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The power of ‘No’ and the authority to use it.

March 15, 2021
Advice, Opinion
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‘No’ is one of the first words we learn, certainly it’s one of the first words we hear. Could this be the reason we don’t like to use it very often?

It can feel intimidating when being given more work but you can say ‘no’.

When it comes to our own productivity, it’s a word that we must get used to in order to reach anywhere near our own potential. When you don’t use ‘no’, you are actually giving up your own control of your time. Not using ‘no’, means ‘yes’. Well thats what people hear when they don’t hear ‘no’.

It’s actually a really hard word to use, it feels negative in an age where positivity and a ‘can do’ attitude is what we are constantly told is the only way to be. If you don’t say ‘no’, but a silent ‘yes’, you will never control your own time, and if you don’t control your own time, you can never be the best you can be.

The only person who can give you the authority to use the damn word is you.

Take a brief moment to think about it. You have been given another load of work by your boss, the fact it’s your boss makes it hard, right? Your boss is the reason you have a job in the first place, so it will feel hard. It’s a comfort zone and the only way to beat a comfort zone is to push through it. The more you say ‘no’, the easier it will become.

Of course, saying ‘no’, is usually a little more subtle than that, it’s probably not wise to just say it for the sake of it, that’s a path to unemployment… By controlling your own time, and making sure you are able to prioritise your work, you will be better prepared to say ‘no’ by telling your boss (or whoever is requesting your efforts), the reasons why you cannot. After all, by correctly managing your time, you will have prioritised your effort to the benefit of the business. What boss would not appreciate that?

So, saying ‘no’ on its own is clearly enough. It’s a piece of the larger puzzle, but the truth remains, you have to consider how you can say ‘no’, maintain your own credibility and be the leader of your own destiny.

Take your time, take a deep breath, consider your situation and be honest and bold.

Do we take teams and teamwork for granted?

June 5, 2020
Development, Macro, Opinion, Support
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Around the garden feel alone and isolated. Photographer: Mark Nesbit, LIMEfotographic / Marking Time Photography

Today I want to talk briefly about teams, their importance and how, often they are taken for granted.

What is a team? Well, put simply it is a group of individuals working to a common goal or objective with synergy. Of course there are many different types of teams, from sports teams to software developing teams, to Infantry sections and Government teams. They all have different objectives and structures but the fundamentals of good team skills are similar.

Well I know we all understand that there are always effective team and some that are, not so much. We have probably all worked on a team that wasn’t working effectively? There can be many reasons for this but most can be addressed. Clearly this article can’t cover the whole subject.

There are some important considerations at a base level though.

  1. What is the common goal / objective and it it really understood by everyone and are they aware of what their part is in achieving it?

It seems so straightforward, but in my experience, this is one of the most common errors. Confusion and lack of clarity will make team members fill in the gaps which often ends up in team members pulling in different directions or simple standing still, not knowing which way to go.

2. Does each member feel part of the team?

Teams should be organic, they grow and evolve, but some times this can be in a negative way. Dysfunction is a form of function that can come from even one team member that feels isolated. Be aware of the team, the unity takes constant effort and attention that can easily be missed in a busy department.

3. Are there consistent and effective methods of communication adopted?

Seeing this written down, it’s a no brainer, however most team leaders believe that their teams have this down. The reality though is much different. As a team leader, can you categorically say that each member of your team has a voice (that is heard), feels safe (to bring up their ideas), feels respected (given credit for their efforts)? The right methods of communication carried out effectively will certainly be a starting point to building a better team.

There are many ways to fix a team and in most cases there are improvements to be made. Teams can go through constant transitions or change and new members can often be expected to find their own way in. Find their own fit. I saw this happen all the time in the military. In my experience this can work but it certainly is not efficient.

Like always, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

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Best laid plans and chomping on a bit or reality

August 7, 2013
Development, Portraits
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With a blog comes great responsibility…….or does it?

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I look here today and realise that it has been almost two weeks since my last post.  Me bad!  Wait though, there is a reason for it.  I have been really busy trying to rush those last bits of work before I go on a break with my family on Friday.  I know, I hate hearing myself say it.  Busy just seems like a lame reason.

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So what have I been doing?  Well the fact of the matter is babies, or new born’s.  A particular genre that really is a skill and there is no substitute for experience.  Well photographically I have committed a cardinal sin, in my eyes out of necessity. These shots have to be done in a very small window of opportunity at a time when a new family scrambles to get used to the tremendous upheaval.  So the plan was to offer a few (small number) new families the chance to get some portraits of their new baby at absolutely no charge.  There will be photographers now swooning at this as the something for nothing situation is what has got this industry into it’s condition.

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In my defence, I had not shot babies this young before, my studio was not equipped for it and I really was not sure what to expect.  All facts that I ensured the parents were made aware of before hand.  You can’t exactly tell a ten day old baby what to do can you?

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A chance to play with new ideas, new colours, new styles was amazing, a recent trip to the UK meant I could pick up some simple supplies like wooden flooring and some really amazing blankets.

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The end results?  Well after all they are subjective and I fully understand that not everyone will like them but the response from the parents has been amazing.  I have another string to my bow and I do feel that my photography has made a step too.