Most people, when they talk about careers, only think of formal school education and securing employment. They don’t understand that the world keeps on changing, and you have to keep refreshing your knowledge to stay ahead of the curve.
The need to keep updated and improve on work life is one of the reasons for the improved continuing professional development.
For a CPD, you must take deliberate training for professional development.
Importance of CPD
Undertaking CPD is one of the most beneficial undertakings for an employee. It helps you keep with the latest trends in the industry to avoid redundancy. Undergoing regular training also enables you to improve your knowledge and skills for better customer service delivery.
CPD is also essential in improving your output. The more knowledge you gain, the better you deliver. You also tend to become more self-assured that makes you a critical part of your team. Ultimately, becoming more knowledgeable opens up more opportunities within your organization and with other employers. You don’t have to worry about lay offs when you can fit in any environment.
CPD is not crucial to the employee only but also the employer. It helps set higher standards in the workforce. Highly trained individuals are more productive and are highly motivated.
Those who undergo CPD when working with the company are likely to stay longer. It also helps build your brand reputation among prospective employees and customers. Embracing a learning culture within the organization helps you to keep trends and industry changes for assured business growth.
The CPD Cycle
Now that you understand the importance of CPD, you should realize it requires planning and execution for it to work. The best thing about CPD is that it comes from personal conviction. You are the one to look into your strengths and weaknesses and determine if you need the training.
Make self-assessment part of your regular practice to determine the areas you need improvements. Also, consider external advice from management and colleagues.
Once you have determined the need for improvement, establish the mode of learning. You can opt for either formal set up like in Everglades University or informal set up with video or side by side learning. Whichever method you choose, take time to reflect on what you learn and how useful it is.
The next step is to apply what you have learned into your work. The training is only helpful if you can use it for better results. Once you have mastered the new art, proceed to teach the others. The more you share it with others, the more you learn concepts. Afterward, record the improvements that come as a result of the CPD. Ultimately, keep it a cycle. Learn as wide as possible.
Bottom Line
It’s a changing world, and if you don’t adapt, you will lag in the same position while others climb the corporate ladder. Let regular training and development become part of you through CPD. Remember, CPD is not an event. Mastering one skill is the cue for the start of another.
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