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?