Developing Yourself as a Priority

One of the things many people look for in employers is professional development. And rightly so. The best organizations invest heavily in developing their employees. There are many ways to develop people: training, seminars, workshops, coaching, mentoring, one-on-one meetings, book clubs, apps, podcasts, articles, and on and on. Great organizations will invest in you.

Have you ever asked how you are developing yourself? Many people feel like it is the organization’s job to do the developing. And it certainly is. However, ultimately, you are responsible for your own development. There are many ways you have to take control of your own development.

First, only you can decide the trajectory of your life and career. You have to decide what you want to be and do when you “grow up.” Your manager and the company may have ideas for your career. But you have to choose where you want to go and how you would like to get there. Your company needs your input on this as they try to develop you. Too many people only take the opportunities that present themselves. When that happens there will probably be fewer opportunities. Self-guided people make things happen.

When development opportunities occur, you also have to decide how you are going to show up and make the most of them. I know people who want development, sign up for a webinar, then scroll on their phones through the entire webinar. They did not learn anything because they were not focused and engaged.

The same is true for live training, coaching and one-on-one meetings. Are you bringing your best to those environments? Are you showing up prepared and invested? Your participation level determines what you get out of those events.

The biggest part of your development is applying what you learn. Many people have experienced a lot of development exposure but do not grow. It is like the old camera film. They got the exposure but were never developed. If we do not go through the process of applying what we learn then it is all useless.

Whether your organization invests in you or not, you can always invest in yourself. Making yourself your top priority will always bring a good return on your investment.

David B. McLaughlin is the founder of Pendulum Coaching, LLC and host of the podcast,?The Mindful Leader.?David is a popular speaker and coach on mindfulness and emotional intelligence. You can learn more at?pendulumcoaching.com?and sign up for his weekly email newsletter. But wait, there’s more! He also made a blues album that is available on all streaming platforms!?Find out more at?thatsfantasticentertainment.com.??