I have always believed that the responsibility for my personal and professional development rests solely with me. As an associate of Speakersbank I am required to be a member of a speakers club to support my own continuing development in that area. As a member of the Chartered Institute of  Personnel and Development ( CIPD) in the UK I am required to keep a learning record and learning plan. As a coach ( coaching is unregulated in the UK) I find ways to get feedback from fellow coaches  – and clients of course. It makes sense to me.

Many people tell me that they were “told” by their employer that they had to do a specific course or learn a new skill or join an organisation. As is the case with little kids most of us still push against being “told” to do anything. A better way to look at any development is as an opportunity – to enhance your current knowledge and add more tools to your toolkit. Remember these are usually portable – and any future or potential employers might find them very attractive!

I met Moira for the first time  at the speakers club last night  and as there was a rail strike in progress I gave her a ride home. She has been involved in Toastmasters for a few years and is clearly and experienced and practiced speaker. I have taken on speaking roles in many forms in the past and I am delighted to have found the members of the club give good, meaningful and helpful feedback. I was surprised then when Moira asked

“What do you want to get out of being a member of the club?”

OK – it is fair to say that I have a lot of demands on my time so for me to sustain any longstanding connection with anything I have to be engaged with it. But you know – I had not really thought about why I really wanted to be part of it. Her challenge in my car meant that she was somewhat a captive audience while I talked out loud to get clarity.

Thanks for that Moira.

That’s what coaching does. That is the kind of question I ask my coachees. Of course practioners in any field often neglect themselves and it was a sharp reminder to me too. I am meeting with someone later who asks great coaching questions ( though she does not practice as a coach – watch for that. There are wonderful natural “coaches” out there) and I will explore it some more.

So here’s a suggestion for today -

Do you know why you are doing what you are doing? And if so – what goals have you set yourself to help you work out if you are doing it well?