Why is development important? It sets you up for success! In the work center, as in life, there are always challenges. Some of us have learned better skill sets than others for different areas – your friend may be a great public speaker (while you cringe at the thought!) Your coworker may be more of a “people” person than you. Your boss may be more detail-oriented than you currently are. But, in time, you can be just as strong a contributor by creating your individualized developmental path. Let’s look at the steps you need to take to achieve this:
- Assess your current skills – try the AF Competency on myVector to get started
- Identify an area you want to work on – you may already have something in mind, or the assessment can suggest an area to work on
- Share your plan with your supervisor – Professional development is required for DAF employees as part of your Individual Development Plan (IDP). Letting your supervisor know about your plan shows initiative and lets them share ideas about how they can help
- Learn - take some classes; read an accomplished author in the field or join a book club; or run your own self-development using our topic pages as your guide
- Assess your new level – Decide whether you’ve taken your skill to the desired level, or if you need to work on it a bit more. Getting feedback from coworkers and your supervisor can help get an objective assessment.
- Repeat with a new skill. Professional development is an ongoing process. High performers continue to develop throughout their career!
How does development benefit me as an employee? It gives you more confidence as you deal with daily work challenges. It can enhance your work performance, helping you look like a star employee. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence. As your skills grow, so does your ability to thrive at higher levels within the organization.