The other week, I played “Carol Vorderman” to Curtis’s “Richard Whiteley”. Our newly formed double act took place at the University of Brighton, fittingly at the Creativity Centre.

The participants on this event numbered nine, and they varied from University coordinator colleagues, a busy salesperson for a telecoms company, two freelancers who consult at managerial and board level for major corporations, and a video producer and director.

It is always potentially difficult for a Person Who Does practitioner to work with a group that comes from such varied sectors, as opposed to a single department or company.

Curtis, as ever, was keen to ensure the participants really benefited from the course.

It is evident from the feedback received that this was achieved.

“The course is (a) very useful ‘time-out’ from the day-to-day of not getting things done effectively. I feel confident I will stick to the productivity system as it is extremely realistic” –Alison Quest, Birdsong & Change

“Refreshingly, I know I will practically apply the tools and techniques from this course directly into both my work and personal life. This is largely due to the very practical approach the course takes, but also to the common sense simplicity of the concept behind it.” – Sue Breakspear, University of Brighton

Once the feedback forms were collated, Curtis received top marks from everyone bar one, who gave him the next star down (so – all 1sts and one 2:1 – well done Curtis!) Other comments made from participants were that they  ‘loved the process’ and that the course was ‘easy to understand, well organised’.

We even had some extra, unplanned fun when one of the participants introduced us to Qigong techniques in order to get us focused again after lunch. Thanks Abigail! Just what the group needed.

As a previous participant on this course prior to joining the PWD team, the thing that strikes me over and over again is how participants always echo how much they like the practicality of the course and how they will definitely incorporate the skills learnt into their daily lives. They also appreciate taking the time out from their “normal” work to sit down and get sorted – to achieve a clean slate, if you like.

Lastly, participants seem to gain the most benefits from the workshop if they DO THEIR HOMEWORK prior to attending. Not wanting to give you nightmarish flashbacks to school but, as one participant commented, “pre-course approach excellent. Made very good use of the week before to prepare both physically and mentally”.

Based on all comments, I hope that all participants will continue to use the techniques learnt, just as I have. And, as I know some of them personally, I will be sure to dish out some tough love if I see that they are not.