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Tips and stories to add value to you and your organisation

You, Me & CPD

28 April 2014

I’ve been enjoying myself at a TA conference for the last few days, organised by the UK Association for Transactional Analysis. The conference is a great way to meet TA colleagues, attend workshops, buy books and generally have TA-soaked time of things.

Although the time and cost commitment isn’t insignificant, I have taken the view that as my business is based on using TA in organisational settings it is well worth investing in my own development. There is always something new to be learned and something old to be remembered.

If I’m honest I don’t tend to have a big plan for CPD (Continuous Personal Development), but I do have a small plan that means I attend peer group meetings, have regular supervision on my work and also take part in UKATA committees and visit at least one conference a year.

I budget for the likely expense and, when I wince at that amount of money, I remind myself that if I don’t develop then my business stagnates, and that would be bad business!

Here are three questions for you to reflect on, and to share with your colleagues:

1. How much CPD activity have you taken part in, within the last six months?

2. What is your personal budget available to you to fund future development in the current financial year?

3. What frustrations do you have with the performance of yourself or a colleague, which could be eased by some CPD?

It is tempting to assume that CPD is only for trainees, juniors or new-in-post managers. However, the truth is that CPD is for you and me, and all the other people who work with us who need to keep honing their people skills and their technical ability.

So, this week please think about these three questions and take time to plan ahead. It’s good for business!

Next week: The Art Of Passive Marketing