WE ALL NEED SUPPORT AT SOME TIME

When it comes to our personal development there is much we can learn from nature as well as from each other.

One of the most valuable aspects of participating in the Management Network meetings, is the opportunity to share stories with those working in similar roles that you wouldn't normally get a chance to meet so as to learn different approaches to familiar problems.

Talking about stories, here is one of my favourites. It is taken from a wonderful little book titled 'Tales for Trainers' by Margaret Parkin (Kogan Page, 2002)

I hope you enjoy it and can identify with the moral of the story and consider its relevance to healthcare management and change.

LESSONS FROM THE GEESE

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird flying behind. Flying in a 'V' formation adds around 70% greater flying range than if a bird was flying alone. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. When the leed goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose takes the leed. The geese at the back of the 'V' honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. If a goose gets shot down or becomes sick, two others drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is either able to fly again or it dies.

New Regional Management Networks are launching over the next few months. Keep in touch with what's going on by regularly visiting this blog and sharing the information with your colleagues.

See you soon.

Józefa

SPEED MENTORING - NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!

Our second round of events in South Central area have been focusing on 'Speed Mentoring' with Ali Jennings, Development Manager from SC SHA. You can contact her for more information on alison.jennings@southcentral.nhs.uk

Participants in Berkshire and Hampshire (so far) have really enjoyed this event with comments like:

"I will now be able to take the knowledge gained back to my work life and personal issues."

"I will be able to think more broadly about career
options"



Take a look at the film above for a taster of what is in store if you attend one of the management network events.

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Please note that some healthcare organisations have firewalls that prevent the downloading of Flash which means you won't be able to view this film - check with your IT department for more details and/or try at home.