This was the official kickoff of our English Coffee Talks! Launching this project represented a challenge for me; although I have recently moved into a leadership position, I occasionally find myself falling back into my analytical habits. Consequently, managing this “human” project was a test for me.

Getting the approval was more straightforward than I had expected. I pitched it as a “pilot program” exclusively for February. To gain The Marketing Team’s support, I suggested we could build upon their previous similar efforts. For The Tourist Services Team, I framed it as a “safe space” to gain confidence before interacting with real tourists. For the Coordination areas, I presented it as an opportunity for better team integration.

The turnout was remarkable! We discussed vacations and holidays, reflecting on past experiences and envisioning our dream destinations. I wasn’t alone in this; I invited several advanced-level colleagues to facilitate the discussions. I would like to give a special mention to one colleague in particular: her proficiency in the art of conversation, her ability to ask insightful follow-up questions, and her craft of maintaining the flow were the “secret sauce” of this initial session.

Word of the Week:

To Pitch (an idea): To present or try to sell an idea to someone.