As a chief human resources officer, I’ve had a front-row seat for nearly 30 years’ worth of trends in professional development. One trend in particular is having a dramatic effect on working people everywhere: The ways in which organizations select, develop, and reward people today are dramatically different.
In the past, most organizations rewarded tenure–the “company man” who stuck with the organization through thick and thin. Today, however, organizations first reward those men and women who have unique knowledge and perspectives that add value–what you know increasingly determines what you are and what you become.
Further, because most organizations are moving away from hierarchy and managerial layers, opportunity could be anywhere–in another department, in another function or with a business partner.
As a result, there is a compelling need for individuals to continue their development and the acquisition of knowledge over time. The key is to never stop learning and, indeed, the people I see succeed are increasingly people who commit to lifelong learning.
The real benefits of committing to lifelong learning are not just the knowledge you gain, but the perspective, confidence and insight that make you more effective in your current assignment and a more attractive professional candidate.
When advising others on lifelong learning, I recommend the following seven steps to clarify your opportunities for self-development:
– Assess yourself and your current situation. What are your strengths and weaknesses, in terms of your skills and in terms of your job?
– Get validation. Talk to peers, friends, or family about your assessment–their feedback can help create certainty, and can indicate strengths or weaknesses you may not have considered.
– Explore your interests and potential career directions. What do you enjoy? Where would you like to spend the working part of your life? What would you do for free or as a volunteer?
– Acknowledge and address life/career conflicts. Are there real points of conflict between your career and the rest of your life? Are these reconcilable and, if so, how can you address them?
– Identify specific skills or interests to develop. Given your strengths and interests, what specifically about yourself can you develop to make you better able to pursue your interests?
– Develop your game plan. Identify your strategy for developing those skills or interests. How will you get the education or experience? How long will it take? Who can serve as a resource and help you along the way?
– Go do it. Once you’ve developed a strategy, it’s time to stop planning and start acting. Take that first step–whether it’s attending an open house, calling for a class schedule or joining a local-interest group . . . just do something to get the ball rolling.
Learning is a journey, one with twists, turns and the occasional detour or side trip–each of which presents unexpected challenges and opportunities. Those who will be most successful down the road are those who make the commitment to the journey of learning, and who do so for life.
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