Lessons in Professional Development

Our coaches recently attended the annual conference of the Professional Business Coaches Alliance, a high-value event hosted and attended by top coaches from across the United States. While we can’t share a lot of what we learned—although our clients have probably already seen it in action!—the conference did get us thinking about the power of professional development. Everyone can benefit from professional development. All of our coaches are educated and experienced businesspeople, and we still believe continuing development is vital for them. Here is why professional development is valuable.

Challenges Your Ideas

We all get in ruts. We’re shaped by our experiences and the people that influence us, and we can become blind to outside points of view. Exposing yourself to different opinions and information via industry publications and peer discussions is a great way to maintain an innovative mindset.

Exposes You to Experts

You can’t be an expert in everything. Seek out people who have expertise outside your wheelhouse, and learn from what they say. Conferences or events are often a good place to find experts. When they’re willing to teach you the big ideas in their area of expertise, pay attention.

Helps You Think Bigger

Regular learning helps us to expand our horizons, consider new ideas, and think more creatively. There’s a reason we’re named Broad Insights—thinking across disciplines drives problem-solving and innovation. You can’t fix problems or level up your organization with the same thinking that got you to where you are.

What’s Your Next Professional Development Step?

While reading publications, attending conferences, and talking with peers are all great examples of professional development, they lack a key component: implementation. You can have all the best ideas in the world, but if you can’t make them work, your organization won’t grow. Business coaching is also a vital professional development option. A Broad Insights coach will challenge your ideas, offer expertise and experience, and teach you to think expansively. Your coach will also help you put those ideas into action. Talk to a coach today about whether coaching is the right step for you.