Over the years I have worked for a variety of businesses, which unsurprising have provided a variety of personal development environments. This has varied from “We have decided to develop you into type-of-employee-x, please do as we say” (this business, shall we say, shredded itself out of existence), through “We want to help you be whoever you want to be” (because that’s a good way to to gain focus and create cost effectiveness in a development programme), all the way to “Personal what? Development? Like going on a first-aid course?”.
So if you think you might move job sometime during your career, or happen upon an employer who doesn’t offer personal development on a plate (for example if you work for yourself), how do you tie this all together? How do you ensure you keep developing, and keep moving towards your goals?
Ensure it is your goals you are work towards
I take it for granted you have some goals for yourself. They maybe listed on a laminated card in your wallet. They may just be fluffy half-thoughts floating around your head (if neither nor in-between, then maybe there are other articles you should probably read first…). But you have some idea of what you want to achieve at least in the medium-term.
Now make sure you let this drive any development opportunity you discover. It is great news you got on the ‘Development Programme for Prospective Vice-Archduke of Software Corruption’ – but chances are that in five years time you’ll not want this role any more, or it’ll have been decided for you that you are not getting that role. Time wasted then. Well not if you had your own goals in mind through-out – you knew, say, that ultimately you wanted to set-up your own business, so you listened hard to the presentation skills module, you kept all your notes to the basic accounting class, and you stole all the pencils from the opening event at the posh hotel.
Push your own agenda
Without wanting to extrapolate my own short-comings on the rest of the world, how many programmes and courses do you think are planned in great detail months in advance? And how many do you think were quickly pulled together the weekend before registration and delivered on a wing-and-prayer? Get to know the programme sponsor and tell them what you would like the content to be – you will be surprised how often your thoughts will be appreciated and flavour what actually gets delivered.
Be an active participant
It is so easy to sit at the back of the syndicate room and sink your attention into your undercooked muffin and tepid americano. Sadly, as you drift into thoughts of holiday, lunch, and your Blackberry, you are throwing in the towel for your control over what you are experiencing. Take an active part – ask questions, answer questions and share your experiences – more often than not, the day content will be absorbed better, and even become for tailored to your own circumstances. I have delivered many of these courses, and there is nothing better than someone interrupting that pregnant silence when I ask for audience participation – it drives the discussion and gives energy to what we are doing.
Remember you are your own responsibility
There will be times when you feel as if there are no development opportunities coming your way – when you feel you are being under-invested in. Remember that the biggest stakeholder in your personal development is… well, you knew that didn’t you. It is no one elses responsibility so take charge – read books, goto seminars, search blogs, plague forums, and challenge your peers. Sometimes you’ll make strides, and other times you’ll run on the spot. Just always keep learning!
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