Don't Compromise!

We’re currently working on a ‘Futurology’ column that may appear in the press later in the year, but the whole idea of ‘where is it all heading?’ does tend to generate some ‘walk on the wild side’ thinking. Even the non-psychic can rub their balls and gaze meaningfully into the heavens, but a certain giddiness tends to set in even with serious research to act as ballast. Taking a break from that and relaxing with a Dr Who DVD, however, set me off on an entirely different train of thought.

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Just before Christmas, this blog got an unexpected present – in terms of a spike of visitors – from topical DJ du jour, Chris Evans. It was a simple exercise in the power of social media: we’d reviewed Michael Heppell’s book, “Flip It”, and were top of Google’s search results if you looked for the book. One drivetime radio interview later, the world was beating a path to our door, not least as Amazon sold out of copies in the meantime. (And apologies to Mr Heppell for a review that was less exultant than many he has received: in summary, our reviewer – Matt – argued that third-party advice is a case of horses for courses, and Mr Heppell’s horse might not clear everyone’s hurdles. As the horse in question wasn’t intended to, we think this is fair comment: in its own terms, the book is no worse – and certainly far better – than many of its genre).

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(We start the new year with a guest article from Deena Ingham, Senior Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire: you can read Deena’s Personal Learning Profile in our Guests section.)

Mince-pied out? Over-socialised? Or able to reflect – in the self-improving tradition of early January – that small talk (or phatic communication, my theme here) is more valuable than the other seasonal gestures you’ve both made and endured? Phatic [or fatuous, if you prefer] communication may be particularly prevalent during the Christmas and New Year holiday period but, unlike the end result of the interminable English habit of consuming vast quantities of Brussels Sprouts (which, to be honest, tends to divide rather than unite), phatic communication is more than mere hot air. It’s a universal form of rich social intercourse that has the potential, if employed effectively, to improve working lives and prospects for the coming year. [And in time-honoured seasonal tradition, I’m going to add a joyful “Oh yes it does…”].

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