Dear Tony,

What is the best way to approach professional development?  I am 15 years into my career and would like to keep learning and growing. -Aspirational in Atlanta

Dear Aspirational,

I applaud your effort to be a lifelong learner and find ways to keep learning and growing.  I would encourage you to adopt this mentality not only for the rest of your career, but for the rest of your life. 

A few ideas for your consideration: 

1) Adopt the 70/20/10 rule - 70% on the job learning, 20% from others, and 10% books/classroom/advanced degrees.  This mix keeps the focus on adding value in your current role, while also keeping your mind on the horizon for new things in life. 

2) Every year I would take on a significant learning milestone - perhaps get certified in some professional training, or maybe something as big as going back for an MBA.  But try to do something every year. 

3) Ask for feedback - this will help you focus where you are effective and where you can improve.  Don’t be overbearing, maybe once a year or so. 

4) Get outside of your comfort zone every once in awhile.  This will by its definition be a challenge, but if you do it regularly throughout your career you will learn faster than others. 

5) Lastly, and this often goes without saying, but always seek to perform at a high level in your current role.  Often times, this involves driving change, initiating things, and collaborating above and beyond the normal job description.  If you challenge how much value you can deliver in our current role you might surprise how much you learn along the way! 

Good luck and journey well!! -Tony

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