One of the experiences which crops up for some of my clients is bullying. In such circumstances, Human Resource professionals are held to be the guardians of fair practice. So where can an HR professional turn if she is being bullied herself?

There has been a big debate within the profession this summer and autumn. My observation is that the emphasis tends to be on process - having good policies and procedures and using them. Whilst I completely agree with this, the uncomfortable reality remains that process doesn't always, or even often, deal with the emotional turmoil in which those who are bullied find themselves. What's also needed is a way for individuals to regain their strength and resilience so that they come out of the situation with a sense of their own strength, rather than as a limp and bedraggled shadow of themselves.

People Management raised the issue this month. I contributed to their Trouble Shooter article. You can read it on the People Management website until early January if you are not a CIPD member, and for longer if you are.

I promised to publish the results of the Autumn "State of your Team" Survey in December. My thanks to the small and select group of you who have responded - your input is very much appreciated. However, you're a tiny minority, and more responses are needed to make the survey useful to everyone.

I pondered the lukewarm response. Is it that time is too precious, and everyone is desperately busy (most likely)? Is it that people whose teams are not faring so well prefer not to think about it? Or is it simply that you're all surveyed-out?

There is still a chance to add your views. The survey is still open, and I really would welcome your input. It will take you only five minutes to complete (not including the telephone, email and other interruptions...).

I'm fortunate in that I love talking to groups, and used to revel in amateur drama. I also love the sheer magic which can happen when the whole complex fusion of dramatist, play, actors, director, costume and light meld together into something beyond performance. So a book on presentation skills from Olivier Mythodrama was a magnet for me.

In Richard Olivier (son of Laurence) and Nicholas Janni's "Peak Performance Presentations", I found the best book ever for anyone wanting to prepare effectively to present to an audience. I just love it. It is absolutely not about powerpoint. Instead, it shows you how to lay firm foundations for presenting successfully, through developing your presence, strengthening your voice, and dealing with that inner critic which starts its nagging commentary every time you open your mouth in front of an audience, by replacing it with what they call the 'inner coach'.

The book also offers a framework for matching your style, delivery and approach more closely to that of your audience. Ultimately, Olivier & Janni aim to help you to present authentically. This is what really turns a dry account into a living interchange with your audience.

Whether you quake at the thought of public speaking, or are a seasoned presenter wanting an all-round, accessible and rich source book for delivering great presentations, I highly recommend this book. You can buy it from the Olivier Mythodrama website.