When I keep doing what I always do, why do I think it will have a different result?
This bit of insanity applies to many aspects of our lives. But let’s look at just one. We do our jobs well and manage the constant winds of change. Like a sailing a boat we know how to stay upright and navigate the personalities and glitches of the day. But we often don’t see the storm clouds on the horizon until it’s too late. A common competency found in most public and private sector organizations involves being able to see what knowledge and skills will be needed to handle the future storms of opportunity. If we don’t learn new skills (not only technology, but those related to your organization’s work and mission) then we’re not ready to step up to the new challenges. I worked with several organizations that are shifting from mechanical to digital arenas. This means that the skill sets of people working with machines and parts will need to include computer skills. Look at automobile maintenance that now requires a computer read-out. Even our money is now being printed digitally now.
Don’t wait until your next performance assessment to have a conversation with your boss. Tell her what types of interests or aspirations you have for moving up or around in your organization. Ask her what she sees as the most valuable skills your organization needs. If your boss isn’t available to have this conversation, step back and take a look at the hot issues impacting your organization or profession. For example, if the demographics of your customer base changing, you could learn a second (or third) language. Take a course or seminar; get some training to contribute solving these issues. Volunteer for committees or task forces to practice your skills and knowledge so you don’t lose what you just learned. Technology has made a lot or resources available to us that we just have to tickle the keyboard to find. And many are free or low cost. Your organization may have a training or tuition reimbursement budget you can tap.
Derrick Dortch talks to federal workers encouraging them to get some training in order to advance in their careers and offering some places to start.