Brilliant Minds (Training & Development) Ltd

New episode out today... https://buff.ly/4gSO7qB

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It might seem a bit dramatic to say that this innocuous little connector has changed my life, but it's certainly made a big impact in a specific part of my life. Let me explain... When I run a courses I often stay in a hotel and deliver the training in a different hotel or venue. This involves me transporting my equipment for the day from one place to another at the start of the day. And bringing it back it back again when I've finished for the day. No problem there, I hear you thinking. Well, not generally. I'm quite a low-tech presenter and don't always use slides, therefore don't need a laptop. However, on occasions when I'm travelling on the London undergound and I'm carrying my laptop, course notes, flipchart pens etc etc in a bag that isn't light (but is secure) the weight can be considerable. I like my laptop and have no reason to replace it except that it's quite heavy. Result: I find myself grumbling about the weight of stuff I'm carrying around and often end up with aching back or shoulders as a consequence. Not any more... I was looking at something on my iPad one day and wondered whether I could use it in place of my laptop when I have a slide presentation. Hmmm. No HDMI port and I don't want to gamble on a venue having wireless connection (although many do) I did a little research on the internet and I found the above. It provides me with an HDMI connection to my iPad and also allows me to connect it to power at the same time. No more lugging the laptop around. No more aching shoulders. No more grumbling from me. Now, I don't expect you to be inspired by my little connector, but I would encourage you to think about the places in life where you're putting up with something that isn't a massive problem but is a niggling issue. By giving it some focused thought and taking action, can you change the situation for the better? Or even change your life....

On the evening that I went to the cinema last week, I was tired, somewhat stressed and - if I'm honest - a bit grumpy. By the time I was getting in my car to come home all that had changed. 'Conclave' is a wonderful film! Yes, I went to see it because it stars Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. Plus it's set in my favourite city in the world (I'm very keen to make another trip there now). I was not expecting it to be quite as brilliant as it is... Magnificent performances form all the lead actors. Wonderful, intimate photography - lots of close-up shots. A plot that delivers a few unexpected twists. And some very thought-provoking messages. This is what stayed with me... "...the sin of certainty. Certainty is the enemy of tolerance..." I think I'm going to see it again, to relish the experience and possibly retain more of the lovely words.

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Are you thinking about signing up for the LAB Profile training? Here's what Sally Hindmarch said on completion of the course...

This week's inspiration is a pop song.  I heard it on the radio and it's been in my head for days... M People's 'Search for the Hero' is on my playlist of songs with uplifting lyrics.  It's important to me to play music that has an upbeat message and positive lyrics.  We all know how powerful words can be, so if you're going to sing the same few lines to yourself over and over and again, they'd better have a positive impact! Looking for a video to share, I realised that this track was released in the period of my life when I didn't have a tv, so I'd never seen the official music video.  However, YouTube wasn't letting me share that one, so this is the best alternative - recorded live at the Euro 96 Extravaganza.  What can say except - I WAS THERE! Enjoy!

Dates for your diary... LAB Profile training 1-3 April 2025 Learn how to read people, how to really understand what's motivating someone and what makes them most productive. Find out how to use the LAB Profile to increase your influence, boost your own productivity and build better relationships. Once you've done the training, there are no 'per profile' costs and you can use it as much as you want. https://buff.ly/3BSHuCu

New episode out now... https://buff.ly/4fRyJKJ

New article It was just one slide. One I'd created at the last minute and slotted into the deck 'just in case'. I was surprised then, when all of the delegates mentioned it when we were reviewing the content of the session. It had, apparently, challenged their thinking, given them new ideas and made them see just how important team meetings can be. Team meetings. Part of the cultural fabric of your organisation. A key activity for any manager or leader. A highlight of the working week. No? Read my tips for successful team meetings here: https://buff.ly/4i2rRvL