skinner

We tend to think of training a bit like teaching – something we rely on others to drive; something that is done to us.  Learning and development though is wider and has more opportunities for you to drive your own growth.

As the days get longer and the sky bluer (a girl can dream), let’s stop, breathe and turn our attention to motivating people.

Complaints are a reality of working life.  Whether they come from a customer, a colleague, a supporter or any other key contact, we are never going to get it right every time.  If the thought of a less than delighted email, a stroppy phone call or a furrowed brow face to face meeting leaves you worried, it’s worth remembering that…

In today's hyper-connected world, we're drowning in communication options. But is constant contact actually helping us? While technology offers endless ways to connect, a "communication rebellion" is brewing. Some are deliberately slowing down responses, leading to frustration and confusion. So, how long is too long to wait for a reply? This article explores the delicate balance between instant replies and…

Instead of making resolutions, let’s look at growth. We may not know yet what the next 12 months has in store for us but we know there will be change. There always is. In times of great change, it can be useful to look for constants, especially if they are ones that take us to a better place.

I’m really looking forward to a day of back-to-back meetings where my eyes never leave the screen and my derriere never leaves the seat. Said no one ever.

Hello and welcome to late summer.  The days are getting a tiny bit shorter and we’re all trying to squeeze the last drops out of August before September and bursting-at-the-seams diaries are once again upon us.   

Picture the scene. You’re strolling down a sandy beach, walking hand in hand with someone hand-holding worthy. Gentle waves are rolling in and out of the shore, the water is nibbling at your toes. The sunset is glorious and the warmth peaceful. Then you walk headlong into something sharp. It’s a Teams Chat. With a start you realise you’ve forgotten…