How To Write a Professional Development Plan

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Professional Development Plan|How To Write a Professional Development PlanIn every work field, development is a crucial part of the job. Whether it’s individual or collective, improving your skills can help you maintain your position or to ascend. Also, you can become more efficient, which makes tasks easier and less time-consuming.

But how can you improve in the most effective way possible? First, you have to create a systematic development plan that helps you focus on every aspect of your job. Then, you can take action and put the plan in motion.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create a step-by-step plan to develop your individual skills or to better the whole team.

What Is A Development Plan?

Before we learn how to develop a plan, let’s define it better.

A development plan is a series of steps to take to improve your performance at work. The result of the said plan should be reaching your career objectives.

Here are some examples of how a well-made development plan can help you:

  • It can aid you to gain a different perspective of your work.
  • It can help you earn a certification.
  • It aids you during a job search.
  • It can make goals more visible so you can actively reach them.

So, when you put together all the elements, you have a clear picture of where and how to start.
You can build your development scheme on digital notes, Microsoft Word, or even on a piece of paper. As long as you keep it updated, detailed, and clear, reaching your goals will be simple.

Consider using as many bullet-point lists as you can and specific keywords that can remind you of the steps at first glance.

Lastly, keep it in a cloud where you can access the document easily, from different devices. Alternatively, if it’s not digital, keep it on the front page of your journal, where you can see it right away.

StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Professional Development Plan|How To Write a Professional Development PlanSteps To Create A Proper Development Plan

If you wish to create a thorough development plan, you might want to follow a few steps.

1. Evaluate

You may want to find out your skills before you improve them. So, start by thinking about your knowledge, abilities, and specialties. Then, you can focus on improving them. Try to go from more generic and soft competencies to specific ones. Here are some examples:

  • You can say that you’re “technology-savvy” and then elaborate on the apps you can use and the level of expertise for each.
  • You can include “good with communication” and specify the ways you make yourself understood.
  • You can say that you’re “autonomous” and elaborate on how you can manage your work without anybody’s help.
  • You can include “cooperative” and specify the way you work with others on projects.

It’s vital to include all the abilities that define your working methods. Specifically, for a job search, having a list that can describe you as an employee can make a good impression in an interview or a CV.

Don’t forget to include some weaknesses that are pertinent to your position. Maybe you have trouble organizing your paperwork, or you don’t know how to work in groups. If you list the things you can’t do, you can focus on them and improve.

Otherwise, if you work in a team, try to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of the entire group or micro-groups.

For example, suppose you work at a freelance company, like Assignment Help UK, a service or accounting company. Maybe you have trouble synchronizing, and the result is delayed deliveries. Figure out what doesn’t work. Perhaps it’s the lack of communication or poor organization.

2. Set objectives

There’s no development plan without goals. So, try to figure out what you wish to achieve. Here are some examples of objectives:

  • Get promoted;
  • Get a raise;
  • Get a new job opportunity;
  • Work from home.

Make sure that your objectives are well-defined and easy to measure. You want to know precisely the result you wish to achieve through the plan. Moreso, if it’s a quantifiable goal, make sure you can monitor your growth to update your plan or continue it.

Also, your objectives should be reasonable and relevant. Getting a raise, if you’ve only been working for a year at your company, might be a goal to achieve within the next five years, not in six months. So, make sure that there’s a time frame and that your goals are realistic.

If you work in groups, make sure that the objectives you set benefit everyone who’s part of the plan. For example, if you work as a travel writer at Custom Papers, or as an editor, make sure your whole team is aboard. If not, you can create groups with separate objectives.

3. Determine strategies

Now that you know your goals and your resources, you can start to think about how to reach your objectives. Here are some examples of methods:

If you wish to become better at your job to waste less time and earn more, you can take a course. Improving your knowledge through a class or a workshop can make you more productive.
If you want to change your approach, and become more flexible with ideas, consider finding a mentor. You can learn numerous tips from your colleagues or superintendents.
If you wish to work from home, try to show your employee that you can work autonomously and communicate through technology.

Generally speaking, the best strategies to reach your goals involve education and experience. However, if your goals depend on your habits, you can just try to change those.

For example, let’s assume you write blog posts, the assignment help or articles. Maybe you’re having trouble delivering on time because you have a chaotic schedule. So, you can start to write tasks and due dates in a journal.

Still, even in this case, you might want to get educated about self-management through Youtube videos, webinars, or other methods.

If you work in a team, the solution could involve breaking up the large group into pairs. Or the solution could be installing a cloud where people can get work on the same project from different devices.

4. Find the right tools

Once you figure out what you need to do to improve, you can start looking for the tools to do it. The instruments you use are related to your strategies. As mentioned before, if the strategy is educational, then your tools are institutions, webinars, development platforms, mentors, and more.

