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Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – Be assertive

Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – Be assertive

Assertiveness is a widely misunderstood term. Many people use it to mean being stroppy or difficult, unaware that this is a significant distortion of the philosophy underpinning the idea of assertiveness. For example, on training courses I have been running I have many times come across comments to the effect of: ‘If I were assertive, I would be disciplined’ or ‘If I were assertive people would give me a really hard time’ ... Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 17, 2015
‘More than 30,000’ Welsh domestic abuse victims over 60

‘More than 30,000’ Welsh domestic abuse victims over 60

More than 30,000 people over 60 in Wales are victims of domestic abuse, the older people's commissioner has said. Sarah Rochira said more needs to be done to support them. The Welsh government said it was "committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse". Ms Rochira said there were unique issues for older people in abusive relationships and the support in place is not always appropriate. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 17, 2015
Acas guide on disability discrimination

Acas guide on disability discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against employees (including workers) because of a mental or physical disability. Under the Equality Act 2010 a person is disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantially adverse and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. In the workplace such activities are taken to include things like using a telephone or computer, interacting with colleagues, following instructions, driving and carrying everyday objects. The Equality Act 2010 provides disabled people with protection from discrimination in a range of areas, including employment. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 17, 2015
Useful resource for both training and personal reflection

Useful resource for both training and personal reflection

Though the following short video focuses on high school/college students, the message it promotes has relevance for a much wider audience. Wherever people work with people, there is the potential for miscommunication, or a lack of communication, about differing perspectives. This video reminds us of the importance of making assessments rather than assumptions. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 17, 2015
New book announcement

New book announcement

Neil’s book, The Authentic Leader, has now been published by Palgrave Macmillan. It uses existentialist theory to show how leadership needs to be based on making genuine human connections. Click here to buy from the neil thompson bookshop
Dr Neil Thompson
December 3, 2015
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Think!

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Think!

There are two ‘sides’ to our brain and nervous system. One deals with routine matters that we don’t have to think about – the things we just do, like walking and breathing. Then there is the part of our brain and nervous system that deals with the things we do consciously. Most of the time we rely on the former and only call on the latter when we need to. That is, much of what we do is carried out with little or no conscious thought – and that’s a mixed blessing ... Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 3, 2015
Supporting people with cancer at work

Supporting people with cancer at work

Did you know that 750,000 people of working age are living with cancer in the UK? And, every year, another 120,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer. With survival rates improving and people retiring later, these figures are set to rise. In addition, half a million carers of people with cancer in the UK are working full time or part-time. Whilst not everyone with cancer is able to, or wants to, work after a cancer diagnosis, research by Macmillan Cancer Support shows that over 80% of people who were working when diagnosed felt it was important to return to work. For people with cancer, staying in or returning to work can be hugely positive. Click here to read…
Dr Neil Thompson
December 3, 2015
Using the internet to combat loneliness amongst older people

Using the internet to combat loneliness amongst older people

Silver Robin is a lively and light-hearted meeting place for us oldies to share and discuss interests, views, experiences and connect with like-minded people. It’s here to find useful information, new ideas, have fun, and when necessary, have a good grumble. This is your space to publish your articles, memories, personal anecdotes and favourite “bon mots”. I’m an oldie and I know that life can be lonely. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
December 3, 2015