Leaders know that ongoing personal and professional development is key to continued success. While a commitment to that growth may have contributed to achieving their current position, it is also an activity that is often put on the back-burner when times are busy. As we near the end of the first quarter, I think it bears some discussion.
What are you doing to continue your professional and personal growth?
There are many ways you can develop your skills. Here are just a few:
- Seek new opportunities at work or in your community that will challenge you to learn something new or expand your network.
- Take advantage of coaching (how to DO) or mentoring (how to BE) opportunities
- Set aside an hour a week for webinars, TedTalks or podcasts
- Learn more about your employer’s industry, opportunities and challenges
- Improve your time management skills
- Subscribe to a business magazine or newspaper (and read them!)
- Develop your communication skills (listening, writing, speaking, body language)
- Check with your Chamber of Commerce or Community Center for adult education opportunities
- Look at your local community college offerings
- Start or join a leadership book club
Learning Leaders are Reading Leaders
I was reminded of this topic last week as someone I used to work with reached out for some book suggestions. He has set a goal to read one book a month relating to his personal and/or professional development. A worthy and reasonable goal, right? If you want to join him, below is the list of books I suggested. By the way, he has already read my favorite, Greater Than Yourself by Steve Farber, or that would have been at the top of the list!
The Little Big Things, 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence, by Tom Peters. Don’t be put off by the number of pages. Each of the 163 items is about two to three pages long which makes it very manageable. Peters’ storytelling and leadership views make it a very interesting read, as well. I led a client book club on this title and it was very well received.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek. Why do you do what you do? What is your contribution to the world? What difference does it make? If you would like the answer to these questions, read this book! When leading change and encouraging action, always start with why.
The Truth About Leadership by James M. Kouzes and Barry A. Posner. Having “grown up” as a leader on The Leadership Challenge, I love this summary of leadership key points. Is leadership for you? Read this book as part of your reflection.
Gung Ho! by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. If you know me, you know a fable style book had to be on this list. Here it is: Gung Ho! was the first book my former employer had the leadership team read. If morale issues are negatively affecting productivity, here’s the inspiration to make changes that will instill energy and enthusiasm in every member of the team.
The Welch Way by Jeffrey A. Krames. This was the first book written specifically to help managers and employees adapt some of the practices that GE’s Jack Welch used in his illustrious career. The 24 lessons show how innovative and authentic leaders can inspire greatness in their people.
What oldies but goodies would you add to the list? There are so many…
