Professional development is the time you take to invest in developing your skills and abilities for a current or future job. Aside from the training you receive at work, it is wise to also invest in yourself. If you aspire to be in a leadership role, you must take the time to learn what it takes to be a leader.
While it is good to have confidence in your abilities, the role of a leader requires more than just a thought that you can do the job.
· What have you done in your current role to demonstrate your leadership
abilities?
· What do you have to offer to the role?
· Why should you be selected over someone else?
These questions are important because some people like the idea of being the “boss”, but fail to realize that it takes more than just an idea to:
· Lead people with different personalities and backgrounds.
· Lead a team that can execute the goals and objectives of the organization
· efficiently and effectively.
· Coach, mentor, motivate, train, develop, and manage the performance of a group
· of people.
· Enforce rules and policies and hold subordinates accountable.
The fact that you have worked for the organization for years does not mean you have the skills and abilities required to be a leader. Before applying for a leadership position, do your research. Read the job description, learn more about the department where the position is located. Get insights from those who are in leadership roles. Most of all, invest in yourself. Read books on leadership, take online courses, view free leadership videos on YouTube and on other online sources. Find a way to enhance your leadership skills and abilities to prepare for the next step in your career path. Remember, a feeling of entitlement does not qualify you for the job!
“Successful people have a sense of gratitude.
Unsuccessful people have a sense of entitlement”.
– Steven Atchinson-