Paul Pohlman, director of Poynter's Leadership Programs, created this exercise to help people determine their roles within their news organizations. Among other things, this exercise seeks to help staff clarify their positions, change priorities where needed, and develop plans for professional growth.

During the seminar, participants answered the questions, then met with colleagues to brainstorm solutions.

Exercise

1. List 8 to 10 of your main responsibilities at your workplace.

2. Determine Important Priorities

Place 1 by two items: Most important
Place 2 by three items: Next in importance
Place 3 by three items: Of average importance
Place 4 by three items: Less Importance
Place 5 by two items: Of little importance

3. Next, take a few notes at the bottom of your page of the themes that are emerging. What is this picture?

4. Look at the list in terms of your own motivations. Pick two or three of the items that motivate you most. Put an M next to the items that "highly motivate" you. They make you excited. They challenge you.

5. Look ahead over the next six months or so. If you could change your priorities, what changes would you make?

6. Learning Agenda

Look at the items on the list and pick one or two that you need to learn something more about or improve. Circle those items. Also note what you need to improve in that area. Would you do reading or take a course? Start to establish a plan in the next couple of weeks to start that plan. Who back at work would you talk with and get support from?

7. Now work with a couple of colleagues and have them coach you. What we are searching for here is clarity. Go through priorities and get advice from your two colleagues. Consider these questions:

• Is there a technical solution(s)?
  
• Can you teach/train/coach them?
  
• Can you change the system, process, routine or habit?
  
• How do you use your present resources?
  
• How do you ask for additional resources?
  
• Can you manage your time and priorities differently?
  

Start exploring your learning agenda.