This issue of voice seems to have a lot of words in it. We wonder what you'll make of them all. We hope you can read through the words and see who we. That's what we're trying to show you, after all.

We must admit though, that sometimes language offers such an inadequate means of communicating. That's a big deal coming from people whose tools of trade are words (yes, and pictures.)

Sometimes, taking action or making a gesture can communicate a message so much more directly and powerfully that words. Think of the difference between hearing the words "I'm sorry" on their own, and actually seeing different behaviour.

Chimpanzees could teach us a thing or two about communication. Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall thinks we humans are in a muddle with our language - a problem chimps don't have.

She says chimps are very quick to fight, and equally good at reconciliation. They make an appeasing gesture - reaching out a hand, crouching, giving little cries. The aggressor will then reach out and pat to reassure, or offer an embrace. The other chimp relaxes and it is over.

Humans on the other hand, throwing words into the mix, often send sideways messages, snipe, defend, blame, justify and say they're sorry when they're not.

Which species is more evolved?

A study of brain imaging published in the journal Neuron found that the brain lights up more brightly in response to cooperation than to gaining competitive advantage. The neural circuits lit up by cooperation are those that respond to pleasure - such as chocolate and a range of licit and illicit delights.

So…cooperating is much more fun than competing. It's not rocket science, is it?

What relevance does this have to our work life? We think it says a lot about what works and what doesn't work in project teams for example. Think about how pleasurable and easy it is when everyone in a team is working together generously, without ego, to achieve the best possible outcome for the purpose of the exercise. The best of everyone can go into the mix. Cooperation.

Compare that with a scenario where there's an undercurrent of one-up-man-ship; or where someone has an agenda to prove their way is "right" and make others "wrong"; or someone in the team is struggling to be open to other people's ideas. This toxic breeding ground for resentment pits people against each other. Ultimately no-one's best goes into the mix. Competition.

When it comes to keeping our relationships real, healthy and sustainable; and giving our work the best chance to be a source of pleasure, the secret to success is a no-brainer. Cooperate! Apparently it's as good as chocolate.

Red, rouge, magenta, scarlet, ruby, cadmium, crimson, cherry, cerise…Our latest online exhibition, Red, explores the many faces of our favourite colour. Take a peek.

The theme for our next exhibition is Illuminate. How does the way we communicate shed light on a particular understanding or highlight a certain point of view or perception? To enquire about forthcoming exhibitions or to submit artwork, please contact Angela.

Meanwhile, we want to share with you a few insights about creativity inspired by Stephanie Dowrick. How often do we hear people complain that they are not creative? The truth is we are all inherently creative. We can't help it. Creativity does not come from a talent for drawing or painting or writing music - although these are all outlets for creativity. It comes from being alive!

In her new book, Choosing Happiness: Life & Soul Essentials, Stephanie Dowrick reminds us that we are being creative:

• Whenever we try something new, different, challenging or adventurous.

• Whenever we do something at the last minute or change our plans because it's raining.

• Whenever we turn off the TV to talk to someone with real attention.

• Whenever we bring a fresh thought or insight to an old situation, or swallow back a tired response.

• Whenever we appreciate that this moment has never been, and will never come again.

So, if you're having any doubts about your capacity for creativity, check in with this list and check out Stephanie Dowrick's book. You can read about it on her website.

One of the greatest services we can do each other and our clients, is to listen.

Listening is one of the key skills we bring to our branding projects. We always start with listening, exploring and understanding what's important to the client and to the people who matter to the client. We do this through brainstorming, or facilitating a workshop or focus group process. Whatever the framework, our first job is to listen - actively and with empathy.

The last month has seen us pumping up the volume on the hearing aids to find out what's important to the National Diabetes Services Scheme. So far, we've run three values focus groups and there are more to follow. The focus groups form stage one in our latest values-led project - building a new brand for the scheme.

We're swollen with pride to report that our consultative approach, including our insistence on the importance of listening, was what got us across the line to win the branding job over some creatives from the big end of town. We won't drop names. Let's just say we're very pleased to be swimming in the same pond as some of these wise old fish.

Listening allows us to step inside someone else's world and understand that world from their perspective - not ours. This kind of listening - known as empathic listening - engages all the senses, and informs an understanding based on the values of the speaker, not the listener.

Does your business need to be heard in this way? We're all ears.

In case you didn't know, it's not exactly sustainable to sit in front of a computer for 40+ hours a week. Human beings are not designed to be so sedentary. For people who are susceptible to lower back problems, the risk of serious damage is high.

The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to look after your back at work and minimise trouble. It's largely about maintaining the lordosis - that's the curve in the lumber region of your spine.

Actions to consider include:
• attach some lumbar support to your chair (specially designed cushions are available from physiotherapists)
• sit on a ball sometimes rather than a chair, with hips tilted forward
• stand up every hour and bend backwards several times

Note, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain that is exacerbated by sitting, consulting a physiotherapist could be life-changing. From personal experience, it can feel like nothing short of a miracle! Ask Kath about it.

It's easy to want to have more fun. Sure. We'd all like that. But consider this. Are you fun to be with? Are you willing to take responsibility for creating more fun and laughter at work and in life, by choosing to be more fun?

This is how we aspire to have and be more fun at Active Voice:

We take time to inject a sense of fun into our work and to create warmth by seeking out the humour in situations. We speak with freedom and enthusiasm. And we act together with energy to generate joy and laughter.

What this means for our clients: We thrive on work that is mutually enjoyable, collaborative and inclusive. And we take responsibility for moulding it in that shape.

☺You can rely on us to choose to enjoy ourselves.

☺Because laughter is important to us, you can be sure we're always looking for something that will tickle our funny bone. That's contagious.

☺As seekers of joy and warmth, we can take a light hearted approach to challenges that arise and support each other to keep things in perspective.

☺When we're having fun, we love what we do. That means our productivity is off the scale

☺You get the best of us because we believe in doing whatever it takes to be the best versions of ourselves at work.

BTW, this is an excerpt from the values section of our policy and procedures manual (gotta come up with a better name for that). Yes, that's right. We have a policy on fun. That's kinda funny.

We'd love to hear your ideas for having and being more fun at work. Give as a laarf.