Dydd Dewi Sant

Richard Winfield - editor I was delighted on Saturday to see the Welsh flag flying from Birmingham's Council House. This grand building, which is the local seat of government, dominates the square outside our head office.

St David is the patron saint of Wales and he is celebrated on 1 March. I used to live in Llanddewi Dewi, which is named after the famous saint, who visited there to preach. The legend is that David attended an important Church Synod meeting in the village. A huge crowd of people had gathered near the village church and many complained that they couldn't see or hear what was going on.

David placed a handkerchief on the ground and stood on it. Suddenly, a small hill is said to have risen from under his feet so that he could be seen by everyone. Some say that a dove then landed on his shoulder, a sign from God. If you visit this picturesque village you will see that, indeed, the church is set on a small rise overlooking the square.

One of St David's most well-know teachings was that people should 'do the little things' in life - in Welsh, 'gwnewch y pethau bychain'.

My house was called Dewi Well. The house opposite and set a little higher in the lane was called Ffynnon Dewi ( David's Well). Again according to legend, the well in my neighbour's garden had been found by St David. When the foundations for my house were dug, the well opposite dried up and a spring started to flow in my basement. It still does, with beautiful clear water.

So how does this relate to corporate life and coaching? Well culture is made up of stories and celebrations. What are the stories that define organisations that you work in or deal with? What are the sorts of events and sayings that are celebrated?

We talk a lot about the importance of beliefs and values but what are they and how do you learn and recognise them? Values are only expressed through behaviour - it is behavour that defines a culture, and values that underpin behaviour.

Richard Winfield is founder of Brefi Group.

An international facilitator, he coaches and

facilitates directors and boards in transition:

helping them to make progress by

bringing structure and clarity

to their thinking.