Personal Growth and Professional Development - Key to Success

Think professional development is about talent? Think again. Building perception and influence is just as vital, if not more so. Committing to your personal growth and professional development in these ways will take your career to new heights.

Yes, this may sound daunting. But as Joel describes in the video, in 1954, Edmund Hillary attempted to climb Mt. Everest and failed. However, he’d done something very few people had ever tried to do. When he returned from his journey a couple weeks later, he got up on stage to address a symposium of 2,000 people. He looked toward a huge picture of Mt. Everest and said, “Mt. Everest, you beat me the first time. But I’m going to beat you the next time. Because you’ve grown all you’re going to grow. But I’m still growing.”

A year later, he became the first person to climb Mt. Everest.

Those who advance furthest in their careers are not always the most competent or gifted. Instead, they know how to use perception and influence. When you learn how to leverage your own influence in your organization, you’ll reach great heights. It’s not only about cultivating leadership skills—though that is crucial—but also branding yourself as a leader.

To climb your own personal Mt. Everest, you need to be as committed to your professional development and personal growth as to your performance in your current role. That’s how you advance in your career and get where you deserve to be. You’re always going to encounter hurdles, but like a rock climber, you’re growing in your ability to scale them.

Here are some key steps to take:

• Keep building your reputation as a person who gets things done, a person who doesn’t shy away from challenges.
• Share great ideas. Take time to prepare ideas and insights before meetings, so you’re ready to dive in.
• Become known as a problem-solver: When there’s a lingering problem no one has dared to tackle, find a solution.
• Cultivate mentors and advocates. Ask them for advice; be open to criticism. Hone your abilities by constantly challenging yourself.
• Make yourself known to the big players. Build relationships with them. Ask your mentors and advocates for introductions. Share your successes with them, staying in communication with these organizational leaders.

As you work on your personal growth and professional development as a leader, you’ll leverage others’ perception of you to grow your influence in your organization. Then you’ll find yourself stepping into leadership roles that might once have seemed unfathomable.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑

 JOIN MY NEWSLETTER 
- 1-min read full of best practice articles, famous leaders profiles & 2-min inspiring videos.

✎ AUTHORED 11 BOOKS + 300 FREE ARTICLES ✎

✔ EXECUTIVE COACHING ✔

★ CORPORATE TRAINING / KEYNOTES / WEBINARS ★