Filed under: Business Resource
‘The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.’
-Flora Whittemore
Decision making is part of everyday life as a leader. Making important decisions can be the difference between success and failure. It’s very easy for people in businesses to operate in a comfort zone, why they let others make decisions for them in order that they don’t mistakes. Interestingly, reluctant, fear driven workers who are scared of making decisions for fear of reprimand, never really progress in their careers. Organisations need people who are willing to stick their neck out and make informed decisions. However, if you are making decisions there are good and bad approaches to this. Often decisions can either not be made, due to the cardinal sins of procrastination, or not wanting to upset other people or over prioritising other items (whilst spending a disproportionate amount of time thinking that they should nail that decision). Alternatively for some, decisions can be made from a dominant leader- or in a rash, unwise manner without gathering the appropriate information needed to make a good solid successful decision. Michael Roberto, a professor of management at Bryant University has suggested:
We don’t get enough divergent thinking in the decision-making process. There is a natural tendency for us to converge pretty quickly on either one option or a small set of fairly similar options. We don’t often canvas a wide range of alternatives or perspectives. Often it happens because we frame a problem in a certain way and once it’s framed that way we can’t break out of that frame. For example, in a business context if a company was losing market share, we might get hung up on framing it as a problem of price. The discussion narrowly becomes focused on issues of pricing, as opposed to broadening it to think of all the factors that could be affecting market share.
Clearly within good teams, there are different skills sets, personalities, levels of experience and gifting. But it seems as though this wealth of experience is not brought out into the light in ways that it could be. People remain silence, or are silenced. The cynic is given the cold shoulder and labelled as the negative one to change. Strong personalities push an agenda through with zeal and passion, causing others to decide not to take them on, as they may not be able to compete on a verbal or quick fire intelligent conversation. So many conversations are not won on the basis of the right decisions, but on the ability to influence and present information in line with the enthusiasts belief.
Roberto suggests that when it comes to making decisions some leaders fall into three common traps:
Leaders who have committed a lot of time and money and energy to something and they don’t want to waste that up-front cost, so they keep going and often escalate their commitment. We see this in football. You sign the player to a big, guaranteed contract and then they don’t perform well. If somebody else is performing better, the other player should play. But because you’ve paid him all that money, you feel compelled to keep playing the player. You exacerbate your error by doing that, but you feel compelled.
When we look for information, we often gather data to confirm what we already believe. We allow our pre-existing beliefs to slant the way we gather information and therefore we don’t get a good assessment of what to do.
Instead of thinking about the whole range of past experience, we allow a very vivid recent event to colour our perception of the future.
So how do we avoid this trap of making decisions, when stopping making any decisions at all is not an option. Afterall, as Pythagoras put it, ‘Choices are the hinges of destiny’.
Whether it be decisions made on a personal basis, or within a professional capacity, we’d like to pick out 6 areas to consider in decision making.
1. The most important attitude for a leader is the willingness to suspend belief, to recognise that they only see in part and want to get input and shaping from different personality types, skill sets, and experience levels. Ego is often the biggest obstacle to learning and good decision making, as either people are too fearful of asking for help for fear of how that makes them look, or they think they know best and therefore don’t want others input. A healthy level of sceptism to your decisions enables healthy reflection throughout the different stages of implementation.
2. Get the most out of your decision making team. Why is it that some people always seem to function in a completely different way from us? They are too slow, too risk averse, too reckless, too careless, too optimistic, not realistic, overly cautious. People tend to want others to see the world through the same lens that they do. But your view of the world is completely and utterly unique. You do not think the same as any other person on the planet- you may have similarities, but they have not had your experiences that have shaped you. Like seriously, do I really expect people to have played Monopoloy as much as me as a child! So therefore, we’ve got to work hard to get the best out of each other. And that my friends start with having a level of understanding. Now if you had the luxury of hours to sit back and chew the cud with everyone, learning the decisions that have shaped their outlook, you would have a good idea. But sometimes, we don’t have that luxury, or we don’t know how to help that shape our understanding of their approach. I’m a big fan of personality profiling tools (Myers Briggs, Enneagram, Strengthfinder) and by utilising these tools, you begin to approach the ways your colleagues think and approach decisions.
3. Empower people to make good decisions. Working within a non blame culture where people are encoruaged to think through decisions is positive. People are always going to make mistakes, but if you are managing people, where are you going to draw the line in their decision making. Do you really want people never to make a mistake- or not to make the mistake more than once, and to ensure that the mistakes that they make are never too critical and there are appropriate safety nets in place. We all learn through our mistakes, and someone, somewhere allowed you the space to think for ourselves. They believed in you and were willing to take a risk that you wouldn’t mess everything up. Helping people feel empowered to make decisions gives people a sense of ownership, and more often than not a desire that they would do well. If you make a decision, learn not to blame yourself, but to reflect on it healthily.
4. Reflect on your decision making processes and of those you manage. Ask the probing questions on how to make decisions. Sometimes, we focus too much on a bad decision and critique that; but if we focused more of our energies on critiquing the decision making progress, then we help ourselves and others be equipped to make decisions in all situations. How, What, When, Why, Who. Amazing 5 words that strip things back down.
5. There
are approaches many are familiar with: writing out the Pros and Cons of a decision, Brainstorming on a whiteboard with others, visualising the decision as a person and having a conversation with it, sourcing out different viewpoints, crowdsourcing (gathering the views of many often via the web), Worst case scenario implications, whether you’d mind the decision being shared on Primetime News, Matrix decision making (eg in Myers Briggs language a decision having to go through Entrovert, Introvert, Entuiative, Sensory, Feeling, Thinking, Perceiving and Judging filters ensuring a balanced viewpoint. It’s important to learn the skills and approaches that are good for you and your team, to vary them so that you don’t get stale and to use them to your benefit. If people want me to go into any more detail about any of these approaches, leave a comment and we’ll create some further posts breaking these down.
