Helping ourselves and each other to be more resourceful on our career path Isabelle Read and David Birch Ashridge 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 Hywels 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 ActivityAverage hours per day Meals with family2 Commuting2 Conference calls4 s2 Meetings2 Preparing reports2 Staff management2 Exercise0.5 Personal0.5 TOTAL17

A Sample Day in the Life…

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?