On the other hand, your instruments can be new software, new arrangements in the office, etc.
List all of your options and see which ones are more effective.

5. Have a step-by-step approach

Remember to keep breaking down your process into smaller tasks. For example, if you need to attend classes, your guide should look like this:

  1. Go to class. First, try to be punctual and attend classes.
  2. Study. Secondly, you can start to study for your certification and do your homework.
  3. Become autonomous. Lastly, try to do extra work or to turn theory into practice.

Once you complete those little tasks, you can move on with your plan.

Conclusion

If you wish to improve your aptitudes and reach your career objectives, try developing a plan with the following steps:

  1. Evaluate.
  2. Set objectives.
  3. Determine strategies.
  4. Find the right tools.
  5. Have a step-by-step approach.

About the Author

StrategyDriven Expert Contributor | Tiffany HarperTiffany Harper is a freelance writer who helps as a subject matter expert with some college paper writing service and top essay writing service. She is very fortunate to work from home like a consultant with blogs and social media posts of bestcustomessay.org. When she’s taking a break, Tiffany loves to practice Yoga in a local park or meeting new people. Please do not hesitate to contact her on twitter.

How Do Prospective Students Choose a Grad School?

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Grad School|How Do Prospective Students Choose a Grad School?With grad school fees on the rise and the level of debt that students end up with mounting, it is no surprise that students are taking a more in-depth and considered approach to picking the right grad school.

Knowing what students are looking for based on both their wants and needs helps grad schools clearly communicate the information that prospective students need to make that all-important decision, and this knowledge can help grad school applicants check that they are asking the right questions.

Read on to find out what today’s prospective grad students are looking for when deciding which grad school to choose.

Return on investment

Because grad school is not a cheap endeavor, students want to know that they will be getting value for money and a significant return on their investment. Prospective students want to be able to apply the skills they learn at grad school directly to their working life the moment they step into it, which means grad schools need to be able to provide learning that is up to date and applicable to real life.

For grad schools, the marketing experts at https://www.sextantmktg.com/ can help make sure the key information students seek is clearly and widely disseminated. Grad school provides excellent progression opportunities in most fields, and students look at these progression opportunities when assessing each course. Grad schools should have clear information on the recent successes of its graduates to help prospective students plan the career they want to follow. Alumni groups can also help prospective students get a better idea of the career trajectories of graduates.

Academic quality

Academic quality is important for grad students. The quality of teaching, course content and teaching materials and access to a network of professionals and support within the chosen subject of study are factors that many prospective students take into consideration.

Tutors who have vast tangible experience within their fields are often preferred, as they will be able to draw on that knowledge to answer students’ questions or concerns.

Flexible learning

Flexibility is an increasingly important criterion that prospective students are looking at because perhaps more than any previous generation, they shoulder a greater range of responsibilities outside of school.

Post-grad students often work full-time jobs to be able to afford to study, and also, more and more students are starting their education journey later in life, due to a change in career path. Rapid advances in technology mean that many workers need to update their skill set to remain competitive in the workplace. This means they may already have children or other responsibilities that require education provision to be flexible.

Flexibility for grad schools should include the option for distance learning as well as in-person study, and also remote access to the resources needed to complete the program.

It is also important to offer courses that take into account students’ varied pace of learning. It is important that learners can take on as little or as much time as they need to complete a program and have access to tutors and course materials that can facilitate that.

Why Are Accredited CPD Training Courses Integral for Professional Development?

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Why Are Accredited CPD Training Courses Integral for Professional Development?Career development is what drives many employees within their professions but achieving this isn’t always as easy or straightforward as we all hoped. A highly competitive job market, teams with an impending recession has caused many business owners to place promotions and pay rises on hold.

This is why it’s imperative to stand out from the crowd and do whatever it takes to impress managers. One way of doing so is by undertaking accredited CPD training. These courses can provide invaluable information and skills that may not be able to be learnt on the job, and this article discusses its benefits and how it can help aid with career progressions.

Independently Verified

The internet is a fountain of knowledge, unfortunately, not everything is up-to-date or correct and some can even be a scam. By choosing a CPD accredited course, provides peace of mind as all of these have been independently verified.

This means the student knows they are getting the right facts, alongside value for their money. These courses are constantly updated to be in line with new findings, technology, trends and compliance.

Boosts The CV

With the job market being so competitive, it’s more important than ever to get ahead of the game and impress recruiters and employers.

When a candidate states they have undertaken professionally accredited training courses, not only does it show off their wide knowledge range, but also a willingness to learn and initiative.

