(2 minute read)
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
(Mahatma Gandhi)
Professional Development is a strategy used by teams and companies to ensure their people continue to strengthen their competencies throughout their respective careers.
Professional Development is a borderless territory, encompassing medical and legal professionals, educators, accountants, salespeople, retail and hospitality staff, engineers, and individuals in almost every occupation. Individuals and teams participate in professional development to learn and apply new knowledge and skills that will improve their performance on the job – often with additional benefits for their personal lives.
When managers and leaders promote and endorse ongoing and continued professional development, there can be direct and tangible positive outcomes for all involved.
During our most recent webinar, we had the opportunity to interview Tony Van Eyk, MD and Co-Founder of Cube Online, following their recognition as one of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 companies.
As the Managing Director, Tony places high value on the role that professional development plays in the retention of his people. He also understands the value it plays in talent attraction as he calls it.
Imagine the Managing Director gifting you a book upon your appointment within the company, then inviting you to share your thoughts on it during a scheduled ‘Book Club’ type gathering within your first 2 months!
Consider the positive impact on team members when the management group spruik the motto, ‘You pick up the skill – we’ll pick up the bill’ – a ‘rallying cry’ to empower staff to undertake online learning programs or workshops like those found on Udemy.
All these initiatives were to be found within the one company yet are easily transferrable to other teams or organisations.
It’s refreshing to know there are some excellent examples of small-to-medium businesses who place a high value Professional Development, while reaping the rewards and success along the way.
To view the interview in full (28 minutes) click here.
