How do you keep your program coordination skills current and relevant in diverse contexts?

1 Assess your skills and gaps

The first step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to assess your current level of competence and identify any gaps or areas for improvement. You can use various tools and methods to do this, such as self-assessment questionnaires, feedback surveys, performance reviews, or online tests. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, supervisors, clients, or beneficiaries to get a more comprehensive and objective perspective. The key is to be honest and open-minded about your strengths and weaknesses and to prioritize the most important and relevant skills for your context and role.

2 Learn from others

The second step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to learn from others who have more experience, knowledge, or expertise in the field. You can do this by seeking mentorship, coaching, or guidance from senior or more experienced program coordinators, either within your organization or outside of it. You can also join professional networks, communities of practice, or online forums where you can exchange ideas, insights, and best practices with other program coordinators from different backgrounds, sectors, or regions. You can also attend webinars, workshops, conferences, or courses where you can learn from experts, trainers, or facilitators on various topics related to program coordination.

3 Apply your skills and knowledge

The third step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to apply your skills and knowledge in practice and in different contexts. You can do this by taking on new or challenging projects, tasks, or roles that require you to use or develop your program coordination skills. You can also volunteer, intern, or consult for other organizations or programs that have different goals, approaches, or beneficiaries than yours. You can also seek opportunities to collaborate, partner, or co-create with other program coordinators or stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives. By doing this, you can test your skills and knowledge, learn from your successes and failures, and adapt to different situations and needs.

4 Reflect on your experiences and outcomes

The fourth step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to reflect on your experiences and outcomes and to evaluate your progress and impact. You can do this by keeping a journal, portfolio, or log of your program coordination activities, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. You can also use tools such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, or logic models to measure your performance, outcomes, and impact. You can also solicit feedback from your peers, supervisors, clients, or beneficiaries to get their opinions, suggestions, or testimonials. The key is to be critical and constructive about your program coordination skills and to identify what works well and what needs improvement.

5 Update your skills and knowledge

The fifth step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to update your skills and knowledge based on your reflection and evaluation and to incorporate new or emerging trends, practices, or standards in the field. You can do this by revisiting your skills and gaps assessment and updating your learning plan, goals, or priorities. You can also seek new or additional sources of information, education, or inspiration, such as books, articles, podcasts, blogs, or newsletters on program coordination. You can also follow or engage with thought leaders, influencers, or innovators in the field who can offer new or different perspectives, insights, or solutions.

6 Celebrate your achievements and share your learnings

The sixth and final step to keep your program coordination skills current and relevant is to celebrate your achievements and share your learnings with others. You can do this by acknowledging your efforts, progress, and impact and by rewarding yourself with something that motivates or inspires you. You can also share your learnings, insights, or best practices with your peers, supervisors, clients, or beneficiaries and by contributing to the knowledge base, literature, or discourse on program coordination. You can also mentor, coach, or support other program coordinators who are less experienced, knowledgeable, or confident than you and by creating a culture of learning, sharing, and collaboration in your organization or network.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?