Professional Development Leads to Personal Growth

One of the most effective ways of approaching professional development is by using collaborative approaches. Or, as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, do one thing every day that scares you. I imagine that might be just as effective when it comes to professionally developing oneself and, as a result, personal skills with it. Here are three areas to consider dedicating attention to on the job if you desire to take personal development to new heights.

Network

Oftentimes we shy away from opportunities to connect with others, especially after a long day when we want to head home versus attending an industry event. But those are the opportunities that help us to build relationships and our character. When we carve out a few times each month to attend industry events, we open ourselves up to knowledge and powerful insight. Furthermore, by making ourselves available in these moments, we are able to improve upon areas such as public speaking – a beneficial skill for everyone to possess. 

Consider Time on Your Side

Time management is a key area that everyone can apply at home or on the job. When you accept a project or take on a task that requires a shift in schedule, you’re naturally becoming a better leader. Leaders all share one quality: they are able to analyze a problem and determine the best use of time to solve it. Once you get better at checking off items on your work to-do list, you naturally become better at checking them off your personal to-do list, too (especially on the weekends when time is limited).

Be a Problem Solver

Problems are not stop signs. They are guidelines that allow us to gain personal achievement. When we’re faced with challenges on the job, we are forced to determine a solution. As a result, we learn from that experience and then can apply it to our personal life. It’s important to remember that problems are like mathematical equations: once you determine how to solve them, you’ll have that knowledge forever. When you apply what you learn on the job to personal challenges in life, things start to become a little less stressful and a lot more fun.

In closing, professional development is important for everyone to consider regardless of age or career level.  Without it, there are no opportunities for growth or catalysts for change.  If we are not allowing ourselves to encounter change, we are not allowing our personal best to shine through.