Strengthening support systems
Instructions
How can your support systems improve your effectiveness? Consider the medium or
weak supports: how can you strengthen them into strong supports?
List specific actions you will take to strengthen your support systems. Focus on those that
are most important to you, and those that will help you most to achieve your goals.
Action
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Examples
Talk to OCSLD about finding a mentor
Present justification for cost of training required
Maximise time with other BU people to network as well as discuss
project
By When
10th July
End July
Monthly
meeting
Instructions:
THOUGHT JOGGERS
DETERMINING YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEMS
The horizontal areas represent 3
levels of support Strong, Medium
& Weak.
PERSONAL
STRONG
SOCIAL
STRONG
e.g. Health
e.g. Manager
challenges
The list on the right may
give you ideas but this is
STRONG
exposure e.g. New career tools not exhaustive
PROFESSIONAL
STRONG
setting
e.g. project
across BUs
ORGANISATIONAL
available!
Marriage/Relationship
Children
Family
Friends
Neighbours
Managers
Mentors
Colleagues
Organisation/Business
Identify your various
actual/potential support systems
and place n the appropriate box on
the matrix.
Some examples are provided
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
MEDIUM
e.g. Partner worried
about own career
e.g. colleague who
could give feedback
e.g. Institute membership
(lapsed)
e.g. Values of my team
Training/Education
Memberships
Religious Beliefs
Values/Ethics
Here are some ways your support
systems can help:
 Family or friends can help you
to clarify your career goals or
boost your confidence.
 A manager can give you useful
feedback and provide
development opportunities.
 A professional association can
offer opportunities for
networking.
 An organisation can foster an
environment, which encourages
you to learn new skills.
WEAK
WEAK
WEAK
WEAK
e.g. Parent who limits
confidence
e.g. No rapport with
Mentor
e.g. project priorities/lack
of time
e.g. Training
department
Versatility
Experience
Visibility
budget
in
Health
Image/Appearance
Geographic Location
Financial Situation