One of the biggest buzzes I get from my work is seeing people come up with a bright idea that makes them all excited and want to rush out the door there and then to start making things happen.  I’ve been that person in my managerial life, pursuing the next shiny thing and driving my colleagues crazy in the process.

Learning from my experience and knowing that the inspirational highs are usually chemically induced by the brain I aim to save leaders, however well-intentioned their aspirations, by invoking the 48 hour rule. This is the coaching equivalent of the cooling off period to test the resilience of the idea and their own commitment to following through. If after two days they are still giddy with excitement and determined to succeed then I am ready with the turbo-booster to kick-start them on their way.

So many ideas burst into life and then flicker and die so using the 48 hour rule is a nifty way of sifting out the truly brilliant ones and helping to save yourself from later disappointment, embarrassment or humiliation. But there’s been an idea composting away in the recesses of my mind for a long time.  Think 48 months not 48 hours.

Long story short.  I’ve wanted to extend my food loving habits into a personal project/potential business and finally I have found the courage to put the idea into the world.  I am excited and terrified at the same time.

Working with a couple of friends the proposed result is Food Gatherings which will run a supper club, retreats and other food focused events as a way to bring people together to meet, eat and be inspired. The core idea is to create a community that makes self-development a fun social occasion. This is very much a side-project to my day job but one that is shaping up to be an exciting ride judging by the early results of a questionnaire on survey monkey. The survey is designed to test the concept and find the sweet spot for people to join in.

So if you were wondering why I might need your help, it’s because I’d love you to complete the survey too. Even if it’s not totally your thing I trust readers of my blog to give me an honest opinion and share their own bright ideas with me.  If you can’t face the prospect of completing it but would be happy to talk to me then leave me a comment and I’ll be in touch.  Here’s the link to the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M8RDP7X . If you want to complete the survey but want UK pounds or US/Canadian dollar version let me know in the comments. Please be free and frank with your opinions whatever they are!

There’s an exciting view in front but I’m still tethered to the bank for a little longer. At least long enough to listen to what people think and combine all the great ideas together to make a magnificent adventure. Wish me luck.