OK, so I travelled First Class, but really, business travel by train is so much more restful and productive than flying or driving. Yes, it was only Paddington to Swansea, but that's still three hours there and three hours back during which time I was able to prepare for, and then reflect on, the two appraisal meetings - and joint lunch - which I have just conducted with two of my team. And deal with incoming emails. And make some phone calls. Oh, and write this quick blog!
OK, so I left home (Brighton) at 5:30 this morning and I won't get home until 9ish tonight, but I can't fall asleep at the wheel either. In our virtually connected world, I could have conducted these conversations via Webex, but I would also have missed the opportunity to chat with M and R over lunch. The value of doing appraisals in face-to-face discussion, with added non-verbal communication, is what makes the travel even more worthwhile.
That's all I wanted to share really. Just the kind of thinking that business train travel tends to inspire.
Birmingham tomorrow, by train, to conduct two more appraisals. Looking forward to it already.
Update: Schadenfreude! No sooner had I published this blog and got back into London to continue my journey home by my usual commute, than I found my regular line hit by delays and cancellations. I had to get back on the Tube, go to Victoria Station and get a later train home from there. Everyone on that train seemed to have bought their takeaway dinner and the carriage stunk like a cheap kebab house. I was not best pleased, but the irony was not lost on me either!
Pleased to report that today's journeys from home via London to Birmingham and back, to conduct my other two appraisals, went like clockwork. It's still the only way to travel and be productive at the same time.
Remind me to tell you about the London-Glasgow or London-Aberdeen Sleeper train some time! Your travel and overnight accommodation in the one neat package!
Update: Schadenfreude! No sooner had I published this blog and got back into London to continue my journey home by my usual commute, than I found my regular line hit by delays and cancellations. I had to get back on the Tube, go to Victoria Station and get a later train home from there. Everyone on that train seemed to have bought their takeaway dinner and the carriage stunk like a cheap kebab house. I was not best pleased, but the irony was not lost on me either!
Pleased to report that today's journeys from home via London to Birmingham and back, to conduct my other two appraisals, went like clockwork. It's still the only way to travel and be productive at the same time.
Remind me to tell you about the London-Glasgow or London-Aberdeen Sleeper train some time! Your travel and overnight accommodation in the one neat package!
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