I want to help the industry I am part of (IT) with several items I see a lot of in the IT industry. This series is entitled:
“What Are We Doing?”
These topics are part of my IT Geek Who Can Speak blog series and this week’s topic will be:
“Questions”
I recently had a conversation with a trainer about how Individual development plans seem to get overlooked. As our corporations and society seem to be focused on goals we forget that the people helping us achieve those goals are people and need personal development.
As you may have heard, I listen to a lot of extra audio books etc. that help me to grow personally and professionally. I know that is odd and I may be weird. In several of these books and audios I hear the idea about asking the right question. That fits this scenario. If we are not getting any personal development from our employers, are we asking for it?
The adage that no one owes you anything comes to mind here. Our employers may focus on corporate goals and objectives and how your role can help achieve the goals. After all you are one of the people, which is what it takes to achieve the corporate goals, people, and we need to be considered. So what questions are you asking yourself for personal growth?
· How do you wake up each morning?
· What do you do next?
· Whose life is it?
· What positive opportunities do you have today?
· Does your employer need to develop you personally?
· Have you asked for help or guidance?
· Will your personal growth at work benefit you, your teammates and the organization? YES IT WILL.
No matter what items are on our calendars, I believe we need to help ourselves and others to see a positive perspective. We work with other people and a smile can help them enjoy their day. Or say “hello, how are you”, AND STOP to listen or engage in the conversation. I have been guilty of the “fly by” how are you many times. As I get older/wiser I realize this hasn’t works so well. You get a lot of acquaintances but knowing people is much better.
Having 1500 “friends” on Facebook doesn’t mean squat when you never talk to them and only experience their life through the small portal of Facebook comments. How many of you would or have cleared out your Facebook “friends” of the people you really don’t know? The Bible even mentioned this concept of giving up everything to follow Jesus. Now I’m certainly not Jesus but the concept of giving up something for something better can be good.
I can hear people saying they don’t have time. Have you really looked at your daily “grind” by the hour? What time do you get up? Could you get up 30 minutes sooner to do 20 push–ups or read a book for 20 – 30 minutes? What do you do at lunch? Could you not go out to eat, bring a lunch and read a great personal development book for 30 minutes? I know this one is hard, what do you do when you get home? Some people decompress with TV. TV programming is formulated on 90% fear, distress and upheaval and 10% good human interest. With this information, 3 – 4 hours of TV doesn’t do a whole lot of good. Why not use some of that time to read a positive, encouraging book, especially before you go to bed. You will be surprised how your mind will sub-consciously adapt to the positive input.
So what are we doing? Are we asking the right questions of ourselves and others? Are we focusing on positive, encouraging, engaging topics and enjoying our lives no matter what happens. Are we asking for help, when we are not sure we’re to go in our personal growth?
How can I Help You?
I offer team encouragement and personal growth workshops as well as coaching of your organization.
Bob Brumm's Blog 