6. Being flexible. Don’t get so bogged down in the ways that you make a decision, that you spend all your time making decisions but not getting anything done. Know which decisions have minimal impact and to think too long and hard about it is not cost effective, and others require more deliberation. Know who needs to be drawn into what decisions, and don’t get involved that need not involve you. Clearly, a good pattern of delegation and working with people who you can trust to successfully deliver on their responsibilities. If you are getting involved in lots of decisions that gobble up time that junior colleagues can do, either you are compensating for a lack of ability in these staff and you don’t trust them to come through (more training needed for them, or they’re in the wrong role) or you’ve potentially got an issue with control (um…I mean attention to detail) and letting others do their jobs well. Use your energies to fight the right battles, and make those decisions that drive the business forward in sizeable steps.
Decisions can take you into exciting, life fulfilling successful places. Or it can be quite the opposite. The critical thing is to start excercising your skills in making those decisions:
‘When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself a choice’.
-William James
The author, Paul Arden tells of a story he calls his Finest Hour.
“I had been working with Richard Avedon in New York for a very ordinary client in the fashion industry. The theme was African print dresses. I wanted the models to be black and oily, dusty, dirty and wild Leni Riefenstahls Nuba Woman was the brief.
Avedon asked me whether we could paint the models up, to which I said yes. He then asked me if he could put the skirt on the head. I swallowed and said yes. I didn’t see the point of employing him and then not using him. I suggested a wild pig in the background. He said no; the subject itself is the story. A lesson in itself. He seemed to be enjoying the shoot, and I asked why he was so enthusiastic when he was in a position to do whatever he wanted to do all the time.
He said, ‘It’s not true Paul. I am employed by Vogue and they tell me what they want is not always what I am interested in but I have a studio to run. So I do it.’
Quite an eye opener. I was freer than he was. After the shoot I walked out of the studio on 74th street into a drizzly day with a yellow box of 10 x 8 Kodachromes under my arm.
I remember the moment vividly. My feet seemed to not touch the pavement and I thought, ‘I am going to be fired for these pictures’. Would I rather be fired for having done them or not be fired having not done them? There was no doubt in my mind. I would rather be fired.
Those few seconds were my greatest moment in advertising. When I got back and showed them to my partner he thought I was mad. Fortunately the client loved them. ‘This is art,’ he said. They won every award there was to be won.”
Arden had to make a decision that would determine his career. It was a tough decision but he based it around what he believed in and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he has ever made. What’s going to be the best decision you’ll make this month?
I enjoyed a coffee a business director last week and was asked for a few generic bits of advice. There’s a number of areas I enjoyed exploring with him, but I thought you’d appreciate a blog that came off the back of that conversation.
We have signs from some people that the recession is coming to an end. We have murmurs from others that we are in a ‘W’ recession and that we haven’t seen the worst of it yet. Whichever version of the story you think is accurate, there is one question that we must grapple with during these troublesome times. How do you maintain a sense of focus, motivation, and a dash of hope when all around seems so turbulent?
What does it mean for an organisation to have hope? Is it blind optimism based in unrealistic dreams or is it the fuel that keeps the engine burning? It is a well known fact that during a recession the most innovative organisations are born. Why, some may ask? Simply put, when you’re back is against the wall you are forced to find more imaginative and creative ways to make things work. Whether this is in technology, software, construction practices, or a business that takes care of the needs of pets (!), there are many opportunities to let the creative juices flow.
So what are some of the ways to keep hope alive? Firstly, I would say it is essential to resharpen and refocus your business, eliminating any potential areas for stress. Time and energy levels are short and you don’t want to waste any unnecessary emotions on the bits of the business that drag you down. So, during this time of resharpening it is important to ask why you set up the business in the first place? Was it to give you greater flexibility? Or, to give you a larger level of financial security? Did you see a gap in the market you could launch into? The crucial thing is, are you still in it for your original goals or has running a business slowly dragged you down? Cut off the dross, get rid of the time wasting, and make sure you love what you do again.
Secondly, allow space for creativity. In many ways it is a survival of the fittest, and at this time more than any other you need to be that lean, mean, fighting machine. Therefore, make sure that your creativity is given the space to come into the forefront. Reading books, listening to podcasts, attending conferences…simply put do anything that helps you to think differently. A particular favour of mine, that I strongly recommend, is to learn about something that has no direct impact on your own business. It might be that you are an accountant and could spend a couple of hours looking into construction practices, or you run a nursery and would benefit from seeing how a car dealership works. By exposing yourself to different business models it opens up your mind to different ways of thinking and you might just find some important new ideas coming from this.
Finally, find the one thing that you are great at, set yourself goals that are both realistic and stretching and work towards those. Don’t get distracted by lots of administrational time drainers, but go after the sales. Work hard to get them in and reward yourself each time that you do. Become a sharp shooter to one specific goal. This sense of success and hitting those targets will give you the momentum you need to push out into other areas and maybe to launch new products. And without generating the finances your energies will be drained by spending excessive time managing your cash flow.
So in order to keep the winter blues away, keep the spring in your step, and to allow your business to be successful I hope you’re successful in resharpening and refocusing, and allowing creativity in to deliver on your one specific goal.
