How can you balance IT management responsibilities with professional development?

2 Plan your learning activities

The next step is to plan how you will achieve your professional development goals, considering your available time, resources, and preferences. You can choose from a variety of learning activities, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, blogs, newsletters, or podcasts. You can also look for opportunities to learn from others, such as mentors, coaches, colleagues, or experts. You can also join professional networks, communities, or associations, where you can exchange ideas, insights, and best practices. You should prioritize the most relevant and valuable activities for your goals, and schedule them in your calendar.

3 Integrate learning into your work

The third step is to integrate your learning activities into your daily work, so that you can apply what you learn and reinforce your skills. You can do this by looking for projects, tasks, or challenges that require or allow you to use your new knowledge or skills. You can also share your learning outcomes with your team or organization, and seek feedback or support. You can also create or update your portfolio, resume, or profile, to showcase your achievements and progress.

4 Review and adjust your plan

The fourth step is to review and adjust your plan regularly, to ensure that you are on track with your goals and that your learning activities are effective and satisfying. You can do this by monitoring your performance, results, and feedback, and by reflecting on your learning experiences. You can also use tools such as journals, logs, or trackers, to document your learning process and outcomes. You should celebrate your successes and milestones, and identify any obstacles or difficulties that you need to overcome or address.

6 Keep learning and growing

The sixth step is to keep learning and growing, as an IT manager and as a professional. You should embrace a growth mindset, and be curious, open, and adaptable. You should also seek feedback and improvement, and be willing to experiment and learn from your mistakes. You should also update your needs, goals, and plan regularly, and look for new opportunities and challenges to expand your horizons and potential.