It is important for you to think about what you want out of training and how this can apply to you professionally beyond the scope of your role as a facilitator. Below are some steps that will help you create a strategic plan for yourself as those development opportunities come available…
- Think about what you want to accomplish: Are you a facilitator who wishes to advance or expand into a related position like course development? Do you want to transition to a different discipline? What does this future position look like to you? Describe it clearly to yourself.
- Set clear goals: Once you identify what you want to accomplish, be clear about when you want to get there, and realistic about being able to reach those goals in that timeframe. (You will need to commit to the timeline after all…)
- Research your goals: Understand what you will need to do to accomplish these goals – what credentials, what time commitments, what experience – gather data and really understand it…
- Create a plan: Using the information you collected, define the steps required to reach your goals.
- Organize your goals: Understand methods to accomplish the goals, costs, resources required and time commitments
- Prioritize goals: Which is most immediate for you to achieve, which is easiest, which is most important? Understanding priority helps you understand how to allocate your time.
- Write it down! Outline your strategy on paper in chronological order, make a commitment to the timeline.
- Implement your plan: Be conscientious of your time constraints and keep your goals in mind, follow your plan.
- Reevaluate as needed: Assess your progress periodically and adjust as necessary. Determine if you were realistic with your time, redefine priorities if needed. Life happens, sometimes Plan B is needed!
TIPS FOR WORKING SMART:
- Use the “Power of Peers” – when there is a group with similar goals or work requirements, collaboration can reduce the workload and often yields superior results!
- Delegate lower level tasks if you can to increase your productivity.