Keep warm 
Filed under: Uncategorized
I’m just about to do my first home exchange, I’ll be going to Scicily to stay in the home of a lady called Nina and while I’m there Nina will be staying in my home in Paignton. I wanted to put together a list of things for her to do so I asked around my friends and have come up with what we consider to be the definitive top 10 list of things to do in Torbay
1) Catch the ferry to Brixham have fish and chips on the harbourside and walk back along the coastal path
2) Boat trip in the River Rat from Totnes to Sharpham vine yard, self guided tour and tasting then boat trip back to totnes
3) Paignton Zoo, one of the worlds best Zoos and right on our doorstep, if you haven’t been since you were in school then make a plan to visit immediately
4) Train from paignton to Exeter, the train ride from Newton abbot to Exeter is absolutely stunning and shows of the South Devon Coast line beautifully. There’s loads to do in Exeter when you get there but I like to get off at St Thomas Station and then just chill out on the harbour
5) Sphering – yes rolling down a hill in a plastic ball has come to South Devon, you’ll laugh so much you’re sides will ache.
6) Steam train to Kingswear then catch the passenger ferry across to Dartmouth, even if you’re not a fan of shopping the shops in Dartmouth are so delightful it won’t feel like shopping.
7) Occombe farm, a triumph for the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, there are always activities going on from beer festivals to bat walks, there’s a fabulous café and farm shop
8) Kayaking around the coast. You can hire kayaks from either broadsands beach or Paignton harbour and have a paddle around the coast, you can get to bays it’s practically impossible to get to any other way and if you’re lucky a seal will accompany your paddle.
9) Relaxing on the beach – the weather is not always on our side so when it is we really do have to make the most of it
10) Look out for one off events – fireworks, strongman competition, amateur dog racing, live music, theatre, sea swimming races, motor bike and VB rallys, beer festivals…..the list goes on there is always something fun happening in the bay.
Sarah Martin
Manchester’s libraries are the best places to hang out in when the rain sets in. You can sit there for hours, and go in when it’s light and come out when it’s dark-a bit like the pub but only cheaper… I’m a big reader myself and like to read fiction books, and Manchester libraries have thousands of books to read or borrow for free. I’ve written a blog on a few libraries in the area. See if it whets your appetite for reading………
John Rylands Library-150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
John Rylands has recetly been renovated andis free to go in. The grandeur and detail is amazing. Strangley it’s best seen on a sunny day as the light comes through the windows in main hall. It also contains the earliest fragment of the New Testament known. The second best Manchester library, closely following Manchester Central. With stunning architecture and the best library in terms of book selection, John Rylands certainly stands out from the rest of the Manchester libraries, with Central library being probably the only exception.
Central library- St Peter’s Square, City Centre, Manchester, M2 5PD
The main Manchester library is Manchester Central, located in St Peter’s Square in the centre of town. It has it’s own coffee shop and theatre, but perhaps the best part of it is the Manchester archive library, the local history section. Me, being the geek I am, has spent ages in there looking at the books on Manchester’s history-and there’s an extensive records section for those of you who are into their family genealogy. There’s also software available where you can search the 1880 census- see who lived in your house back then, what they did, what their servants were called………it’s quite fascinating. There is a general reader’s library with a big reference book section, and a huge computer cluster. As mentioned it does have it’s own theatre and theatre company, (for the more refined amongst you!) and the two times I’ve been it’s been an enjoyable night. Manchester Central library is worth a visit.
Chorlton Library- Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PN
Chorlton library was the saviour of last summer for me because I was bored and this was a good place to come in and spend the day reading. The fiction and reference sections are both quite big, and since the refurb they now have toilets which was something they were lacking before. This is probably the best library in terms of interior, as I find Central quite gloomy. The library building itself is nice and is located a short bus ride away from Manchester city centre or a walk away from the centre of Chorlton. Chorlton library have an audio book section, and even a small foreign languages section with Urdu and Polish books available to borrow. Once a week the children’s book section has a reading. And there are a dozen or so computers for people to use as long as they book in advance. Some customers are on first name terms with the library staff, which is a sign of good customer service. Not as good as Manchester central but for it’s size, Chorlton library is still a good local library.
Withington library- 410 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3BN
Like Chorlton, Withington library has not long been refurbished. On the busiest bus route in Europe, the library is easily accessible by car or public transport. One of the lesser-known Manchester libraries, Withington still has everything you want from a local library-with basically the same facilities as Chorlton library but with a bigger reference book section. All Manchester libraries offer free newspapers to read and I have often sat at a table in Withington library with a huge mound of papers ranging from tabloid to broadsheet and been kept entertained for a couple of hours- because that’s what libraries are about essentially, somewhere to go to pass time as well as being a borrowing service.
Didsbury library-692 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DN
Out of the suburban Manchester libraries, this has got to be the best library in terms of architecture. Located in a grade II listed building which looks more like a church than a library, Didsbury library has all the standard facilities of local Manchester libraries, however, only a handful of computers compared to the others.
So if any of you are bookworms, then I suggest you get down to a Central, which I crown as the best out of the Manchester libraries. Most facilities are free or only for a small charge, and it’s a good investment to make because you will have bed-time reading as well or an audio book to listen to when you’re having a bath…….if that’s what floats your boat…..
Jamie Doherty
A Sunday stroll is always a good thing after a long week. Somewhere green and beautiful, or indeed somewhere of historical interest, and a picnic, and that’s your day complete. A perfect way to round off the week….
