Five Domains of Professional Development
Professional development is not just for those who want to climb the corporate ladder. It does not always lead to promotions. Those working in the same position for years also benefit from professional development. Choosing which areas each of your employees need for professional development however, is not always easy. Focusing on certain broad areas of professional development that apply to everyone, as well as areas specific to certain categories of employees, can help narrow down the choices.
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Communication
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Learning to communicate with colleagues, customers and supervisors is vital to the success of any business. Whether an employee is just starting her job or is planning to apply for a promotion soon, communication courses can help her improve her professional game. You might offer communication courses or programs specific to her job. If she is a sales manager, for example, you might offer classes on how to communicate with upset customers.
Time Management
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Time management is another broad category of professional development that applies to many types of employees. Employees can use the skills they learn in prioritizing and keeping track of their assignments in a variety of contexts, both professionally and personally. Employees can also use the skill in management or work on the front lines.
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Cultural Diversity
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Cultural diversity affects almost every aspect of the professional world today. Diversity is a reality of professional life. Work teams may be composed of people from different backgrounds, or those with whom the team deals may be diverse. Courses that help employees understand the importance of diversity, the positives it brings to business and the laws surrounding it can help their work proceed more smoothly.
Leadership
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Courses in leadership are also pertinent to individuals on the floor and those rising through management. Courses on leadership through integrity or on team building are some of the more specialized classes your company could offer. Employees can lead by example in their positions even if they are not planning to move up or laterally in the company. Those that can think ahead, build team commitment to a common purpose, plan effectively and allocate resources are needed at every step of the production process.
Presentations and Meetings
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Learning to run meetings and give presentations are two related areas of professional development. Employees on their way up the corporate ladder should know how to effectively and concisely give talks and presentations. They should also know how to keep a meeting on course to start and finish on time and to cover all items on an agenda. Employees that can give presentations on internal matters as well as sell a company's product effectively to the public are valuable. Expanding your employees' skills in these areas benefits them as well as your company.
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