Become a Better Leader or Employee by Improving Your Personal Development Skills

April 9, 2021

By Heather Nezich, courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASE

No matter your career level, personal development is always important. Personal development skills are qualities and abilities that help you grow both personally and professionally.

Some of the most common personal development skill focused on include:

Communication
Interpersonal
Organization
Problem Solving
Self Confidence
Adaptability
Integrity
Work Ethic
Leadership

Indeed.com recently put together a list of nine ways to enhance your personal development skills:

Overcome your fears. The only way to get past a fear is to face it and work on overcoming it. For example, many people are afraid of public speaking. In this instance, take a class on public speaking, join a group that helps people become better speakers, etc.
Read. Reading is one of the easiest things you can do for continual personal development. It expands your vocabulary and stimulates the mind. It doesn’t always have to be a book. Try to read at least one educational or motivational article a day.
Learn something new. Keep the mind fresh by always learning. In today’s world it’s so easy to sign up for a webinar or take an online class.
Ask for feedback. Seek out unbiased opinions on your work and accomplishments. Use the constructive feedback to make continuous improvements. It will help you see things from a different perspective.
Observe others. There is always more than one way to do something. Observe those around you for inspiration.
Network. Networking through shared interest groups or industry groups will help you to continually expand your network and meet new people. Try not to let your circle get too small with only people just like yourself.
Keep a journal. Journals are a great way to express your feelings and for self-awareness. It can help you process events in your life – both at home and work. It can be a helpful tool to set and assess goals and progress.
Meditate. Meditation has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and improve clarity. It can help you focus on self-development and goals.
Get a mentor. Some of the most successful people can name a mentor in their life. Mentors can be a manager, professor, a life or professional coach, or anyone you admire.

While these personal development skills can benefit all parts of your life, many can particularly benefit you in the workplace and in your career.