older possibly wiser

aaaaah! finally the end of the teaching term. I have good intentions as to how to schedule my time over the next few weeks. Priority is to have as many micro conversations as possible, speak (and listen) to the people who I don't know very well first. We have some new staff I've never said more than hello to. Since Wednesday I have already spent time with people; having a cup of tea, sharing breakfast in the staff room and having birthday cake for lunch (hmm maybe not such good practice). But each conversation contributes to a sense of collegiality. Busy week next week with 2 days of all school meetings focusing on space and research (separately not together) Some assessments and admin to do, research and enterprise committee and Cardiff design festival planning meeting. Oh and a conference presentation to prepare.

A breakthrough moment - over a gin and tonic! I can listen as an additional skill, I don't have to stop talking all together, thanks Alec. Also a little bit of focussed attention on someone goes a very long way. Quality less is more.

Quite a bit to take in today. Interesting insights into motivation ( I'm influence and affiliation motivated) and team building (I'm an innovator and resource Identifier), resolving conflicts (I'm a compromiser and an avoider ). team developing stages interesting. My plan to shut up more is not going well. I am however listening - a lot.

Been busy getting to grips with twitter so I've neglected this blog. Not worked out how to integrate everything yet. So, in the last month I've sent off a research paper, two abstracts (quite something for someone who's not research active! - guess I am now) conducted a misconduct investigation, run a creative thinking and typography module with our delightful 1st year, had interesting personal tutorials with the 2nd yr, been on an external examination visit, celebrated our son's 21st birthday and dealt with a dog with a brain tumour (doing well on steroids) Had the feedback from my 360° review confirmed what i knew but had forgotten (see previous blogs). I had thought that I don't get enough opportunity to practice leadership skills, as I only line manage one other person directly but of course every day presents opportunities.

The best clients in Design are those who come with a problem rather than a solution. I have known his for a long time. I've realised that I usually present colleagues with solutions rather than asking them to help define the problem. Listening rather than telling is the way forward!