THE Margin notes reports in the British media of the latest rage in management consultancy. No, not some US guru but Sid Joynson, a former Yorkshire foundry worker. Not for Mr Joynson the management speak of world class manufacturing, benchmarking, downsizing and the like. Instead he criticises "smart arse management, recommends Japanese style teamwork, getting rid of "Mickey Mouse" rules and giving workers TLC (tender loving care), rather than TDC (thinly disguised contempt). Managers are advised to smile more, do two acts of "random kindness" every day and have weekly happy hour meetings.

The Margie somehow can't see it catching on in corporate Ireland. Sid says CBI stands for Complete Bloody Idiots. Suggestions for IBEC and the ISME should be sent on a postcard.