It may be hard to believe, but this year is almost over.
With next week being a holiday week in the U.S., it’s a great opportunity for reflection. In addition to all the things to give thanks for, I also suggest reflecting on your professional development.
Leadership Tip
As you plan for down time next week, schedule time to reflect on your professional development progress and what you might need going forward.
If you’re satisfied with your progress, that’s great. Keep doing what you’re doing.
If you’re not satisfied or think you could do even more, then map out your plan of action.
What can you do specifically? Identify up to three areas to work on and determine how you will go about doing that. Also figure out how you’ll find the time and discipline to stick to your plan. As an example, if you want to improve your listening skills, plan how and when you will do it and then how you will know if you’ve succeeded.
You’ll find no shortage of opportunities to grow professionally. Here’s what it takes:
- a vision for who you want to be next year—and the years after that.
- a clear sense of where you are today and also where you want to go.
- a clear knowledge of what you need to develop to get where you want to go.
- a clear understanding of how to get what you need on the journey you’re taking.
- a strong commitment and the discipline to stay focused on achieving your vision.
Carve out time for creating a vision of your future, and you’ll make your holidays both enjoyable and productive.
