Teams represent Robin Self, a manager who is planning their time for the next four week period. Robin already has some meetings scheduled in the diary. As well as allowing space for routine work, there are 26 tasks - some with clear deadlines, that must either be scheduled into the diary or delegated to one of Robin's staff of three. Teams are given the necessary background information on Robin and the staff - and told to ask if they need further information. There are in fact 10 pieces of information (eg staff diaries), but will teams ask?
Can they identify which tasks Robin should do - in an already busy schedule? Of tasks that can be delegated, which staff member is best suited and who has spare capacity? Will they over-crowd diaries or plan well? Will they try to rearrange existing schedules? Will they know which tasks to prioritise? Do they appreciate the difference between urgent and important?
Teams complete two forms (Robin's Timetable and a Delegation Form). The data from these is checked by the computer program, which then supplies each team with a full report on their time management - and awards scores. A Debrief follows.
- Shows that managers cannot do everything themselves
- Allows teams to practise prioritising and delegation skills
- Highlights the need to identify the best person for a delegated task
- Stresses the need to be realistic and show common sense when time planning
- Shows the need to be aware of what your staff are doing, when they are available and when they are overworked
Ideally suited to:
Time management courses, to give a hands-on, learning-by-doing component, where delegates can practise their skills - and get a score to indicate performance.
- Briefly introduce the activity using the PowerPoint presentation provided and arrange group in 1, 2, 3 or 4 teams.
- Issue the Team Briefs, Delegation Sheet and Robin's Diary.
- Observe teams in action, but do not get involved.
- Be ready to receive information requests. Eg the staff diaries, re-scheduling existing meetings, and 'other languages' spoken by Wendy?
- Meanwhile, start the computer program and enter the number of teams participating.
- At the 90 minute point, or before, collect teams' forms and transfer data to the computer program for analysis.
- Issue the final reports and scores to teams. Announce the winning team.
- Lead a discussion to draw out the key learning points and complete Action Plans.
Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.
Hard & Digital Copy
- ☑️ Hard copy pack supplied
- ☑️ Program supplied (internet access required)
- ☑️ PDFs supplied
Digital Copy
- ☑️ Program supplied (internet access required)
- ☑️ PDFs supplied
Contents
- Trainer’s Notes
- Computer Program (internet access required)
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Team Briefs
- Data Request Forms
- Sets of three Staff Timetables
- Robin’s Timetable Forms
- Delegation Forms
This activity is for face-to-face and virtual classroom use. The digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub.
This Northgate Training activity comes with a five-year licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants at a time, for use by Trainers based at one licence-holding site.
All Trainers physically based at the same office location can access the Northgate resources during the five-year term, including the digital resources supplied on the Trainerhub via your own site-specific Trainer Dashboard. If you have Trainers based at other locations, and/or remote workers, who would like to access and use the Northgate resources, we can advise further depending on your requirements.
For further information on our licence terms please view the Northgate Licence Agreement.
To use with more than 24 or for multiple site licences please contact us for a quote.
