I would like to use a workflow to take the value from either a lookup item I have create in SharePoint (from another list) or from a calculated field. 

So this started with the basic need to use a lookup in SharePoint. I have a list of departments and names of directors. SharePoint does not allow a lookup to another list with the field/ column type name "Person or Group". As a work around I have swapped this to a text field. The problem is that now it is not possible to use this field in a workflow to send an email. Workflows do not seem to see lookup fields or calculated fields. I am sure i am missing something quite basic but this is sending me round in circles. Any solutions/ ideas most welcome