Helping ourselves and each other to be more resourceful on our

career path

Isabelle Read and David BirchAshridge Consulting

Our aims

examine how we spend our time identify what depletes/restores us tackle a common issue consider the practical implications make a commitment to yourself have some fun!

But first

Form mixed groups of three

What did you take from Hywel’s session?

– what provoked you?– what are you curious about?

Our process

Step 1: individual thinking time Step 2: identifying common themes (trios) Step 3: working on the key issue (group of

six) Step 4: what ‘resourceful’ looks like Step 5: learning log

STEP 1: INDIVIDUAL THINKING TIME

• Map your activities over a typical day. How do you spend your time during your waking hours? Choose your own categories (e.g. exercise, grant applications, research, commuting etc).

• Draw your own personal pie chart using the template in your packs

 

A sample day in the life

Activity Average hours per day

Meals with family 2

Commuting 2

Conference calls 4

Emails 2

Meetings 2

Preparing reports 2

Staff management 2

Exercise 0.5

Personal 0.5

TOTAL 17

A Sample Day in the Life…

Meals with family

Commuting

Conference calls

Emails

Meetings

Preparing reports

Staff management

Exercise

Personal

STEP 2: IDENTIFYING COMMON THEMES

• In your trio discuss the following questions:

– how do I spend my time?– which activities restore my energy (work and non-work)?– which activities deplete my energy (work and non-work)?– what is missing in my day?– what are the similarities and differences between us? – what does this say about us?

When you are ready, join your neighbouring trio for Step 3

STEP 3: WORKING ON THE KEY ISSUE

• In your group of six, identify the key issue that is depleting your resources and that you would like to address as a group.

 • When you have settled on a specific issue, discuss

the following questions: 

– what specifically is the problem that you face?– what are the basic assumptions that underlie the

problem?– how do you unintentionally keep the problem the way it

is? – what are some of the reasons for this?– what are some of the possible solutions?– what needs to change in your thinking or behaviour?

 

STEP 4: WHAT ‘RESOURCEFUL’ LOOKS LIKE

  When you are ready, take one of the large sheets of paper and use the materials provided to draw a life-size picture of an NIHR trainee who is well-resourced to deal with your particular issue.

• Minimal words• Use metaphor and imagery• Be creative and have fun!

When you have finished, display your picture for all to see. 

STEP 5: LEARNING LOG

• How can you become more resourceful in your career path?

  • What assumptions have been getting in the way

until now? • What new ideas and perspectives will help you do

things differently? • What are you going to do next?

• Any other comments?