I was tempted to say ‘when in Manchester, do as the Mancunians do’ but the expression doesn’t have the same ring to it or indeed the global recognition.

There are lessons we could learn from the Romans; one being that they knew how to keep things simple. They built straight roads so that their armies could advance quickly and break into new territory. They recognised that winding roads took longer to get to their destination and bandits and robbers could be hiding around the bends.

They had a clear line of sight – political and military domination – with an uncomplicated strategy for realising it.

We are all part of a vision – our own or someone else’s. Your employer will have a vision of where they are trying to get to and how you in your role will help them to get there. How well they have communicated that to you is a different matter.

It’s important that we each have clarity on our personal contribution, in business and in life. When we have that we know what to focus on, with the result that we have greater choice, and decisions become easier to make.

So, do as the Romans did and keep advancing; and hold that picture of the ultimate destination in your minds eye. When you hit a road block, having a clear vision will allow you to focus on manoeuvring around it; whereas a lack of clarity will likely mean you focus on the block itself rather than what lies beyond.

Let’s go; 1 – 2; quick march; 3 – 4; 1 – 2 – 3 – 4; 1, 2 — 3 – 4!