Able and How

Even with the multitude of internet search engines and idea makers, it’s still hard to think about what your communication and change management professional might want for Christmas. Therefore as a public service we offer our list of things to buy your loved one:

1. A smart phone
Let’s be honest about it. Hard working communication and change professionals aren’t always the most organised people. They disappear into their work and sometimes show up with mismatching socks. So a smart phone (iPhone, Palm Pre, etc.) can help them consolidate all the complexity of their lives into one place.

2. Superfreakonomics
We won’t talk about all the old books that they could/should have read. Like the original Freakonomics or the books of Malcolm Gladwell. But if you want your friend to expand their brain and become even more annoying at cocktail parties and while watching All Star Family Fortunes, then this new book will do that.

3. A great biography
I am partial to Roy Jenkins’ biographies. His Winston Churchill is an easy, but excellent read. But we also enjoy silly things like Richard Branson’s biography. Even a footballer’s bio, or a TV star will be good. You learn a lot from the lives of others.

4. A SONY reader
Yes, you can get a Kindle too. They may even be easier to find and a bit cheaper. But to us the SONY is the real thing. Just imagine being able to search all the annotations you have ever made in a book? Yea. That’s cool.

5. Music that tells great stories
There will be different views on this. But you can’t do better than Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Restaurant. Anything by Neil Young works for us too. More contemporary you can look at Elbow. I am sure you have others.

6. A great bottle of Port
Controversial, I know. Many people don’t drink, and that’s good. But for those who do, there’s nothing like a great bottle of Port to make you push back your chair and discuss the shape of the world. And you’re certainly going to feel better for it, even if the world doesn’t.

7. A work of art
There are some excellent galleries in London and in most cities. If you have a bit of money set aside you can buy something inspiring for less than 1 year’s Sky or cable subscription. Put it on the wall and walk by and say ‘oh’. (There’s a gallery on the Fulham Road beside the Library in London where I want everything.)

I think that’s it.

What have I missed?

I am sure you have your won suggestions. Write them below.

Now.

/df