The Most Important Part of Professional Development? It's Personal

Today, I'm responding to a question that I have received in various forms over the years in our Ask Me Anything series: What is the most important aspect of professional development? 

And I'll tell you what I always say: the most important aspect of professional development is personal development.

Yes, you read that right. This is the hill I will die (but preferably live) on, because the truth is, no matter where you go, there you are–whether it's your company Zoom room or the family living room.

Throughout my years of coaching, I've found that professional and personal challenges nearly always mirror each other. Struggling with asserting boundaries at work? Chances are, it's just as hard to say no at home. Shying away from giving difficult feedback to a colleague? You're most likely unable to name your pain at home. Feeling undervalued and underappreciated in your organization? That feeling of unworthiness probably shows up in your personal relationships, too. The reality is that no matter how much you accomplish or how many accolades you receive, you can't outwork what you haven't healed. 

The good news? The opposite is also true. If you're grounded in who you are, confident in your worth, and clear about your purpose, there is a part of you that is sacrosanct. As I've written before, that part of you can receive feedback and take it as what it is: an opportunity to grow, a reflection on your performance, not your worth.

Here's the thing: we all have things to work on, because we're human. Although it can feel like it, the challenges we encounter in life and at work aren't meant to shame or frustrate us; they can be a gift that holds up a mirror and reflects the places where we have the most opportunity to grow. The question is whether we're willing to look.

You can attend any number of professional development workshops (which I love leading!) and learn invaluable skills, but until you address the underlying feelings and needs that drive your unhelpful habits, you're likely to keep repeating them.

As you chart your professional course, also be intentional about mapping out your personal development. Fortunately, perhaps more than at any other time, resources abound. Some of my go-tos are:

• One-on-one coaching for bespoke, individualized support

• Group coaching, to learn with and from peers working through similar matters;

• Therapy, and

• Self-help books, the OGs of personal development

No matter which tools you choose, as long as you're focusing on personal aspects alongside your professional skills, you can't lose. 

If you're interested in individual or group coaching, let's explore working together. Book a discovery call today.