Workshop on Metaplanning

Thursday, 10 January 2008
By Kholood F. Al-Rhamah

JEDDAH - A workshop on the Metaplanning method to enhance the quality of work of employees in the Kingdom was held recently by the Students' Activities Committee in the Ministry of Education.

The workshop was titled "The Skills of Distinguished Administration." Dr. Mohammed Al-Aamri, who presided over the session, said the thrust of the method is the gathering of work ideas from employees so that change and development for more productive administration come from the group itself.

"We asked each of the participants to write his work plan on cards of different colors which were shown face-up to the others 10 minutes later. Same-colored pens were used to keep the author of an idea anonymous," said Al-Aamari of the interactive session.

The Metaplanning method came from Germany and is akin to brainstorming with a time limit of 10 minutes. During sessions, participants freely express their ideas about work and resolve conflicting opinions.

Salem Mohammed Al-Amri, a participant in the workshop, said the session gave them more insight on how to be more efficient at work, thus, moving them closer to their goals.
Dr. Naser Al-Garny, head of the students committee, said they held the workshop because there is a need for it.

"We want a better work environment that serves our needs and is fastened to the best goals," he said. "We need to create a system where the employee feels that he is a partner and not just an executor of orders."