I’ve recently been fortunate to be able to hear some incredible people speak about engineering and innovation. However most people think ‘I/we can’t take time out to go to ‘events’ - we are far too busy to waste time on that!’
I have to say that I think it is essential to take time out from day to day business - it is definitely not a waste of time or money for a business to invest in people ‘Not working’. Two recent events have had quite a profound effect on myself and the entire Haughton Design team. They have allowed us to break out from everyday thinking and have been the catalyst to boosting everyone’s energy in the run up to Christmas!
Firstly, the Made in the Midlands awards event on 22nd October and listening to Richard Noble OBE. He spoke passionately about his team and the future of engineering in the UK, particularly about encouraging young people into the industry. It was impossible not to feel inspired by Richard’s presentation of what his team is doing with schools, especially the primary year age group and how Bloodhound SSC is a great investment for the UK’s future. It was great to see all of the companies that won awards too, it really lifted my spirits in my role as MD.
Secondly, Solid Solutions launch event on 7th November with their guest presenter Chris Boardman CBE. Chris covered many subjects during his presentation but he struck a real chord with us regarding teams, attitude and innovation. I have to say I expected him to just talk about winning Gold but he went into considerable detail about how only oneself can control one’s attitude. How he built a team with opposing strengths yet who could still pull together to deliver to a common gold then how he used this team to generate so much innovation and success for Team GB. It may not seem obvious, but his anecdotes were completely relevant to any individual or business, not just an Olympic team.
The whole team at HD are now fired up and ‘going for it’ so our ‘day off’ is already starting to pay back the investment. With a little luck and by keeping focus, we will be able to use the techniques we learned for years to come. Chris’ thoughts on innovation teams, his ‘Secret Squirrel Club’, were real eye openers - who knows what adopting his approach will do for HD in the future. It’s well worth trying to hear him speak if you can.
The return on taking time out is often underestimated as our days are usually highly stressed, trying to deliver work and keep our customers happy. However I encourage everyone to get away from the daily grind; take time out to relax and think - it will pay off!
↧