Wandering around the market on a warm, blue-sky day in Lanzarote, this bag jumped out at me.
The stallholders were a local father and son selling the leather goods they made themselves.
Bags and rucksacks of every size and colour, this green one stood out. The intricate pattern in contrasting red on the flap, two zips on the back and long adjustable strap – exactly what I needed for work back home. Few would have such a bag – bonus! I like to be different!
The father with his smiling toothless grin wrapped the bag and off I went pleased with my purchase.
Back in the hotel room a few hours later, I took the bag out of its wrapping. What was that smell? Subtle, yet pungent. I couldn’t find the culprit anywhere until I sniffed the bag – deeply and closely. Urgh – this was a difference I didn’t want!
After a search on Google, I discovered:
🫣 All sorts of hides can be used – including camel
🫣 All sorts of products can be used to tan the leather – including fish oil and urine! – who knew
Pungent smells can occur when inferior hides and tanning products are used as the leather breaks down. There is no cure.
The bag was left behind but clearly illustrates what you see on the surface isn’t always the whole story!
This is true of people too. Especially in the workplace.
People at all levels must deal with pressure and change continuously. This can weigh heavy on them and their colleagues.
What can be done? Give them the tools and knowledge they need:
💡 Raise awareness amongst managers – is what you are seeing the whole story?
💡 Roll out training for staff to proactively build their resilience and thrive.
💡 Provide coaching for neurodivergent team members to tame the impact on them.
I specialise in workplace programmes that enables teams to thrive. Including:
Neurodivergent coaching 1:1 – how to thrive in a neurotypical workplace (I am a certified ADHD Coach)
Awareness of neurodivergence for managers – what you might see, what you might do. Critical for true team inclusion and reduction of risk of an ET (CPD certified programme)
How to be an ally to your neurodivergent colleague – for non-managers (CPD certified programme)
I-Act Managing and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing – global programme accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in line with ISO45003. (I have been delivering this programme to global organisations for over four years)
Time to talk about the transformation I can deliver for your team?
