Life Long Learning aka Professional Development

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a group of up and coming women leaders.  These are women who are interested in expanding their leadership skills.  They come from every industry and every level of expertise.  The topic I shared with them was continuing professional development after the leadership course.

The concept of professional development is sometimes considered frivolous or extraneous to the work being done. In some arenas such as education, law, and health care, professional development is required in order to maintain certification.  In any case, professional development should be the personal acquirement of information, trends, and strategies to improve performance personally and professionally.  Ways to continue to learn are through workshops, training, professional associations and memberships, and reading.  Another way is through online networks such as LinkedIn that allow you to join groups.  

The challenge I put to the women was to identify one professional development goal.  It could be to read a professional book a month or a week.  The goal could be for a year or three years.  The final question posed, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  Your professional development should lead you in this direction.  What goal have you written down today to help you acquire professional growth?

The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.  Rosalyn S. Yalow

Surviving Unfriendly Skies

One of the perks for work is getting to travel almost every other week.  I realize that not everyone considers this a perk, but for those of us who love avoiding cleaning their own houses or working every day in an office, it is a perk.  I admit that some travel days are better than others.  That is why I am writing today.  Today, April Fool’s Day, has not been the best travel experience of my life.  I have to write about it though just so I can remember the good points about travel.

Many travelers will tell you to expect delays in airports, so I try to come prepared.  One magazine, one book, Smartphone, and tablet and I am prepped with reading material.  When they say "all electronics must be turned off," I am ready with another option.   I have learned also to remember the charging cord and not pack it in my luggage that usually has to be stored under the cabin because we fly on small planes.  One of the best airports I have found for recharging your devices is Minneapolis.  The airport I was stuck in today had very few outlets once you pass security, so make sure you charge your things before you go.  I also learned of a backpack that charges your electronics on the go.  http://www.maclife.com/article/reviews/powerbag_charging_backpack_review

I believe in packing light.  My version of packing light is typically not the same as others.  One person's "must have" item may not be another's.  For me, toothbrush, underwear, socks, and a sweatshirt are the items to not forget.  I can always shop for the other stuff.  Today I chose not to check my luggage.  With all the cancellations and changes in flights I was glad to have a small suitcase.  Going overseas requires a whole different strategy but in the US you can typically get away with a small suitcase.  I found a resource for packing at http://corporette.com/2010/07/12/how-to-plan-for-your-first-business-trip/.

Remember to bring your smile.  I was beyond frustrated today and posted a few things on social media about the airline.  (@heusera)  I will be sure to compliment the pilot and flight attendants though.  The delays are usually not their fault.  The pilot attempted to make us laugh.  One passenger was very "short" with the flight attendant.  I wonder if she realized that the flight attendant has the power to remove her from the flight and delay her longer.  The power of a smile or a tasteful joke can reduce tensions on a plane.  After all, you do have to be thousands of feet above ground with these people in an enclosed capsule.

The April Fool’s Day may have been a test on how well I can handle stress.  I think the airlines should consider giving us double points on days like these where your flights are cancelled or delayed continuously.  But then again today's adventure gave me something to write and now I can concentrate on what needs to get done when I finally arrive at my destination.  Just remember to plan for the unexpected and smile!