Urmston Meadows
This stretch of meadow is right by the River Mersey and is perfect for walking dogs, horse riding and other activities. Accessed by a bridge over the Mersey, I’ve spent many a day here as a kid collecting berries and looking at the butterflies. There’s an old Victorian rubbish dump on the meadows and I’ve often seen people digging for old bottles there (although the farmer doesn’t like it much!)Not only makes it a place of relative natural beauty it’s also a place of historical interest, because going round picking up the old bottles, you can really piece together some of the social fabric and local history of the area. Good fun as long as it’s not chucking it down.
Sale Water Park
Sale water park is a beautiful place, tucked away behind the Manchester orbital motorway. In summer it’s great to stroll round the perimeter of the lake and watch the fishermen and boatmen at work. I’m also told that Decker’s restaurant is nice, which is by the car park. There’s a play area for children. It’s almost like a makeshift track, so perfect for running, walking or cycling around. It links well with Chorlton meadows and Stretford and Sale Ees, other local places of natural beauty. The more sprightly among you can rent a powerboat and zip across the lake, although I prefer to stand on the jetty and watch…
Wythenshawe Hall
Wythenshawe Hall was built in the 16th century. Standing in the grounds of Wythenshawe Park, I have been many a time on visits to the park. Of significant local historical interest, Oliver Cromwell’s army besieged the hall in the 17th century. Half-timbered, and Grade II listed, the hall has been a museum since 1930. Decadently furnished, you could almost imagine yourself living there and being lord of the manor…Only open one day a week for three months of the year though, it is however free, and the staff are friendly. They actively encourage you to sign the guest book and tell them of your experience of the hall, and mine is always a good response.
Castlefield
Castlefield is the old centre of Roman Manchester and a place of significant local interest. There’s a Roman fort here and I’ve been on numerous school trips to it, hearing from the guides about the history of Manchester. The modern mural on the wall of Roman soldiers is quite something and it’s also the location of the oldest surviving railway station in the world. Much redevelopment has made it a swanky area of flats, bistro bars and the like but it will always maintain its history and charm It used to be an area of warehouses and canal basins back in the day, but now looks modern and cutting edge. The fort does look out of place but it’s refreshing to get a bit of history and culture away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Castleton-
A tiny but vibrant village in the Peak District is about an hour’s drive from Manchester, but well worth it as it’s a place of natural beauty and historical interest. A place that holds memories school field trips and family outings for me, Castleton is really worth a visit. The focal point is the castle on the hill, which attracts many a crowd on a summer’s day. The fish and chips are nice from the takeaway, and when you’re done climbing mountains there’s the lovely Castle Hotel pub for a refreshing drink. Perhaps the most interesting place is Cavedale, an old river valley where lots of fossils can be still found. I remember as a youngster picking up small slabs of rock with animals and crustaceans fossilised inside-amazing, eh?! There is also a lead mine where you can take boat trips through, and a small amount of the rare Blue John lead is mined locally.
Now you know the places to go. If you’re ever bored on a Sunday or half-term you can take the kids out and enjoy these places of natural beauty and historical interest of Manchester (and beyond).
Jamie Doherty
Such sad news to hear that Michael Jackson has died. I guess the songs of MJ was the soundtrack to many a youth- and that certainly was the case for me. I remember being a 10 year old dancing to Bad at the school disco trying to pretend I knew the words and moves. I wanted to impress the ladies and be too cool for skool. The beat, the rhythm, the energy and the passion- it captured me. There was electricity in his performances and an exuberance for life which was in so many ways wonderful. For all those years, I’d be wanting to bust out moves to his tunes, singing at the top of my voice and lapping it up. A dream from childhood; his music conjures up so many moments for me. From dancing in the disco, to driving down with the windows screaming Beat It, to crying at Man in the Mirror having spiritual moments, to watching Thriller on MTV round at my mates house. I remember doing my paper round to Billy Jean in the mornings. Then of course for a year I shared a room with my friend Paul, who would wake me up most mornings with I want you back on Vinyl! Sweet.
Clearly the musical genius had a colourful life, and there’s a whole load of intrigue surrounding his personal life. It’s hard to fully understand the complexities of it all, and I’m sure that there are areas where there was a lot of unhealthiness, excess and general messed up emotions. But at the same time, I think it’s hard to contemplate what life woud be like if you were a global superstar from such a young age, with a very dominating and demanding father pushing you on. It’s gonna mess with anyones head- and not that excuses some behaviour, but still there’s grace that’s needed to understand his situation a little. I haven’t got a clue how I would have turned out. I’ve got my own issues even without that sort of childhood!
I think he was also a lot more shrewd than people would proabably give credit for. I mean, in between the masks, the face lifts and nose jobs- he did buy the Beetles catalogue. That’s not a complete lunatic at work!
For me it’s the music and the performance that lives on. A modern day Mozart-yes- I’d sign up to that. He captured the sound of a generation- opened up a new way to hear music, and insprired so many significant musicians. It’s had such an influence on so many since, and for that I’m grateful. Thank you for your music Michael. Thank you for the memories.
As for me. I’m going to be busting out tunes with a houseparty in my house tonight- with a BBQ and beers on flow. I live in Moss Side, Manchester and it’s from 8 till late. It’s an open invite for anyone so rock up if you like MJ’s tunes. It’s time to party. Peace and love to you Micahel.
Caleb Storkey
Filed under: Manchester
Fish and chips is the traditional British dish. Known the world over and savoured country-wide, where can you find the best fish and chips locally? I went in search of the top 5 best fish and chip shops in South Manchester and these are what I found.
The Battered Cod-444 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 3BW
With three different branches in South Manchester you’re never far from a Battered Cod. This is in my opinion the best fish and chips in Manchester let alone South Manchester….a golden brown haddock or cod served with chips and peas costs around £4.50. I usually go to the branch in Withington, but there are also branches in Northenden and Fallowfield. Golden brown fish, delicious chips and a nice portion of peas to go with it is the perfect meal for just under a fiver and I recommend you go there to try the best fish and chips that South Manchester has to offer!
