The Four Deadliest Words In Career Development

By Anna Johnson

When it comes to career development, you may wonder whether it's necessary to enroll in programs, take courses or, attend seminars or other events, to build new skills or become qualified for a better or new job.

If you've read my article, "How To Reposition Yourself For Career Changes" you'll know that I'm the last person to advise you to spend thousands of dollars on courses... if you're only doing it to prove to yourself or others what you already know.

But if you genuinely want or need to learn something new, then investing in your education is crucial to your career development!

In other words, if you need to enhance your skills or knowledge, then absolutely invest in a suitable educational program, course or event.

Now, I said "suitable": the program, course or event should actually teach you what you need to know and be well regarded within your field.

But regardless of whether or not you invest in formal learning, I suggest that ongoing, informal learning is an essential part of your personal career development plan.

In other words, read books... subscribe to newsletters... read newspapers and journals... attend seminars, conferences and workshops... and, yes, even surf the Net. (That's how you came across this website, right?)

Perhaps I'm "preaching to the converted", but if there's something I'm absolutely passionate about, it's LEARNING.

And that also includes learning entirely different, non-work-related things to give your brain a workout and help expand your mind and grow as a person.

In fact, I would be cautious whenever you feel you have "mastered" anything.

Which brings me to the four (4) deadliest words in career development:

"I already know that"

Nothing slams the door on new ideas, new possibilities and your professional growth faster than saying or thinking those four words!

Think about it.

Is it any surprise that the people who claim they already know something are often NOT the people who are actually DOING it?

While the true experts - in any field, be it business, sport, the arts, science, etc - are the ones who often say they're "always learning"?

Who is right? The armchair critic... or the true professional who's in the field DOING it?

In my experience, there's ALWAYS something more to learn!

And, more importantly, when you're learning... you're growing.

And that really is the essence of life, not just career development: personal growth. (After all, just think about what the opposite of growth is!)

So, yes, learn what you can to assist your career development and general self-improvement.

Embrace programs, courses, events, books, articles and all the other wonderful learning opportunities and tools at your disposal to inspire and empower you!