Situation analysis
'Map' your workplace both physically and relationally because this throws up questions about the dynamics (or lack of them) and helps you to look more objectively at your environment. Do a SWOT analysis of your workplace by examining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on your present job.
Look at the organisation you work for in terms of:
- the people you work with and work for
- the responsibilities you and they have, and how these mesh or grate
- the tasks you and they have and whether they can be done differently
- the connectedness within the department and outside with others
Look at the buildings you work in and check:
- environment: is it friendly? is it a good working space?
- the kit you use: does it need changing in any way?
- budget: can it be stretched or is it constrained?
- resources: are your basic needs being met or do you luxuriate?
- territory: do you feel comfortable or hemmed in?
Management
- how is your situation managed internally
a) at a distance, b) monitored, c) resourced, d) one-way - how is your situation managed externally
a) who do you report to? b) what is the relationship with your political masters?
Decision making/ Problem solving
- how good is your department at decision making/problem solving?
- how good are you at decision making/problem solving?
- who makes the decisions in the department?
- how are they carried out?
- how good are you at carrying out your decisions?
Where is development a) required? b) likely to be required?
- in your department?
- in your working and professional life?
What is going on that you would not expect and why?
What is being asked of you that you find difficult
- to provide?
- to cope with?
What is the impact of legislation/standards through
Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act, Best Value questions, British Standards and other professional conventions?
Finally, you may also want to look at the worplace learning section on the Campaign for Learning website at www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk.
Last modified 16/01/2006
