by Bernard McGrath, Inspection Validation Centre
I often get to speak to my kids only when I'm trying to do something else as well. It is quite understandable really. When they are doing something, they don't want to listen to me rambling on. So I have to catch them when they are not doing anything and the conversation will go along the lines of:
"So you need to think of all the benefits, then all the disadvantages and then…"
"Then what? Will you finish the sentence. It is so annoying."
As you can see, not finishing the sentence can be a good ploy to get them to listen more intently. Frustration drives them to find out the end of the pearls of wisdom I throw at them. Or it would if I only did it occasionally. Unfortunately, I do it so often that they now tend to switch off as soon as I open my mouth. Any female readers will have a ready explanation for my inability to complete my sentences when otherwise occupied in a task – as a man I can't multitask! And I admit it. I can't multitask when both tasks need concentration. As JW says, I can walk and chew gum. I can wash up (well!) whilst
The other common complaint from my kids is: "You’re not funny dad!". This runs contrary to my own view but even I have to admit that there are times when I'm not funny. Especially on those occasions when you get asked to put something funny, or witty, on a colleague's card. Immediately, the pressure to come up with something chases away any even remotely funny idea I may have had. On the 23rd of January I discovered why!
A newspaper article on a study performed at Goldsmiths College, London and the Austrian Academy of Sciences reported that scientists have discovered that relaxing the brain is the key to creativity. That's why, the article stated, Archimedes had his eureka moment in the bath. So the next time I get asked to sign a card, it may be a bit soggy when I hand it back! I might also have to compose the witticism in chinagraph pencil!
It fits with my experience though.
Of course the article has implications for the workplace. When we encounter a problem, what do we do? We get a group together and try to come up with the solution. If it is a serious problem, we lock the group in a meeting room with post-it notes, dry markers and a flip-chart and have a brainstorming session. The study described by the article examined the brain rhythms of 21 volunteers whilst they solved verbal problems. Participants who were too focused reached a mental block and couldn’t go any further. Participants who showed brain activity linked to a relaxed brain would find the correct solution. When the brain is relaxed and receptive to free-floating ideas, then flashes of insight can occur.
It is incumbent on us all to use the knowledge from human reliability studies to improve our performance and working environment. So how should we respond to this latest information? Before you run off and buy a company 'problem solving' jacuzzi, stop a minute and think: would you really be able to relax in a jacuzzi with your colleagues?. See, coming up with ideas is just the first step. Implementing them in a way which produces a benefit is just as important. Next month I will talk more about the implementation of ideas. In the meantime, e-mail the editor or myself with any idea to improve NDT, which you may have had in the bath, on the golf course (you don't have to concentrate when hitting a ball around the countryside), listening to the BINDT AGM, or more likely, in the pub.
And remember – don't try to be funny, Dad!
Please note that the views expressed in this column are the author's own personal ramblings for the purpose of encouraging discussion within the NDT Newspaper. They do not represent the views of the IVC, Serco Assurance or the HSE who funded the PANI projects.
Letters can be mailed to The Editor, NDT News, 1 Spencer Parade, Northampton NN1 5AA. Fax: 01604 231489; E-mail: ndtnews@bindt.org or e-mail Bernard McGrath direct at Bernard.McGrath@sercoassurance.com