Harry Ramsden’s Unit 5, Throstles Green, Manchester, M16 0SN
Harry Ramsden’s claims to be the “best fish and chips in the world” (an accolade I’d give the Battered Cod!). It used to be on the Quays in Salford but moved there a couple of years ago and is now in Old Trafford close to the football ground. For around a fiver you get a generous portion of fish and chips of similar quality to it’s rival, but it’s lacking the “localness” of the Battered Cod. The staff at Harry Ramsden’s have always been happy to help, but it’s too big a chain for them to have that extra friendly edge. So not the best fish and chips in Manchester, but it comes a close second.
Fish and Chips...
Baths Supper Bar- 113 Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9PG
The Baths Supper Bar, so called because it’s opposite Chorlton Baths, is certainly the best fish and chips in Chorlton, but it’s a bit steep to say they’re the best in the whole of South Manchester. The staff are friendly and, although it sells Chinese Food, it still serves a nice portion of traditional fish and chips. Perfect for people who use the leisure centre (although if they’re trying to lose a few pounds they should opt for a healthier option…) or just people passing through, the Baths supper bar is third on my list for the best fish and chip shops in South Manchester.
Pisces- 35 Petersfield Drive, Manchester, Lancashire, M23 9PS
My search for the best fish and chips in South Manchester took me far and wide, but this one was close to home (or at least it had a special place in my heart!) Pisces, just near to Tesco’s in Baguley was close to my old school and we used to go there all the time. We couldn’t afford to get fish and chips often but it was always a treat……not been back for a while and this is one I’d recommend but check the address on Google maps because it’s a bit difficult to find!
Theos- 4 Shaftesbury Avenue, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 7LY
Theo’s Fine Kettle of Fish has other branches in Manchester, but I usually go to the Timperley branch. The fish and chips at Theo’s is enjoyable but doesn’t top the likes of Battered Cod or Harry Ramsden’s for quality. Again, like the Battered Cod it has a “local” chip shop feel to it despite being a small chain.
So, if you’re looking for a decent portion of fish and chips I’d recommend any of the five, but my special recommendation goes to the Battered Cod for quality and customer service. The chips are steamy, the fish succulent and you can even buy a Battered Cod T Shirt. It just edges it to top the list of best fish and chips in South Manchester.
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Manchester
We all love a stroll in the park. On a nice summer’s day, a picnic under the shade or a game of football on the playing fields is a perfect way to pass the time. I have fond memories of playing in the Manchester parks as a nipper, and still enjoy them today. I’ve put together a compilation of the best Manchester parks and playing fields, and maybe it will encourage you to get out this summer and take advantage of the lovely weather, in a Manchester park instead of a beer garden!
Fletcher Moss Park- Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RQ
This park is definitely more for the older generation, as it’s less of a “playing field” park, and more of a park where you can go for a long walk and explore. And with a wooded area and access to the River Mersey, Fletcher Moss park has plenty to do just that. The jewel in the crown is definitely the botanical gardens, with many rare plants are housed. Another good feature is the grass tennis courts, so you can have your very own Wimbledon experience. This really is a must-visit Manchester park.
Heaton Park- Middleton Road Prestwich Manchester M25 2SW
The best known Manchester park probably, Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Renowned for it’s concerts and being the venue for “Proms in the Park” on several occasions. You can rent a bicycle and see what the park has to offer, or rent a boat and go for a gentle cruise around the lake. Oasis recently played three sell out gigs. This is far from a local park- it’s much too big for that, but is more one for a family day out. It has a number of grade listed buildings within the park, such as the beautiful observatory.
Beech Road Park (Chorlton)- Cross Road, Chorlton, Manchester M21
Tucked away off Beech Road in Chorlton and known by locals as “the Rec”, Beech Road Park is perhaps more known for its summer fête, the Beech Road Festival. Taking place in July, there is live music, stalls and all manner of fun to be had. This small local park has no playing field as such but it does have an enclosed space for football with a goal, and that’s always sufficed as a football pitch. A hidden South Manchester gem, and if you can, make your way down to the festival on the July 9th because it’s worth a visit.
Wythenshawe Park- Sale Road, Northenden, Manchester M21 0BA
This is the crème de la crème of Manchester parks. Most famous for Cromwell’s siege of the hall, there now stands a statue of him to commemorate the event-which is a smack in the face of all the poor people that were besieged, quite frankly! The farm is worth a look, as is the tropical house. The biggest south Manchester park, it has everything a park could offer- an athletics ground, ample playing fields, a fun-fair on public holidays, crazy golf, tennis courts…you’re never short of anything to do there. A great place to pass a summer day.
Platt Fields- Mabfield Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA
Another Manchester park I’ve enjoyed in the past, Platt Fields is close to the watering holes of Fallowfield so if you get thirsty you can always pop in one for a pint afterwards. It has a lake in the middle of the park where children can feed ducks, and as far as I’m aware you can go boating on the lake. It’s another one with a local park feel to it, despite it’s size and it has huge playing fields for people to play sports on.
Chorlton Park- Nell Lane, Chorlton, Manchester M21 7UD
Chorlton Park has everything you could possibly want in a local park. Large playing fields for football and cricket, tennis courts and a large playground, it’s perfect for summer because it has plenty of space to play sports or just sunbathe. It has a nice brook with ducks in for the children to feed, and the park staff are friendly and cheerful. No lake, or farm, but for a more traditional local park, Chorlton Park is a good Manchester park to go to.