Candidates who undertook their initial training a long period ago can fall victim to recruiters assuming they are not using the most modern methods, these courses can prove otherwise.

It can even improve salary prospects and can increase the chances of obtaining a higher wage bracket.

Aids Career Change

There is no limit to what age an employee can change their career, but the longer they take to make this decision, the harder it can be to make the change.

Even candidates who are looking for entry-level roles can find these jobs too competitive and it can lead to having to put these career changes on hold.

However, CPD training can help to score that all-important interview. Candidates with no previous experience or formal qualifications in the field are often overlooked and their application is rarely considered to progress further in the recruitment stages.

By stating in a CV or covering letter the eagerness to learn, the interest in the field and the knowledge already obtained from their own initiative, candidates can really help themselves stand out and progress.

Impresses The Boss

When wishing to process within a current company, one of the best ways an employee can make sure they are considered for further development is to show initiative, interest and a willingness to succeed.

Employees who openly state CPD courses they are taking or have completed will always score points with bosses, as they can see their staff members care just as much about the business as they do.

This new-found knowledge can also be used to help other colleagues and to refine practices and processes in the organisation. Showing off training and managerial skills that can lead to the all-important promotion.

Boosts Confidence

One major reason for employees to hold themselves back from career progression is lack of confidence.

Lack of faith in oneself will often lead to staff not putting themselves forward for new roles and becoming complacent and comfortable in their current role.

By undertaking training courses that are accredited and have been verified of a professional standard, students can quickly gain some confidence with new knowledge, while also reiterating what they already do know.

This can then be applied in the workplace, with the added benefit of access to experts in the subject matter of the course, they can always reach out for clarification and even find solutions to work-related problems.

Many of these courses even provide real-life examples and scenarios, meaning if similar occurrences happen in the workplace, they are already equipped to handle this.

7 Professional Development Goals To Set Today

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Professional Development Goals|7 Professional Development Goals To Set TodayNo matter what career you set your mind to, you’ll have to create a set of professional development goals, so that you stay on top of your game. It’s also important to invest time and energy into your professional development, since they focus on your functional expertise, accomplish tasks in your current job, and prepare you for the next step in your career.

Here are 7 goals that you need to set for professional development today:

1. Start With An End Goal

You heard right! Start with the end!

“To start with an end goal means to think about the future,” says Joan Smith, a business coach at NextCoursework and Write My X. “In other words, work backwards. As you work backwards, you’ll find your answers easily. Figure out what it will take to get to each goal, the skills and experience needed, and any other required training or certification.”

Here are questions to consider when thinking about your end goal:

  • Where do you want to be in a few years?
  • What will your title be in a few years?
  • What kind of company do you wish to work for?
  • What new skills will you have, by the time you’re hired for a company?
  • What will your achievements be?

2. Remember Why You’re Here

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, to the point where you question how you’ve picked a profession to begin with? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there at some point.

In fact, part of your professional development goals should be to make sure that you don’t get burned out of what you’re doing. Instead, take some time for yourself to quietly reflect on why you’ve chosen your profession in the first place. Also, think about the people that you’re affecting with your profession. Once you reflect on these things, you’ll get a clear understanding of why you’re here, and then come to appreciate it more.

3. Be SMART

Try the acronym SMART to figure out your objectives, and learn to reach them:

  • Specific: Your goal must be clear and specific, and it’s what you want to accomplish. Also, think about why that goal is important, who is involved, where needs to be done to complete the task, and what resources you need for it.
  • Measurable: A goal should be trackable from beginning to end.
  • Achievable: The goal has to be realistic, to ensure success.
  • Relevant: Your goal must matter to you, and also align with your other goals and long-term plans.
  • Time-bound: Your goal needs a deadline to maintain accountability.

4. Strategize Each Goal

It’s important to have strategies for each of your goals – not just one of them. First, break down your goals into smaller tasks to give yourself achievable milestones as you progress.

Afterwards, ask your HR department if there’s a budget for learning and development. If so, sign up for a course, and learn as much as possible. Finally, when you take a certification exam, make sure you study prior to testing.

5. Establish Relationships

Relationships matter in many industries, including retail, real estate, customer service – the list goes on. No matter your profession, you have to cultivate relationships with your customers, so that you can be a shining star in your community, and positively affect people’s lives with what you have to offer.

6. Check In With Yourself Often

“It’s important to check in on yourself every so often, when developing your professional goals,” says Hayden Wilkinson, a writer at Britstudent and Australia2Write. “In other words, set up a time weekly or monthly to track your progress, and see how you’re doing. If necessary, you can have a friend or family member check in on you to see how you’re doing every week or month, so that you’re giving your best all the time, every time, in your profession.”

