At our house, we are in the midst of kitchen planning. We hope to have our outdated one replaced with something more modern. So, there is a seemingly constant stream of designers, architects, builders and electricians in and out of the house all looking at things from a different perspective, all with their own ideas.

They each talk to us about what we want, what we like, how we use our kitchen, what they like, what other people have done, and these conversations often spark off ideas that we may not have had otherwise. This reminded me one of the pleasures of being an invisible trainer. You get to be impartial; to play with ideas; to see things as they could be; and to offer opinions with no strings attached. Indeed, this fresh perspective is the reason why many businesses employ consultants of many kinds, not just trainers. Just having someone to jump-start the thought process can help you to make changes that were within your grasp all the time.

As an invisible trainer, I sometimes get involved with research and consultancy which concludes when the client has a 'EUREKA' moment, and realises that they can achieve their outcomes with very little support, as the answer was there all along. They just couldn't see it. Far from being disappointed with this, the invisible trainer knows that this is all in a good days work, and that this will lead to many more great days in the future.

As for my kitchen? A throw-away comment about the table being too long to really have a breakfast bar made me think to turn the table around. Immediately, we have more space! Simple and effective. As a result I am looking at this particular company in a favourable light because they have already added value. 

Remember to look for the little things that make a change or add value, and you may be surprised at the outcome in the long term.

Sheridan Webb

www.keystonedevelopment.co.uk