Len was an experienced and successful head teacher of a large comprehensive school. He had a commanding presence – tall, slim, a fine head of greying hair and bright blue eyes. He was alive to every detail of his immediate surroundings. He moved quickly, spoke assertively and was always attentive and courteous. Whatever charisma is, he had it. Quite deservedly, he enjoyed the respect of his staff, the school governors, the pupils, the parents and the local community. He had […]
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I’m often to be found either at Wigmore Hall listening to classical music or in my car listening to Leonard Cohen. I happily oscillate between the two. However, last night I went to the RADA Studios to hear a unique band launch Filth, their new album. If you are too impatient to read on, skip what follows and go straight to their website www.buriers.co.uk. There are three reasons why it’s hard to describe what it’s like for me (not necessarily anyone […]
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Lately I’ve had two invitations to be the guest speaker at prize-giving ceremonies. Clearly I have reached a stage in life where people think I’m the sort of harmless old buffer who can safely be wheeled out to smile at the camera, shake numerous hands and dish out certificates and/or silver trophies! Naturally, I do my best to beam at the prize-winners and mutter suitable congratulations whilst my heart quietly bleeds for all those people who, despite their best efforts, […]
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Brian was the managing director of a travel agency. He was in his mid-thirties, bursting with energy and keen to stamp his authority on the organisation. A sporting type, he had always been loud and enthusiastic. He was a big man, wore size 13 shoes (wide fitting), and had a flat nose that had received a battering in various boxing bouts and rugby matches. He also had a head of unruly blond hair that stuck out in all […]
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I’m convinced that some emotions are unproductive. I’m thinking of emotions such as feeling worried, anxious, fearful, guilty, angry and inadequate. Negative emotions like these tend to drag us down and inhibit our performance. I remember reading a column by Robert Crampton in The Times Magazine where he set out to dispel the impression that he is a laid-back sort of guy by keeping a log of his worries. He claimed that in a single hour one […]
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