Bird spikes on trees…and why focussing on the problem can harm your perspective

Richard Brewin • June 29, 2018

The good folk of Barlett Court flats in Bristol have resorted to putting anti-bird spikes in the trees overhanging their car park to protect vehicles at their ‘prestigious development’ from the damage caused by bird poo. (“Pigeon spikes on Bristol trees branded ‘idiotic’” bbb.co.uk/news 19 th January 2018).

According to one resident, “It’s quite hard to wash cars out here because there’s no washing facility so it’s quite a problem for residents.”

Car owners amongst us will be aware of the mess you can return to when you’ve parked under a tree and it can be very corrosive if not cleaned off. Understandably therefore, action was called for by the tenants and the building’s management company have been trying to address the ‘pigeon problem’ since 2014, including installing fake birds and noise deterrents.

But here’s the thing.

In becoming fixated on the pigeon, surely the managers have missed a far simpler, much less controversial and arguably less apparently idiotic solution to banning birds from trees….install an outside tap!

This can happen so easily in business. We can become so frustrated by the client who won’t respond, by the employee who’s always late, by the service that isn’t quite working, that we end up taking actions that inconvenience the silent majority rather than fix the problem minority…and we damage ourselves as a result.

Don’t get sucked into planning for the negative. Keep the bigger picture in mind, plan for the good, not the bad, and accept that you can’t please everyone all the time.

Nothing Is Successful Without Enthusiasm: Why It Matters More Than Ever in Accounting

By Richard Brewin • October 30, 2025
In a world where technology, standards, and client expectations are constantly changing, one thing remains timeless: enthusiasm . As accountants, we’re known for precision, professionalism, and integrity — but without enthusiasm, even the most talented team can fall short of its true potential. As the saying goes, “Nothing is successful without enthusiasm.” And in today’s accounting profession, that’s more relevant than ever.  Here’s why enthusiasm is the secret ingredient that fuels success — both individually and collectively.

The Heart of the Profession: Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever for Accountants

By Richard Brewin • October 24, 2025
We live in a world that feels more uncertain by the day. Small business owners are juggling rising costs, changing markets, and constant pressure to do more with less. For many, it’s not just about keeping the business afloat — it’s about holding onto a dream.  And in the middle of all this change, accountants have a quiet but powerful role to play.

Time to coach

By Richard Brewin • October 17, 2025
We’ve always been the steady hand, the voice of reason, the trusted advisor. Coaching simply helps us do that better — with more empathy, clarity, and connection. Explore the new Accountants Coaching Community, launching now in Australia and the UK.