Managers rarely take time for our own personal development. Demands rain down on our every moment. To-do lists grow faster than we can complete tasks. Networking with potential contacts could soak up every spare moment. As long as we are still upright on our skates, we just keep moving.
Waiting for a crash is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we don't take time to assess our needs for improved or new skills, and don't dedicate time for skill development, we will have few tools available when a real crisis or a real opportunity presents itself. Worse yet, we might not even notice the opportunities that might result in promotion or that might forestall potential crises.
- Find a self-assessment tool (or several). Many organizations make these tools available to staff. A quick search on the Web provides excellent sites, such as Management Help. The public library and book stores have lots of choice.
- Set aside time to do the assessment. Schedule a substantial amount of time in your calendar to do the assessment and to consider the implications of the results - no less than one hour.
- Discuss the results with a trusted colleague or friend. Confirm your perceptions about the test's recommendations.
- Choose one or two skills for improvement. Pick an easy one and a more difficult one, so you will see some benefits while working seriously on changing some aspect of your current abilities.
- Design a program that you can follow. Schedule weekly amounts of time for reading or research into how others demonstrate your selected skill. Find an activity that will require you to stretch your skill - volunteering is good for this. Add your goal to formal objectives set with your boss.
If you find this personal development too time-consuming or onerous, ask yourself why would your employer invest in you if you will not invest in yourself.
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