Googling about recently, I've noticed a growth in interest in Mindfulness recently.  Bangor University is running several courses, and coaches Michael Chaskalson and Emma Donaldson-Feilder are starting courses next month at the British Psychological Society.  Mindfulness attention is a highly commendable state for coaches, characterised by presence, curiosity, openness, compassion and acceptance. 

Another Everyday Tale from your Roving Coach
(Leadership Coaching Principles: Use what's offered; Create from anything)

Made the effort on a very cold afternoon to walk into town, over the Dee Bridge and up to our nearest Post Office in Chester.  There could be much to complain about from the outset, as we used to have a really handy local PO just five minutes walk away.  However, I have been practising Gratitude all  this week, so wasn't going to become a Moaning Minnie.

Our city post office has introduced a new computerised ticket system, somewhat along the lines of a supermarket deli counter.  You wait until your number is called; then you stroll towards your LED designated counter and are served.  OK, it was a bit confusing to start with, but there's always somebody to help you work it out.  And it is a lot more restful on the feet.  You can sit on a nice scarlet sofa and read a book if you want.  Possibly the wait times have not changed, but the experience is generally more comfortable.  It's been really quite a long time since the War, so perhaps we could move on now from the "Queuing Mindset"?  (I've noticed that nobody, but nobody, queues abroad, especially in Italy and Spain!)

But old traditions die hard; queuing being entrenched as a british way of life.  I've observed that the counter staff get a lot of earache about the New Fangled System.  So each time I visit the post office, I tell them that I, for one, find the new system quite acceptable.  

Modelling Positivity once more, I duly told the lady who served me with my book of First Class stamps "I like your new system".  Whereupon she said "Well, you win a mug!"  At first, I wasn't sure if she had actually said "Well, you are a mug!" but no.  She went off into a Sanctum Sanctorum somewhere behind the bulging mailbags and came back smiling bearing my prize.  I am now a proud owner of a "I (heart) my local post office" china mug.  

Apart from be lucky (which I am), what did I learn?  Well, firstly I was in a positive state of mind from my Gratitude exercises.  Secondly, I am always prepared and open to embrace change.  Thirdly, I attempt to appreciate the situation of those who have to manage change (not always easy).  Fourthly, I like to encourage people on the front-line of change. 
What might happen for you and others if you practised some of the above?

And now, I am going to put the kettle on for a cup of tea in my new mug… !

Driving home today from a business meeting in the delightful Crabwall Manor Hotel, I saw a van parked up with the name "Flat Pack Mark" on the side.  Looks like somebody (with the name of Mark presumably) is specialising in helping people put together and install flat packs.  Great niche!  And what a boon for all of us non-Pragmatists out there.

Being a Maximiser (cf. Tom Rath "Strengthsfinder 2.0"), I like to "polish pearls".  So by the time I'd reached the next set of traffic lights, I'd thought of "Flat Pack Man", thus raising our chappy to superhero status.

This got me thinking what I would put on "my van".  Mrs Motivation?  Magic Coach? Leadership Lisa? Yes, I know they sound a bit cheesy, but it's good to drop the image sometimes and have a bit of daft fun.  I got a bit stuck around Wonder Washing-up Woman or Network Queen.

What would you put on "your van"?  What would your Superhero or Superheroine name be in your new story for 2010?

Sir John Whitmore speaking at the ICF Conference London- the keynote speech