Develop Self: CE3 - Develop and Maintain Professional Competence

As the title suggests, this unit is about seeking opportunities to develop skills and knowledge required of work role.

Most leaders succeeded in developing the skills. However, they failed to improve them. They usually think that what they know is already enough, or they believe that their long-term experience in the industry makes them an expert.

In this new Internet age, things change every day. Maybe what you learnt in the 1950s might have been useful in the 1980s, but it's not relevant now! A shift in mindset is needed to remain competitive among your peers. I will list down the different ways to enhance the learning value of leadership practitioners.

1) Creating opportunities to get feedback

Get feedback from your colleagues, managers, or even family members and friends. But your colleagues, family members, and friends may give you feedback that makes you feel good. So I'd suggest asking your superiors. Ask if they are satisfied with your performance so far and seek advice on how to improve yourself.

2) Taking a 10 percent stretch

It is recommended that one takes a 10 percent more in taking risks and going beyond their comfort zone. As I mentioned in the third paragraph, things change every day. Most employees are often worried when change happens in their organisation. Contrary to popular belief, change is always good. It gives you the chance to start over, so go the extra mile and make yourself proud that you can adapt to any situations.

3) Learning from others

Many would try to learn from the people whom they think are more knowledgeable and insightful. Hey, I'm not saying that you shouldn't learn from them. But you must not ignore the rest (like your juniors). I have learnt a lot from people from different walks of life. I seek opinions and feedback from the old crows and the young cardinals, and find ways to fuse both in order to bridge the gap between the two.

4) Keeping a journal

Journals can help leaders to keep track of leadership skills. I've personally never kept a journal for this purpose. However, I used to update my personal blog for self-gratification. When I re-read the blog after a few years of not updating them, I realised what I was doing wrong in my life. There are many cringe-worthy posts in my blog, but I don't regret it one bit. Because it shows how much I've changed over the years. So yeah, keeping a journal for your leadership thingy might work.

5) Having developmental plans / opportunities to develop skills and knowledge

One way is to ask for more responsibilities at work. I remember a few years ago, during my year-end appraisal. I was asked how has it been going, and whether I'm happy there. I told them I was bored and asked for more responsibilities. Their reaction: priceless.

You can also take up courses to improve yourself. I took my Diploma in Mass Communications in 2008, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Management a couple years after. Trust me, it's worth it.

Many doubt their capabilities when it comes to upgrading themselves. Trust me when I say that YOU can actually do it. I did it, and it felt so damn good!

Okay, that's all for this module.

P/S: Excuse the grammar, spelling, and sentence structure in this and previous posts. They were written when I was half-sleeping. :-P