Little Donkeys

Little Donkeys

Firstly, on a personal level, colleagues may not know this but I have two miniature donkeys, Timmy and Tux. They are two years old and full of mischief. Half brothers who were born in Scotland and who moved to the Isle of Wight almost two years ago, at the tender age of six months old.

Miniature donkeys reach a maximum height of 36 inches, so they are really small. They are also quite strong and each weigh around 85 kilos, so you know it when they stand on your feet!

Quiet contemplation

I didn’t grow up with horses so had nothing to compare them with, but somebody told me that donkeys are really smart and that whilst you can tell a horse to do something, you have to ask a donkey.

I have to say in the past two years I have learnt that they like to think about new situations to assess if they are ones they have had dubious experiences with, such as when the farrier comes to trim their tiny hooves or something they might like, but need to think about.  

Many a time I have stood waiting having asked them to ‘walk on’ and see them stand contemplating this request before one of two things happening; they stand firm and no amount of coaxing will get them to move apart from a retreat to a nicer place (as they see it) or suddenly they will march forward purposively, having decided that the request was reasonable and they may well enjoy it when they get there.

Life with two little donkeys is always fun and has taught me a lot about patience. They certainly keep me on my toes.

I empathise with them though. When faced with change, I will often go through something like their behaviour myself.  I think it’s a natural way to process things and keep ourselves safe.

Strategic Quarterly Update

Back to the business… this week we held a strategic quarterly webinar during which I spoke about the many wonderful things that have been achieved in the last quarter, all happening in a setting of more challenging markets around the world.

We have achieved many of these things through changing and adapting our ways of working, bringing in fabulous new tools like BonBon and working hard to achieve our goals.

Thank you for all of your hard work this year. We have had to be bold and brave to achieve the many things we have. I am sure when you take a moment to look back on your own personal journey you will proudly see just how much you have achieved.

Finally, I thought you might like to see a photo of Timmy and Tux with my golden retriever Enzo and, as we head towards the weekend, I hope you will find some time to rest and recuperate. Have a wonderful weekend and keep safe and well.