Longford Park- Edge Lane, Stretford, Manchester M32 8PX
This used to be the park that was owned by John Rylands. Therefore it aint no ordinary local park. It’s lovely. It’s one of only a handful of Manchester parks to have a running track, and is somewhere I’ve spent many a sports day at school with a box of sandwiches, watching rather than participating. There’s also a gym in the running track area. The adventure play area is something to be marvelled at and the smaller playground is great for the younger kids. This also has a farm, with aviaries full of variety of birds and cages with rabbits in-this is definitely a child-friendly Manchester park. Rumour has it, that the building next to the farm area will be turned into a café. Plans were put on hold due to a lack of lottery funding, but hopefully this will come soon, as it would simply top off this beautiful space.
Chorlton Water Park-Maitland Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester M21 7WH
A water park, Chorlton marina, as it’s known, differs from all the other Manchester parks featured, because instead of having a farm and a play area this has a huge man made lake in the middle of it, and it’s popular with fishers. Situated just off Maitland Avenue, it’s a nice local park to go jogging, cycling or dog-walking in. There’s a bunch of people that use it to go fishing with the famous carp being caught a few times each year! Just don’t upset the fisherman with your dogs- they don’t like it!
Hough End playing fields-Mauldeth Road West, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7SX
Gigantic playing field situated just off the main route into south Manchester, Hough End is the ultimate place to come if you want a picnic because there’s acres of space. Used as a Sunday league football field it has changing facilities, and in the far corner is the police training centre which is where all the horses and dogs are trained. Model planes are flown on Sunday.
Alexandra Park- Russell Street, Moss Side, Manchester M16 7JL
Another local park to me, this also has a lake. Known for it’s Caribbean music festival in the summer, it gives its name to the Alexandra Park housing estate close by. It has an avenue of trees which locals try to argue is like the avenues in Central Park. Ok – a slight exaggeration, but you can’t blame a Manc for bigging his home city! There’s also some tennis courts and play area- the play area is great but the tennis courts could do with a little more TLC. There’s word on the street that the park may get some funding to improve its facilities.
So, now you know the Manchester parks, you’ve really not got an excuse this summer……get yourself out and enjoy what the local parks have to offer!
Jamie Doherty
Filed under: Freedoma Press/Blog
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Can’t Find a Job…Start a Business!
So the word on the street is that with rising unemployment, and a further worldwide estimated 51 millions people set to lose their jobs in 2009, many people are struggling to find a job. Bad News. But the good news, is that during times of recession, innovation increases and great new businesses are birthed. Could this be a new start for you? A chance for you to step out in what you have always wanted to do? With that in mind, I want to suggest how it’s good to approach what may a crisis, as an opportunity. By the end, having drummed it home, I want you chanting: Can’t Find Job, Start Business.
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Transition Question 1- What’s makes you buzz?
So you’ve been made redundant, you feel tossed aside by your company. You may have loved what you did? But you may have hated it…..and it’s this group that I want to talk to first. Why spend time looking for another crap job to replace your previous crap job? Because that’s what you’ve always done. Oh please! Don’t spend your working hours doing something that you don’t enjoy? I mean – why? Was this the dream that you had when you were at school…..
“Miss I want to be in a job that pays the bills, even if I hate it.’
“Very good Johnny!”
No! Life is too short for you not to be living out your dreams and achieving your potential. You are a unique gift and you will have desires deep down that are good. Perhaps it’s been so long, that it’s hard to connect in with those good dreams that you have and understand your unique abilities that set you apart. Some of you will be very clear and aware of your gifts, but others, lack confidence and perhaps over the years have had these stamped out of you. Time for changes! As cliche as it sounds, the way you see the world is uniquely your take on it, and there’s great value in that. Often a good starting point, if you have no idea what your strengths are, is to carry out a personality test online. I find the enneagram a great one- use this free test, or pay for a more detailed one and then use that to help determine what work you’d like to do. Even if you’re sure of yourself, it’s a great resource.
Whatever you do, don’t go forward shaping your existence around your need to pay the bills, but around your gifts, and make sure you find a way to monetise those to pay the bills! The advantage for you, is that instead of needing to take the scariest plunge, and walk away from your un-satisfying job, half of that decision has been made for you now that you’re out of work. So time to find out your worth and get started.
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Point Number 2- Half the time, but the same amount of money!
Perhaps you spent years feeling like a lemming, potentially un-appreciated by your business, earning them a lot of money through your expensive day rate charges, or the products you sold. The thought crossed your mind more than once, that if you could get half of what they charge you out at, then 10 days of work a month would be more than enough and you’d have more time for other areas in your life. So what better opportunity than now? Why don’t you get yourself set up – kick off as a freelance, set out your USP’s, develop yourself a good marketing strategy, find some new clients (without stealing your old ones as you wouldn’t like it if the cards were reversed), under promise and over deliver all the way.
Be clear about what your motivations are- if you are wanting to reduce the number of hours that you work, then recognise that you may get there, but make sure that does become a goal that you achieve. I’m not being idealistic, because I know just how much time a new business can take to set up. However, a lot of this also comes down to your goals and what levels you want to build it too. You don’t always need more money and impact, with a knock on effect to work harder and longer. Rarely do people wish on their death beds, that they’d spent more time working during their life time. Make the change now when you can!
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Point Number 3- Identify your major motivations?
