Benefits of working on the TIU project:

I have a better appreciation of the complexity of management, especially at institutions with the size and responsibility of a university.  I can better evaluate a situation, an opportunity.  I can better sense the needs of others, so know better when and how to to make a request.  I have learnt to work with others, to communicate better, to understand processes and see smaller steps that must be completed before a major next step can be considered.  I am much clearer about my priorities; because I can explain them better, others working with me know how to work with me; not only is work more effective, but everyone is more calm.  

Working with others means compromise:what happens might not necessarily be what I thought of in the first place.  Everyone's initial ideas stimulate others' thoughts and the overall product has 'joint authorship'. As an EU project works to a specific timescale, the outcome must be something achievable - often projects without a specific deadline get stuck because participants aim too high, for a target that is not achievable, not at that first starting point.  Even small steps bring not only experience, but also recognition of those around: not only what you've done, but your persistence is noted.  And these bring credibility ...

I now have a number of volunteers, and together we have explored effective ways for them to work with me.  A major skill I've learnt is delegation: what tasks can be given to whom; what skills are required, what instructions are needed, and what minimum input I should make to monitor the quality of as task.    When we understand each others needs and abilities, we can communicate effectively: just a few words and the job gets done correctly.  Our best target is the production of a 'Volunteers' handbook' explaining the working for the Disability Support Coordination Unit at METU.  Contact lists are updated more frequently.   We have developed a number of records and procedures.  Choose volunteers for 1. their ability to do the work (explain clearly the types of skills necessary, and expect volunteers to come with minimal skills, and willingness to learn more), 2. their time commitment (at least 3 hours a week for 3 months, to be able to develop an effective working relationship), and 3. group work (someone who can understand the needs of others takes much weight from the manager, who can trust the quality of the work). 

 I can now produce online surveys easily; by gettin useful feedback, I can better responds to the needs and perceptions of others.  

The great progress in website management from this project is useful not only for TIU, but for other projects and purposes.

SMART management goals make a lot more sense: is your project Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic and Time-based?

Aims inspire and motivate.  It is the many small steps that take you forward.  

 Claire Özel

Middle East Technical University,

Ankara, TR