ASK LEADERSHIP

Q: I manage a team as well as delivering project work. Our engagement action plan asks me to hold more individual conversations, arrange development opportunities and report progress. I agree these matter. Which part of my current work should I stop to make room?

A: Thank you for raising this. Supporting colleagues is an important part of delivery, and we recognise that meaningful conversations require time.

Start by reviewing your commitments with your own manager. Identify what can be delegated, combined or rescheduled, and discuss any changes with the colleagues who depend on that work. Client commitments should continue to be met, and work should not be transferred to someone who lacks capacity.

Record the agreed changes in your action plan, including the time released and how it will support your team. This will give your manager a clear basis for reviewing progress with you.

If no activity can be moved, include that constraint in your next progress update. Please continue the planned conversations while the update is considered, so that colleagues do not experience a gap in support.