Is life all about success at work? Have you bought into a need for status, wealth and self importance. You’re driven, you work hard, you’re hungry for success- whatever the motivation for this. It’s such a fine line between loving your work and being a slave to it! Where do you get your identity when it comes to work? Why do you want to set out on your own? The truth is starting up your business gives you a chance to detox and ask yourself what’s really important to you, and build your lifestyle around that. What are your motivations? Everyone is different and wired in different ways- some want independence, some want a greater level of influence. Others are keen to earn more, or time to have a greater level of flexibility or just to do something new. Jot them down. Be truthful with yourself. By knowing the motivations you can remember those when times get tough, and keep that goal in mind.
“Can’t find Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 4- Play to your strengths, cover your weaknesses!
I think it’s really important that poeple have a chance to play to their strengths and not get overwhelmed by their weaknesses. Throughout our education, our upbringing and societies influence, we are often taught to work on our weaknesses. We’re told to improve and get better, but this often leaves people feeling de- motivated, lacking encouragement, and taking their eye off the all important question? What am I great at? I remember a lad in the year above me at school who was a fantastic 100m sprinter. He had such a natural talent, and he could run like a cheetah, ripping up anyone that came near him. I remember he was competing in the England Youth Trials, and achieving some exceptional times. But I also remember the school focusing so much attention on his academic work, that he wasn’t given the space and support to excel in his main area of natural talent. I’ve often wandered whether he could have been an England 100m sprint champion if he’d been able to focus on celebrating his strengths not have to constantly work on his weaknesses… he certainly had the talent to make it possible.
One of the most helpful things for me, was coming to terms with what my weaknesses were. No longer did I feel that I had to be perfect in those areas, but I needed to channel as much energy into what I loved and what I was good at. But if only it was that simple. Clearly, in running your own business you can’t simply avoid areas of work that need to be done, which may tap into your weaknesses or you don’t like. But what are the alternatives? Could you work towards a timeframe that you’d aim not to be working in those areas, or get a virtual PA. Maybe you could outsource the work, and earn enough money for two so someone else can work to their strengths. Myers Brigs & Enneagram personality tests are really helpful resources to help establish your strengths and weaknesses. Failing that, ask those close friends what they love about you. It’s time to play to your strengths.
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 5- Find someone you respect
People’s personal stories are empowering. You’re not alone, you get inspiration and can learn from others experiences. Who do you know or know of who runs their own business? What better place to start then to talk to someone who’s done what you are hoping to do. Its important to try and identify people who have both succeeded and failed, as both will be able to give you invaluable insights. Most people who have set up businesses like to help others who have a similar desire- remember they were in your shoes once. Offer to take them out for a quick lunch or coffee and have your questions ready. They are likely to want to ask you what you are thinking of setting up. If you haven’t got it all to present as a perfect business plan at this stage- don’t stress, but do make the most of the opportunity, and road test the idea on someone who will understand the pros and cons better than most.
There are no set ways of doing business. No magic formula. Some great rules and principles that if you leave you do so at your own peril! Its important that however much you get information from someone you trust and respect, that you also get different points of view. Don’t be over zealous and procrastinate, but read around the subject, watch some videos on Youtube (one of the greatest training tools available), pick up some books, read some blogs or for light entertainment even watch Dragons Den. It’s very easy to creep into lazy thinking, where you abdicate responsibility to someone else who shared their thoughts. The problem is they wont be paying the bills, and working on this day and night! But you will be! Therefore receive the advice gratefully, recognise your blind spots and potential inexperiene, don’t be arrogant and dismiss it, but also seek out alternative viewpoints so that you can hold the revelation in tension.
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 6- Think, plan, reflect.
Fail to plan, and plan to fail. Ok- so you have a seed of an idea, you’ve bounced it off a few people. Some people will naturally be cynical. You’re going to hear: “It’s bound to fail,” “That will never take off,” “There’s no way you can do that.” So the planning stage is absolutely critical. You will get the voices challenging you, and as long as they don’t cause you to give up, don’t worry about the challenges. They are good to help refine the idea, help you sharpen your focus, and give you greater clarity. The idea you have will be partly good, and partly crap. You need to look at it from a bunch of different angles, and even the most negative voices can bring life to the idea as you weigh up what they think, and make sure you’ve got those areas covered. But take their conversations to a certain point. At the end of the day, they’re not you, and not living your life for you. And too many people like to be negative about others dreams.
It’s really important to pull together your idea and turn it into a simple business plan. Include a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats). Now if this is your first approach you may feel daunted by this. But don’t- it’s not scary but it is essential. It’s far better to have a clear, concise simple plan that you refer back to and work with, then an academic business plan that you create but just stays on your computer never to be opened. Check out scavenger where you can buy business plan templates and lots of planning documents which will save you a lot of time and help you to get the bases covered.
Once you start putting to pen to paper, you’re putting flesh on your idea, and it’s easier to get others input and shape. It’s also a time to reflect on it. Do you really want to do it? Is it going to generate a good financial return? Have you kept things simple, and as uncomplicated as you can. Ideas change over time and so your first plan will not be the best strategical approach, as ideas get honed. That’s why you need to be able to refer back to it, amend it, and assess where it needs tweaking. But this document will help you move forward and help keep you on the straight and narrow!
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 7- Get buy in and support from those people important to you
Who are the people who are going to be most impacted by you starting a business? Stop for a moment and consider them. It is important that you communicate clearly with them what you are looking to do, why you are looking to do it, and communicate your plan with them. The purpose of this communication is not to get them to agree with your thinking, but to give them space and time to voice their thoughts. Where possible, you want to walk forward in agreement with others from the outset. It will make the hard times a lot easier, when you know that you have their support (or at least did at the beginning)!
