Coping with bullying

The spat between Downing Street and the government-sponsored bullying hotline provides rich entertainment value for the uncommitted general public.

But more seriously it highlights problems that without timely and sensitive conciliation can escalate into physical and mental difficulties and interrupt the smooth running of any operation.

Focus for Change developed its Bullying and Harassment programme to train champions within public sector organisations in response to real-life case histories.

Conducted by qualified counsellors with a record of effective communication in the confidential resolution of issues, the Focus for Change workshop is designed to restore fractured relationships.

Their experience, based on listening and questioning - without advising - in the majority of cases successfully promotes the restoration of the harmonious atmosphere and co-operative efficiency frequently at risk when conflict disrupts the workplace.

Say it Clearly - Say it Correctly

The tongue that Shakespeare spoke has changed radically over 400 years but written and spoken English is an important tool in the commercial armoury. And while it is clearly true the language and the way it's used develops, the basic rules which define the speaker or the writer remain.

It's hard not to judge someone guilty of careless talk.

Don't you just hate it when somebody pronounces the letter 'h' as they would hash? Where does that come from? Until fairly recently only an Irishman would call a bank haitchessbecee!

Now so many people want to sound like byegone Cockneys who thought they're being polite! Ho no!

Likewise many people talk about being 'afraid to say' which makes no sense. Because if they were really afraid they wouldn't say whatever it is that frightens them. The correct and time-honoured phrase is 'I'm sorry to say'.

And there's the final 'k' stuck now for no reason on to the end of words like anything or something. Ask the speaker to spell the word and the chances are the errant 'k' would be missing.

Truth is we don't listen to ourselves, selling ourselves short when it comes to job interviews or pressing for promotion. Care is of primary importance in communication of all kinds, just one of the factors we stress in our Focus for Change Communication courses www.focus4change.co.uk

A shoddy email arrives from a competitor, offering effective communication seminars might have been written by someone with only a basic grasp of English. I'm no pedant, but the poor grammar and careless composition it reveals loses any integrity that company might have.

It's good to remember when preparing for that hard-won job interview - careless talk costs [the chance of] jobs!

Boredom? It's all in the mind!

Hard to believe, but scientists say we really can be bored to death!

Specialists from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College, London, say studies show people who complain of high levels of boredom turn to unhealthy comfort foods, smoke and drink more heavily.

The survey, conducted over 25 years among more than 7,500 civil servants aged between 35 and 55, found that those who said they had no interests doubled the risk of dying through stroke and heart disease than those who found life entertaining.

There is always the danger in later life of moving into retirement with not much in prospect over the next twenty or more years apart from gardening, a bit of DiY or perhaps the long-haul holiday. Planning a whole new and fullfilling lifestyle ensures longer active living.

Our Focus for Change retirement planning courses www.focus4change.co.uk emphasise the importance of taking up new interests and challenges, as well as exploring the possibility of self-employment for those anxious to drive their experience and skills into new and rewarding avenues.

Boredom is not a word heard around our delegates!