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Do I Really Need a Professional Development Plan?

Do I Really Need a Professional Development Plan?

If you’ve been following my work for any period of time, you know that I’m a big fan of Professional Development Plans (also referred to as PDPs). I often create these plans in collaboration with my career coaching clients, and I frequently provide training workshops on this topic. However, one question I repeatedly hear is this: Do I really need a professional development plan? What if I don’t have any big career aspirations? Or, what if I already know what I need to do…why should I bother writing it down?

Here’s my honest answer: I believe every professional should always have a PDP. It’s a living document, so it should evolve as you grow in your career. The majority of the work happens up front, when you create the PDP for the first time. After that, it’s just a matter of updating and revising as you go, which usually requires less time and effort.

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How to Write a Professional Development Plan

How to Write a Professional Development Plan

This is the second article in a two-part series on the topic of Professional Development Plans. Read the first article here.

In the first part of this series, you learned that a professional development plan (or PDP) is a written document used to focus, evaluate and prioritize professional development goals and activities. In this article, you’re going to learn exactly what should be included in a PDP document and the simple 10-step process I use to write a PDP.

This process is outlined in more detail in the Build Your Professional Development Plan workbook. There you will also find a variety of exercises and templates to guide you through each step.

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Professional Development Plan Basics: The Purpose and Benefits of a PDP

Professional Development Plan Basics: The Purpose and Benefits of a PDP

This is the first article in a two-part series on the topic of Professional Development Plans.

As a career coach, I spend a lot of time helping my clients create plans for professional growth. One of the most important tools we use is known as a Professional Development Plan or PDP. Many professionals have heard this term before but few know what it’s really all about. In this two-part series, you’ll get an in-depth look at PDPs—what they are, how they work, and how they can help support your career success. This first article in the series covers the basics; the next article will provide an overview of the process for creating your own professional development plan.

Ready to jump right in? Grab the Build Your Professional Development Plan workbook here.

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New Book Announcement: The Invisibility Cure

I am so excited to announce that my new book is now available for purchase!

Whew. It is such a wonderful feeling to type those words. I was starting to worry this day would never come.

For those of you who attend my monthly free webinars and Q&A sessions, you’ve no doubt heard me talk about this book. It’s been a long time coming. I had originally planned on publishing it last year, but sadly, other priorities took over.

In January of this year, however, I whole-heartedly committed to making this happen. It’s funny how, when you take decisive action and dedicate yourself fully to a purposeful path, the universe conspires to help you achieve your goals. That’s been my experience throughout my life, and this was no different. When I truly set my intention to finish and publish this book by the middle of this year, things just fell into place. It wasn’t easy; but it was smooth. And that’s the best I think we can hope for sometimes!

So, what’s this new book all about? I’m glad you asked.

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How to Find Your Voice at Work (Free Webinar)

Join us for this month’s free webinar on the topic of “How to Find Your Voice at Work.”

While writing my new book (The Invisibility Cure: How to Stand Out, Get Noticed and Get What You Want at Work), I experienced quite a few personal revelations. One in particular has really stuck with me. You see, as a corporate trainer, author and career coach, I talk a lot about how to find your voice at work. But I wasn’t always so skillful in this area myself. In fact, early in my career, I really struggled with this.

I’ve always had strong opinions. That’s just my nature. But, for a long time, I didn’t know how to express them properly in the workplace. Initially, I kept them to myself. I thought it was better to simply blend in. Why put myself out there by sharing perspectives that others might not appreciate or even want to hear? But, of course, that philosophy backfired. By staying quiet, I put myself in a position to be overlooked and, eventually, completely ignored. When I finally tried to speak up, no one listened.

After that, I went to the other extreme—I started sharing my ideas, thoughts and opinions about everything. And I did so in a very intense kind of way, trying to force people to pay attention. Guess what? That doesn’t work so well either.

Over time, I found a happy middle-ground. I learned when to stand up and when to back down. I learned how to express myself in a way that inspired others to listen, and I finally discovered the subtle power of influence.

I think these experiences help make me a better trainer, author and career coach, especially when discussing how to find your voice at work. I know what it’s like to go too far to either end of the spectrum, and I’ve seen many of my clients struggle in similar ways. I also know exactly what works (and what doesn’t) to find that sweet spot, where you can be both vocal and professional, assertive and respected.

This is an important piece of my new book, and it’s also something I’ll be discussing in this month’s webinar. Join us to learn powerful strategies for finding your voice at work. 

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The Benefits of Workplace Routines and How to Set Them Up

The Benefits of Workplace Routines

I’m a huge fan of workplace routines. I use them on a daily and weekly basis, and I truly believe they play a major role in my productivity.  

Workplace routines are like rituals—specific, pre-established ways of doing things that need to happen on a regular basis. Most people utilize a variety of routines in both their personal and professional lives.   

For example, you may have a morning routine at home. You have a specific time by which you need to get up, wake the kids, get in the shower, make the kids’ lunches, send them out the door, and jump in your car to head to work.  This time-bound, clearly ordered set of activities is your routine. If you follow it, you’ll create consistent positive results: the kids will get to school with lunch in hand, and you’ll get to work clean and on time.   

As a professional, you can utilize a wide variety of similar routines in the workplace. Doing so will help enhance your ability to get things done, while also creating more clarity and peace of mind.    

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