When you share it, share it from all angles. Present to them your SWOT analysis. It’s a lot easier to be able to show someone something written down as opposed to risking using your charm to persuade them into giving you their thumbs up. Give them the eye-ball conversation. You want to be at the point where you are in it together. It’s very possible that they don’t have the same level of confidence- it’s your results that will help communicate that. Therefore, it can be helpful to make suggestions as to when the idea should be reviewed so that it’s a joint decision. Express how you really feel about it as there’s no need to put a brave face on it. They may have reflections and wisdom realising that the idea doesn’t play to your strengths. They could save you from a few years of frustration…..you know working for a loss in a job you hate. Worth getting that reflection!
It’s also important to communicate clearly the potential impact that it will have on your time and thoughts. Will you need more holidays? Will you have to initially work later and on Saturdays? Will you be skint for a while. I always think its better to paint worse case scenario’s, so that nothing comes as a surprise. How will affect family rhythm? How can you offer your love and support to them? How would you like to be encouraged or supported during this time. It could make life easier in the future, if you discuss together all your thoughts in detail.
Something that is sometimes overlooked is good external support. Good time to meet new people, and ensure that you find some good external support. You will need to find people that understand your language, and with whom you can share your experiences. I’d suggest popping along to a business networking group, and develop some friendships there. Its easy and people are often in a similar situation to you. That will enable you to get external support so that you don’t drain those who are most important from around you. Chances are you will learn very quickly as you hear of other people’s mistakes too!
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 8- Responsibility and commitments
So there’s lots of practical places to start. Where are you going to work from? Get yourself a good working laptop that is reliable and make sure it’s insured. Get your internet connection and get familiar with cloud thinking. I’d suggest that initially you work from home until you can afford to work from somewhere else. It may not be ideal, but until you can see the revenue coming in, there’s no point taking on additional overheads if you don’t need to. If you need to have meetings do so in a local coffee shop or hotel. That can also be a great “extension” if you are needing to work out of the office. If you live in Manchester UK, I can tell you which are the best places to work from, as I’ve done them all. If you want to, you may be out of a home office within a few weeks, or it may take longer than you thought to build up the custom. Decide how you need to dress, and if you are working from home, find a separate space to work from. Work out how you are going to separate work life from home life….this may involve walking around the block before you start. I worked out of my bedroom when I finished University, and I used to change in and out of my working clothes and put on my favourite ‘lets start work, and dance around the room seriously’ song!
As well as working space and clothing- what is the legal structure of your company going to be. Are you going to be a limited company or sole trader or something completely different? If you need help, check out this document. Who are you going to bank with and what type of account will it be? Will you need insurance? If you take on staff, that becomes a much bigger minefield of legal requirements, but it shouldn’t put you off. There’s bags of other documents to help with the important setting up of your companies legalities on scavenger. Don’t rush this- it will help save you time, and prevent you from going to prison later! Now that’s got to be worth it!
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 9- Marketing plan
You’ve identified what makes you buzz, looked at your strengths and weaknesses, got your business plan and allowed others to breathe more life into it. You have a company name and structure, worked out your premises, found good advisors and support from those close to you. You’ve assessed your dress code, got the legal requirements of the business in place and are fighting fit and optimistic! Now it’s time to make things happen.
Create a marketing strategy- short and simple. You will refer to this each week. A great book to read is Guerilla Marketing. Read my previous blog post on this. Work out how you are going to position your company, what the company spirit and branding will be and what sets you apart. What will your company brand say, what marketing avenues will you use? Don’t rush this, but take your time to build up a marketing strategy and work to that.
When you have got this in place, you can determine where you are going to spend the time and energy to go out there and find these great new customers! Then go go go! Don’t look back, don’t doubt yourself. Give yourself time to push it out and a realistic timeframe to succeed. It wont be days, weeks or maybe even months. If you are finding it hard work, read some books and keep talking to other people to keep yourself dreaming.
“Can’t find a Job- Start a Business” Reason Number 10- First Sale and Review
And finally it will come…….your first sale. Before you do anything else, stop and congratulate yourself. Celebrate! You have done something significant. Someone has thought what you are offering is worthwhile and they have paid money for it! That’s a great result. It’s taking you into the next chapter of a wonderful story that you are writing, and it’s an important milestones that needs the recognition.
Now is a good time to sit down and review where you’ve come from. What went well, what went badly? Are you happy with the price of the sale you’ve made? Will it turn a profit and does it fit in with your financial projections? What would you tweak- what are you going to do differently going forward? How will make sure you look after that customer? Is there anything else you can sell them? Have they given you feedback, rated and reviewed on Freedoma? Can they recommend you to some of their friends? This customer is your most important customer…. whether he realised it or not, he took a chance on you.
It’s always good to take a step back and to assess the business. Spend the time to write up your notes, put them on your desktop and look at them regularly. These reflections will be your lifeline, the blood pumping around the veins of your business, and without giving it oxygen, you don’t give it a chance to flourish. Let your business flourish, let you feel the rise of life as you take satisfaction that you have done what so many people would love to dream to do. Don’t get complacent and flabby, but do soak up the excitement and rush that this new chapter brings in for you. The world will often be down on yourself enough- cultivate that space to allow your spirit to soar and be hungry for fruitfulness and success.
I’m very excited about the prospect of you kicking off, and would love to hear from you. I really hope you have found this blog post helpful and have enjoyed reading it. Do get in touch, make my day and leave a comment and allow me to give a little whoop here when I hear that you’ve read it and taken time to let me know. If you have any additional wisdom you can share, please add it in the comments. In the meantime, I wish you every fruitfulness, peace and contentment in all that you do.
With love, Caleb
