Unconventional: caught being excellent

A while ago, I came across a fantastic example of someone going about their work in an apparently quiet and dilligent way and suddenly being noticed. The unusual thing was the methods she employed the carry out her task and the interest she created.

It made me think about how we need to find a balance between establishing standard processes (one size fits all) and allowing individuals to creatively get on with their jobs using all the skills and talents they bring with them.

So what was the story?

During BBC flagship evening news programme “Newsnight”, she was observed collecting cups and mugs in the background. Peter Barron, editor of Newsnight, explains;

The interview was about the parlous state of the NHS’s computer systems involving the troubled company iSoft.
It was a good story, but it wasn’t that which interested the press pack. Ms Flint was doing her interview down the line from a camera in the BBC Sheffield newsroom. As she spoke a woman wove casually past in the background, as people often do in newsroom shots. She was carrying a full tray of teas. Not unusual. Balanced on her head.

You can see the video on the Editors Blog on the BBC News website.

In the blog, Peter Barron discusses his surprise that it was this background thing that attracted heaps of press enquiries; many more than the ‘bigger’ domestic and international issues covered by the programme that evening.

I’m altogether more interested in taking flights of fancy and wondering what would have happened if Nana Amoatin (the wonderful ‘tray on head’ lady) worked in a different company – would her initiative have been accepted or condemned?

It made me consider how we can release people to be the best they can be…

How often do we contrain people with process and proceedures?

• “I’m sorry Ms Amoatin, you must hold the tray in your hands – it’s dangerous up there”
• “Although you are skilled, others aren’t and they might be encouraged do it like you. So you had better conform”
• “I know that’s how you used to do it, but we do it more conventionally here”

More power to you Nana Amoatin – continue to be unconventional and effecive.

More power to you un-named cleaning supervisor at BBC Radio Sheffield offices – continue to allow your people to be excellent and effective.

Paul and Ally are working on an exciting 6-part (online) course to help your learners fully engage with your training - sign up for the 'early bird' list for advanced notification and more info

If you liked this, you may also like these:

1. Podcast: Interview with Stella Collins Pt2 In this second part of our interview with Stella Collins, director and consultant at Stellar Learning...
2. 3 Top Tips for Managing Gen Y For many trainers, 18 – 26 yr olds can be a tough group to engage and...