A timely reminder of (self-) continuous improvement. One of the good things that I learned in my current company is the need to have a yearly ‘development plan’. This plan should touch on aspects of technical/functional skills learning, leadership development, and management development.

Normally, this is done through a formal process with one’s line manager, but in principle, it doesn’t have to be. A person could easily do this in a simple 3-column chart and list down items in each with a time frame for doing each action item.

However, having said that, the process starts with ourselves – we can only drink the proverbial water, no one can make us drink it!

Cheers,

I love your comment on the impact of the Millenials. This is a topic that many are under-estimating and that I like you, believe that it will have a profound impact on our work environment sooner instead of later. As an aside, look for my note via this blog on my feature article on this topic running in the May issue of Communication World-On-Line.

Thanks again for sharing your perspectives! -Art

1. I worked in a corporate environment for several years, went back into a major acadamic institution, and am now back in a corporate environment. One of my learnings during these career transitions was the immediate impact that a new culture of workers (millenials) is going to have on our workforce. The demand (not desire) for customization of everything one touches will continue to shape our workforce into one that must be more flexible. From our policies to our competencies the learning agile and flexible will succeed.

2. The impact of the economy on job security in ever industry has generally shifted the workforce towards a “look out for me first” mentality. While this mindset is needed regardless of economic high’s or low’s to a certain degree, it is the balance of developing myself while looking for opportunities to develop and lead others that sets us up to succeed in the long term.

Short term outlook = Long term pain.

-Art

Your suggestions are spot-on. I have personally seen the benefits of all six. And Jim’s additions fit in perfectly as well (As an aside– Jim is one of my mentors to whom I am deeply grateful).

These great principles lead you to believe in yourself. You need to have confidence that you can really do what you want to do, and then go for it. Today is the best time to put your plan into action and move forward with confidence. -Michael

We all must take an active role in sharpening our saw.

I think it was Abe Lincoln, when asked how long to chop down a particular tree he replied: 4 hours…3 to sharpen the axe, one to chop the tree down”

In addition to continuing education, we must continuously be “market sensing”… what will the leader of tomorrow need to be? We must all be getting ready as the largest exodus in the history of leadership is about to occur. With all the downsizing the focus has been doing more with less, and not mentoring the next generation.
Therefore my mentor’s advice from Frito-lay is even stronger…WE must be accountable for OUR continuous improvement. If you wait for your company to recognize the need and act…you will be disappointed.

Of course you are preaching to the choir here. I got the RIF treatment a few months back and have proceeded to execute on all your suggestions. I have also laid out a 3, 5, and 10 year plan. Ambitious, but when I return to the “real” corporate world I want a touch stone to keep me true. Just like a good business plan keeps a company on a defined path so too will my career plan.

Complete agreement on the social networking component as well. I’ve lost track of the now tremendous number of great professionals that I have met through various social networking approaches.

Thanks as always for sharing your insights! -Art

- Mentors: I have several mentors that I use. While I’ve been in a lot of roles, I’ve attached myself to numerous resources, how challenge me, teach me and assist in stretching my capabilities. I talk to them regularly. I also champion others and try to lose myself in creating a Greater Than Yourself connection.

- Social Media: In the past year, I’ve become more engaged with bright people with similar goals and aspirations. Communities on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn provide great avenues for discussions and thousands of talented people are willing to share thoughts, ideas, suggestions, links and offer their time to elevate you.

Many of us may wonder, “what is my brand?” I have spent some time looking at my “distinctive competence.” I have applied this principle taught by Pragmatic Marketing to me and have often asked friends and colleagues, “what’s your distinctive competence?”