Do you want to stay current and add flexibility in your career?
If you want to ensure a long career where you hold the options, you must continuously exercise and grow your brain. Both your left side (logic) of your brain and your right side (creative) must be exposed to new situations, new approaches, and new viewpoints.
Every day you should read the business and another section of a major national newspaper such as The Globe and Mail or Wall Street Journal. Every week you should read at least one business and one other trade magazine. Every year you should attend several seminars, workshops and events that extend your knowledge and allow you to share best practices. Every two years, you should attend at least one multi day professional conference or training session in your field or industry that teaches you new skills. Every five years, you should complete a professional degree, designation, certification or diploma.
I am not trying to sound ‘preachy’, I just see first hand the positive affect that continuous learning has on our careers. Your mind is amazing and if you have the passion to learn, you will learn. Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Enterprises, is dyslexic and ADD, yet he taught himself how to fly and runs a phenomenally successful, multi-faceted global business.
Putting It Into Action:
By the end of this month, research continuous learning options at local colleges, universities and community centers. Look for ways to learn in class, on-line and also at your own pace; we all have preferred ways of learning, find out your most effective format. Ensure that most of your development enhances your right side of the brain, improving your creativity, context, interpersonal and empathy skills. By the end of next month, put together a two and five year plan with specific details and dates and hold yourself or appoint someone close to you accountable for making sure you stay on your plan. Next, make sure you champion continuous learning in your team and organization.
With you along the path towards success,
Joseph