Training Triumphs #14/31: The Lifelong Journey of Continuous Professional Development

Hello Trainers and Coaches,

Greetings!

"He who learns but does not think is lost; he who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." – Confucius

In the world of Learning and Development (L&D), the role of a trainer or coach isn't static; it's as dynamic as the minds we engage with. Staying still is not an option. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is about recognizing the need for perpetual growth, no matter where we are in our journey. It’s a commitment to nurturing ourselves so that we can better nurture others.

For L&D professionals, CPD is about keeping our skills and knowledge sharp, enhancing our ability to adapt to new challenges, and enriching the experience we deliver to our clients. The field continuously evolves, from emerging technologies to fresh insights into human behavior, and it's essential for trainers to evolve with it. This growth isn't just about keeping up—it's about staying ahead and delivering impactful change.

Imagine CPD as a garden. A garden left unattended may survive for a while, but weeds will encroach, flowers may fade, and the once lush greenery will wither. A well-maintained garden, however, with regular nurturing and attention, thrives year-round, becoming a source of beauty, sustenance, and resilience. Similarly, as trainers, we need to continuously tend to our own “professional gardens”—enriching our knowledge, watering our skills, and removing any outdated practices to ensure we remain relevant, inspired, and impactful.

According to research by LinkedIn’s 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 93% of organizations believe that upskilling employees is critical to their success. However, only 29% of professionals pursue active learning independently. In the L&D space, those who choose the CPD path stand out—they're the ones who keep pace with industry advancements, consistently delivering fresh insights and techniques to their clients and teams.

When I first entered the world of Learning and Development in 2014, I quickly realized that passion alone wasn't enough. The field demanded something deeper—a commitment to growing with it. This led me to embrace CPD as my personal mission. Today, I am proud to say that I’ve completed over 20 certifications, both international and local. Each certification represents not only an enhancement of my skills but also a renewal of my purpose to serve better.

Some of the significant certifications I’ve pursued include:

• Train the Trainer (five certifications in total)
• Soft Skills Certification
• International Business Coaching
• Life and Business Coaching (ICF Accredited with 76 Coach Specific Training Hours)
• Process Facilitation (Accredited by National Skill India Mission)
• Games-Oriented Active Learning and Facilitation (Indoor and Outdoor)
• Emotional Intelligence (Training, Facilitation, and Coaching)
• Design Thinking Practitioner

At this very moment, I’m pursuing three more certifications—Master Trainer Program, AI Mastermind Program, and Counsellorpreneur Program. Each step in this journey has opened new doors of insight, empowered me with effective tools, and equipped me with diverse approaches to serve my clients more profoundly.

Continuous Professional Development isn’t just a list of qualifications—it’s an ongoing dedication to growth, quality, and relevance. Each program, training, and certification has deepened my understanding of how to support others effectively. And, as I evolve, I help others do the same.

Actionable Steps

1. Identify Your Learning Goals: Begin by assessing your areas of strength and potential improvement. What skills do you want to enhance or learn?
2. Set a CPD Roadmap: Commit to at least one new course, workshop, or seminar each year. Set achievable milestones and celebrate your progress.
3. Apply and Reflect: Knowledge grows through application. Implement what you learn, reflect on the outcomes, and adjust your approach. CPD isn’t just about learning—it’s about evolving.
4. Engage with a Community of Learners: Join groups of like-minded professionals or subscribe to newsletters (like this one!) that will keep you updated, challenged, and inspired.

CPD is a commitment to ourselves, our clients, and the ever-evolving field we serve. Embracing it means more than just earning certifications; it’s about building resilience, adaptability, and a legacy of impactful change. Remember, every moment we invest in our development expands our potential to transform lives and create value.

If you’re ready to elevate your journey in L&D, know that you're not alone. CPD is a pathway that will not only bring new knowledge but also fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose.

If you found this newsletter insightful, imagine the ongoing inspiration and growth you’ll experience as a subscriber! Join over 4,500 trainers who are already receiving Training Triumphs twice a month. Click Subscribe today to keep expanding your toolkit, one triumph at a time. Together, let’s stay on the path of continuous growth and impact.

Until we meet next time, keep learning, keep sharing, keep inspiring.

Kind regards

Dr Shanker Viswanath

Your Partner in your success as a Trainer and Coach

#ContinuousLearning #ProfessionalGrowth #LDLeadership

?