DEAR MOMENTS OF FOCUS: One of our top executive’s work rules shows he’s not interested in the employees’ personal and professional development. Is my only recourse to find another job?
DEAR LOOKING FOR DEVELOPMENT: Sometimes we find ourselves in a position where it appears we are the only person who is interested in our personal and professional development. It is always an added benefit to have someone on your team who is focused on making sure that you are continuously growing, meeting your goals and getting better. Some companies build employee development into their foundation and believe that if they take the time to train you, you will be better prepared to climb the ladder of success with them. Other companies only look for employees who can come to the table prequalified for the job at hand. It is important to understand a company’s viewpoint on this matter when joining the team, if possible. However, if you find yourself in a position and it appears that there is no room for growth, take the time to re-examine your situation. The hardest part of Professional Therapy, even when you have someone there to guide you with direction, is sifting through your own self-assessment. If you are preparing to be in a different position in one year, evaluate and outline how you plan to be better qualified in six months. Before you decide to leave and find another job, I would suggest that you stay in your current position long enough to take the time to strategically think and plan for your steps ahead.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• What is my professional end goal, as I currently envision it?
• What do I want to do/focus on next?
• What are the steps that I am willing to take to get there?
• Would I prefer that my next job be a training camp, or would I like to take the
time to prepare and come in at a different level?
Know that your growth and development does not have to solely come from your current position. However, life is a class and your salary is often the tuition for your life. When you are not being developed at work, but your job still adds to the strength of your resume, use your salary to invest into your future. If your job is not sending you to events and pushing you to grow, find classes, conferences, networking events and professional organizations that meet your schedule and feed directly into your career.