“Take Part” In Your Own Personal And Career Development

Year end and the New Year are always times to catch up with friends and colleagues. I had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people–some I haven’t spoken to for too long a time. I also got a number of emails from followers and other colleagues. There were a couple of interrelated themes that came up over and over. The first is general optimism–not only about the economy, but their companies prospects and their own personal growth.

For the first time in several years, I am seeing people optimistic about their own futures. It’s a dramatic shift from the hunker down, keep a low profile, “keep my job” attitudes that seem to have become so pervasive in the past few years. I’m seeing people much more optimistic about their own futures—whether it’s growth opportunities within their own companies, or whether they are looking for new opportunities and new adventures.

One of the most important things I am hearing in these discussions, is that people are taking responsibility for their own personal growth and career development. They are leveraging the resources within their companies as much as they can, but they are not relying on their companies–they are doing things to invest in themselves. Last week, I spoke to “Richard,” a great friend and colleague for the past 20 years. He said, “Dave, over the past few months, I’ve found I’ve been worrying about the wrong things. I was always looking for that next promotion, or that great job opportunity. While I’ve gotten them, they haven’t been that rewarding. I’ve decided to focus on how I can grow–how I can contribute to others as part of that process–how I can learn more and share that. What’s been interesting, when I made that mind shift, I’ve seen so many new opportunities open up. I never expected that.”

This week, I got a comment on an earlier post from “John.” He said that he had been reading my blogs for some time, but had never taken the time to comment. He went on to say that one of his New Year’s resolutions was to start to “Take Part” in the discussions. I couldn’t have been more complimented—all of us learn and grow more through discussion of critical issues. John’s “taking part,” is both an investment in his own personal growth and the growth of all others that read his valuable comments on this and other blogs.

We all need to “Take Part” in our personal, professional and career development! No one, no company is going to do that for us. We have to do it ourselves–whether it’s participation in workshops, commenting on blogs, reading, or whatever. The best professionals not only “Take Part,” they “Take Charge.”

I hope as you start thinking about things for the New Year, you take the opportunity to “Take Part and Take Charge” or your own development. I’d also like to help you do this. My friend and business partner, Anthony Iannarino, and I are launching Future Selling Institute on January 14!

Future Selling Institute is a professional and career development resource focused on Sales Leaders and aspiring sales leaders. Not only is it filled with resources on every aspect of sales management and leadership, but it is your opportunity to Take Part in contributing your ideas and thoughts to the community of Sales Leaders! We grow most, when we discuss, contribute, exchange ideas, and help each other out. Sharing is important at Future Selling Institute. Whether it’s participating in our weekly “Office Hours,” participating in the Forums, or commenting on many of the articles and resources–you will be a part of a community focused on growth.

If you want to Take Part and Take Charge of your career, join us for our kick off conference on Friday, January 14, 1:00PM EST. Go to the site to sign up. Hope to see you there and as part of our community!