The influence of professional development on career and personal growth is undeniable. From expanding your job prospects to becoming a better leader for your current role, investing in yourself offers the potential to achieve your goals and broaden your outlook.
As newspaper columnist George Matthew Adams said, “You are your greatest investment. The more you store in that mind of yours, the more you enrich your experience, the more people you meet, the more books you read, and the more places you visit, the greater is that investment in all that you are.”
Why Invest in Yourself
It can be easy to lose sight of your goals between helping your team succeed and contributing toward the company’s objectives. Making professional development a priority means dedicating time to your advancement and skill refinement, preparing you to further your career and achieve new heights.
The strides you make while intentionally learning and growing are for more than your benefit. Professional development can help you be the most effective leader in your current role. There are always new ways to succeed, and while you’re continuously learning, you can impart your knowledge to your team. In turn, the team will benefit from your newfound skills.
Prioritizing Professional Development
One of the biggest hurdles to professional development is making time in your busy schedule. The best method to overcome this challenge will vary based on your company, industry, and personal circumstances, but can include:
- Defining your goals. Be clear on what you aim to learn, determine a timeline, and plan how you’ll gain the knowledge and skills.
- Getting buy-in from your boss. Communicate your goals and work together to overcome challenges where possible. Your company may have opportunities to attend training or conferences, and support may be available to cover your responsibilities to allow time for professional development.
- Involving your team. Are the skills you’d like to learn or improve also applicable to your team? Take the opportunity to arrange group training or make professional development a regular occurrence for everyone.
Investing time and effort into improving your skills and expanding your knowledge will benefit you as a leader and professional and improve others’ experiences with you. While professional development can propel your career further, it can also be advantageous for your personal life as you continue to grow.
