The Wagging Tail

When we think of professional development, we often want to put this responsibility onto others. In actuality, professional development is a personal responsibility.
As we progress in our careers, we must take the time to learn better communication, better negotiating skills and better personal presentation. A career demands we improve in each of these areas. A job may not. Do you want a job or career?

Personally, I had no idea what I wanted when I graduated from veterinary school. I suspect a job was most important then. Later on, I realized that a career would better suit me. A career asks that you are willing to progress in many ways. Seeking input from your peers and your clients is one way to receive input to further develop your professional skill set. As a doctor in the hospital, your peers are the other doctors, your clients are your staff and Pet parents. A doctor should not be afraid to ask their team, “How am I doing? What can I do better? What would you like to see me do more of or less of?” Your peers, staff and clients are your first line of self awareness.

There are many courses available for professional development. Dale Carnegie, Covey, local community colleges etc. “Projecting a Professional Image” is a Dale Carnegie course that would suit anyone who wants to improve self awareness and present a better view of themselves to their peers, direct reports and team leaders.

I can’t say enough about reading! I have a library of books on leadership, personal presentation and communication. I tell those who work with me that they must be their own advocates and put in the time to further develop themselves. I have given them several books over the years. A favorite is, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” by John Maxwell. All people entering into leadership should read this book.

Professional development and growth are the individual’s responsibility — if you take your careers seriously. Each day people are watching you. I have said many a time, “You never know who is watching you, learning from you, or being affected by you.” I have had people call me years after working with me and tell me what they learned from me or thank me for the development provided. Even when there were hard lessons to learn, we grow from adversity. We are judged on how well we handle adverse times.

As your responsibilities expand, push yourself to do more tasks and duties that are uncomfortable. It’s easy to be successful doing what you do best. Learn to do something difficult or different that can help your career. Develop yourself, you are the only one who can.