Management Skills: People Matching

by Jeff | Mar 21, 2023

Purpose

To develop the information needed to match those who use services with staff or with other people who use services. A good match between those who provide the services and those who receive the services is one of the strongest determinants of quality of life. Where there is a good match community connecting becomes easier.

Instructions

Think about the person you are supporting. Think about who has worked well with the person and who has not. Complete the four columns to identify the key supports wanted, skills needed, personality characteristics needed, and desired shared common interests. 

​

Management Skills: Donut

by Jeff | Mar 21, 2023

Purpose

To create clear expectations regarding performance and encourage creativity.

Instructions

Adapted from work by Charles Handy, clarity of expectations is created by dividing responsibilities into 3 categories:

1. Core Responsibilities: Those things that are expected to be done as described.
2. Judgment and creativity: Those things where there is an expectation to try things – to see what works and what doesn’t work. To learn by making an effort. If something is in this category it has to be OK to get it wrong.
3. Not your responsibility: This defines the boundaries of responsibility for those who are paid.

When first using this tool begin with a specific situation or activity where expectations are clear. Examples of these are often Important For issues. (e.g. how someone is transferred; how to care for a gastrostomy tube; or what to do in situations that can trigger challenging behaviors.) Ask:

• Where must we follow the instructions exactly (core responsibilities)?
• Where can we try things and learn from the results – and it is OK if it doesn’t work (judgment and creativity)?
• Are there aspects of the effort or the outcome of the effort that are not our responsibility?

​

Two graphics follow. The donut represented by concentric circles is very useful in explaining the concept but can trap people into thinking that when they are out of space for core responsibilities they are done describing what they are. The 2nd graphic – the donut in columns – is recommended for recording responsibilities.