The thing about learning is that it is iterative so you learn a bit more every time that you do it. Training, on the other hand, is about doing it right every time. The two come together when the definition of “right” needs to change in the face of experience. It is all part of “growing up”, climbing the “learning curve” and building a team.

Success or failure in these vial endeavours also depends on recognition of the importance of people and truth in the mixture of the learning process.

Bringing someone new into the team is never straight-forward as both old and new members have personal histories and perspectives that influence their response to the new configuration. Rumour and gossip can colour the perception of truth by all parties with potentially permanent consequences for the individuals and team cohesion.

This is currently very evident politically, as Boris struggles to keep his team together amidst public criticism of individual ministers and advisers arising from their actions and ascribed motives during a national and and international crisis compounded with another born of deep-rooted and historic crimes. I think that Boris has lost the public’s confidence and in turn they have chosen to act selfishly and self-indulgently.

Back at the mixandpackstuff operation we have once again entered the time of year that is characterised by lower demand, an opportunity to train, to clean and to maintain with the loss of incentive to improve productivity. Individuals focus on their personal issues and draw on gossip and rumour to shape their response to the collective task. Maybe the start of a new financial year and a new set of objectives will be an opportune moment to do what Boris has failed to do. Pick up the team like the good Mr Klopp.