The Tribune

Science and technology are progressing at such an accelerated rate that it is virtually impossible to stay competitive without a strategy for life-long learning. The workplace has become a ‘rat race’ as to who can achieve higher levels of productivity and efficiency. The ‘political’ or ‘family connection’, or the graduate degree, may have gotten you in the door, but the push to constantly improve your skills will keep you advancing once there.

Perhaps, during your career, you have come to a point where you feel that your skills are not keeping up with the fast, ever-changing pace of the industry. This week, we offer basic encouragement to individuals and businesses to committing themselves to upgrading their skills. Here are five suggestions:

1. Create a personal developmental plan.

Every employee should establish a learning journal and set targets for every business year. The plan outlines what the specific corporate goal is, the time allocated to achieve the goal, the actions the employee must take to get there, and the recourses required to make it all happen.

1. Take an online or college course.

From conversational Spanish to an ‘introduction to international business’, nothing keeps the brain sharper than conditioning it through a challenging programme. Whether it is directly in your line of work or not, the benefit of taking such programmes goes far beyond what added value you will bring to work. It is for you; an increased sense of accomplishment and a new chunk of knowledge that you carry with you for the rest of your life.

1. Every month or quarter, read a great motivational or instructional book.

Blog readers find this is a great way to remain current, as these tend to note what is new, current and fresh in various industries.

1. Start An ‘Out-of-Work Project’.

Another way of upgrading your skills is to engage your head and hands in the work of planning and executing a project. Whether it is building a website or building a cabinet, these opportunities enhance skills exponentially.

1. Attend some conferences. These days, every sector and industry stages major conferences for professionals. Not only are they full of great people you can network with, but they are also a fantastic place to take part in workshops to develop your skills. Register today and grow your skills.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.