One of the most endearing attributes of the people I admire most is their natural propensity to give encouragement. Violet Ada Willet, Sue Robinson and Mr (Roger) Cornwell, to name but three, all recognised that, in both strength and adversity, a quiet word of exhortation was/is worth a thousand metaphorical (let alone literal) sticks or stones in the pursuit of improvement, achievement and, ultimately, happiness. A number of those who know me will have heard about some of the above people. But none of you will be familiar with them all - and that's because it is so often the unassuming and humble people who really do the most extraordinary things. In my short time as chief executive of Birmingham I have had good cause to reflect frequently on this phenomenon. It is hardly a secret that we have some challenges to deal with - albeit we can also be spectacularly successful too (Innovative Finance anyone?) But it is equally well known that there are many who consider such weaknesses to be a somehow unmissable opportunity to amplify and perpetuate the negative - acting as if motivation was a crime.
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