7. Make Time

When it comes to setting goals, you still need to make time for them. Regardless of your objective or profession, you have to be consistent with your goal-setting. Even if you have to substitute an activity (i.e. watching TV) for focusing on your goals, then do so.

Conclusion

Once you set up some of these professional development goals, you be certain that you’ll improve always, and that you’ve kept track of your accomplishments.
Don’t just wait for your company to offer you on-the-job training. You can start setting your professional development goals today!

About the Author

Vanessa Kearney is a writer and editor at Write my research proposal and Phdkingdom.com. She is also a contributing writer for Research Paper Help. As a professional writer, she is not only passionate about writing on various topics, she also strives to create something unique and exciting for her readers and subscribers.

8 Ways You Can Improve Your Leadership Skills

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Leadership Skills|8 Ways You Can Improve Your Leadership SkillsAre you considering starting your own business, or wondering how you could get better results from the current business or businesses that you run? If you always seem to get held back and are struggling to get your teams to work exactly how you would want them to, your leadership skills could do with some improvement. Studies show that teams who work under good leaders tend to be more eager to go above and beyond the call of duty when needed, have better relationships with their work and their colleagues, and tend to be more loyal to the companies that they work for. So, there’s every reason to consider improving your leadership skills for the good of your business. Here are just a few ways that you can do just that.

Consider a Coaching Course:

Some people are just naturally good at coaching and guiding others, while others miss the mark completely. If your efforts to train your employees in something new or coach them through tasks are not getting you the results that you want, a course like the BCF Group executive coaching course could be the ideal choice for you. With a BCF Group executive coaching course, you will learn the leadership skills needed to coach your employees in anything and get the reception that you want, with one to one sessions provided either at your workplace or over the phone.

Become a Better Listener:

One of the main differences between someone who is a boss and somebody who is a leader is that a leader knows how to listen to their team. Reflect on your practices so far. If you have been simply telling people what to do and not giving them much of a chance to be heard, then it could be that you’re acting more like a boss than a leader. Active listening skills are absolutely essential to anybody in a leadership position, as they allow you to truly hear what your teams have to say and take it on board.

Act on Feedback:

Simply listening isn’t always enough – being able to act on feedback or give team members concise reasons as to why a suggestion might not be possible right now, is a crucial skill for any good leader. A good leader knows that his or her team is extremely important to the organisation and, as a result, will listen to and try to act on any feedback that is given by them. Whether it’s about small changes to the layout of the office, or suggestions about remote working, leaders never just dismiss their teams’ concerns and suggestions as they know that these are the people they are relying on for success.

Give Autonomy:

A good leader trusts his or her employees to get the job done and makes sure that they are around to offer support and guidance when needed. If you want to become a better leader then the first thing that you will need to do is let go of the idea of micromanaging people or constantly checking up on them to make sure that they are getting the work done. While it might be tempting to do so, this will only create a sense of mistrust in your team and could even lead to individuals resenting you. As a result, you’re less likely to cultivate a sense of loyalty among your team, and could even see a bigger rate of turnover among employees.

Inspire By Action:

A boss will stay in their office all day and tell others what to do; on the contrary, a good leader inspires their team to do their best through their own actions. Whatever you want your team to do, make sure that you are demonstrating this to them in the best way. Even in the workplace, people are inspired by the actions of those who are in authority to them and a leader who demonstrates a genuine passion and verve for their work is always going to get this kind of response from the people that they are in charge of. Show your team exactly how it’s done.

Be Honest and Humble:

Nobody likes having a boss who struggles to admit when they made a mistake. The truth is that we do all make mistakes from time to time and nobody on your team expects you to be perfect. If you mess up, the best thing that you can do is admit it to your team with honesty and integrity, take responsibility, and work together to figure out how you can avoid the same situation happening again. Nobody is going to respect an authority figure who tries to cover up their mistakes or blames others for them.

Communicate:

The best leaders have a thorough understanding of good communication skills and just how important they are to the workplace. Not only do they clearly communicate tasks and instructions to their teams, but they also encourage their teams to improve communication between themselves and provide them with the tools to do so. This could mean giving teams more time to get up to speed at the beginning of each day or providing remote teams with the best communications tools to get the job done while working from home.

Keep Learning:

A good leader knows that there’s never going to be a point where they know everything. No matter how experienced or successful you become, there’s always going to be something that you don’t know and somebody that you can learn something new from. In fact, you may find yourself learning new things from people who are further down the chain of command from yourself. Good leaders never feel embarrassed that they didn’t know something or resent others for knowing more than them; they appreciate the opportunity to learn more and have the utmost respect for the knowledge of others.

Whether you want better results for your existing business or want to get your new business started out on the right foot, the best place to start is by improving your own leadership skills.