Do you have a personal growth plan or personal development plan? Does your employer encourage such a plan? And if you are the employer, do you ask for one from your team? .
.
[featured-image single-newwindow=”false”]
.
There are some companies (fewer and fewer) which have employee growth plans designed to help the individual grow to a new level. Usually this is a win/win plan, where the growth is in an area that helps the company as well as the individual. Leadership and management growth is a common area for growth plans.
.
Recently one of our IEM clients was working with his management team asking them what it would take for him to move to the next level. After many conversations, he really had little information. There was no plan. It would just happen if it happened.
I asked him if his company had any stellar leaders, some who really stood out in either leadership or thought leadership. As you guessed it – none. I guess since they were not working to develop their people, the lack of great leaders is not a surprise.
What about you? Do you have a personal growth plan or a personal development plan? No need to wait for someone else to do it for you.
.
Steps to Develop a Personal Growth Plan
1. Start with two questions:
Where do I want to grow?
Where is the market demand? This market demand might be in your company or the market in general.
If you have no idea on these, download my worksheets on “How to Find Your Calling” as a place to start.
2. Define the growth areas. For instance, if you desire to move into a management/leadership position, your path could include learning more about leadership, public speaking, and your industry in general.
3. Who are the leaders in this area? If you see no one you really admire in your company, look to other companies. Who does your own management team seem to listen to and respect? Go learn more about these people. How? Talk to them. This may sound intimidating, but reaching out to them can open up a whole new world to you – literally. See my post on Networking for Introverts part 1 and part 2 for guidance on how to do this.
4. Find great sources of information in these areas of growth. What books, blogs, podcasts, conferences, etc are key? Seek these things out and read them, listen to them, attend them, etc. Best way to find these is by asking those leaders what they use to learn. What are they doing now to grow? (Trust me, if they are really leaders, they are actively growing)
5. Become a thought leader. As you learn, share with others actively. Offer to help your peers and others in your company as they ask. How you do this will vary widely, but it makes the most sense to wait for someone to ask for help before you offer to help. But if you are actively growing, soon someone will ask. They may not be direct, but they will ask curious questions. Offer to help. Sooner or later some will take you up on it. When they do, you have become the leader!
Leaders are Always Growing
By definition, if you plan to grow, you are a leader. Others will follow. But either way, growth is fun and productive. Just by reading this blog, you are already growing. Not just because the genius I share with you, but because you are seeking information. You could be playing a video game instead.
So start now. Share thoughts on this blog and others. Comment. Share with others. Be part of the growth of others, and you grow yourself.
.
[reminder]What would you recommend for those wanting to grow in their careers? Any great sources of information?[/reminder]
![205: What Should You Quit Doing? [Podcast]](https://dalecallahan.com/wp-content/uploads/drew-hays-hdGyEhAMYdo-unsplash.jpg)
![204: Are You the Burger Flipper or the Boss [Podcast]](https://dalecallahan.com/wp-content/uploads/question-mark-2492009_1280.jpg)
Great ideas Dale. When I started my company I did exactly this. I found two bloggers in my industry that appeared to be on top of their game and I consider them experts: “CopyBlogger” and “SpinSucks”. In addition I’m a member of two professional organizations that offer “free” seminars. I attended one on Pintrest to learn more about how major companies are using this tool. I blogged about what I learned and the host ended up following me!
I have been to training on web stuff last 4 days. Seems there is a TON to learn – but fun. Hope you are having fun learning. I know I find learning that adds value to others and makes money to me being a blast – maybe that is just me;)
Since I have been in High School I have had my growth plan with me, I find myself achieving most of the the items on this list after I look back, but the problem is that I biggest goal is not there. I have a long list of things that I like, but I dont have the ultimate goal!
Since I have been in High School I have had my growth plan with me, I find myself achieving most of the the items on this list after I look back, but the problem is that I biggest goal is not there. I have a long list of things that I like, but I dont have the ultimate goal!
Do you mean you have not identified the ultimate goal, or have not reached it? Great to hear others have plans. So many (SO MANY) just wander along. So much more fun to have a plan.