Personal development at work is the process of changing behaviors or improving attitudes as they relate to the work environment. A person who wants to begin undergoing personal development at work should start by analyzing his or her behaviors, both positive and negative, that have an impact on productivity and efficiency, as well as job satisfaction. The employee can do this in several ways: he or she can take part in a personal development seminar, work with a development coach, or simply work with a colleague or manager who is willing to help come up with a development plan.
Writing down goals for the employee's personal development at work is a great way to provide constant motivation. The employee can continually refer back to a written list of goals to maintain focus and motivation throughout a day of work. Goals can be as simple as standing up every 15 minutes to walk around for health, or as complex as reorganizing one's filing system for more efficiency. The employee can monitor whether or not he or she has met the goals for the day simply by taking a look at the posted list of written goals.
Working as a team to accomplish personal development at work helps to build a more cooperative atmosphere and lifts some of the burden of having to maintain motivation. If several people are working toward the same goal, the chances of that goal being accomplished rise substantially. Coworkers can provide each other with motivation and support throughout the process as well. Two or more employees can meet regularly or semi-regularly to discuss progress and brainstorm ideas for improving the process or altering outcomes of certain personal development goals. This is particularly useful if an employee teams up with a manager or supervisor.
Developing a system of incentives is another great way to approach personal development at work. Managers might offer raises or bonuses based on personal development activities, though simpler rewards may also be effective and appropriate. If, for example, an employee improves a certain behavior or achieves a goal within a set time period, the manager may offer a certificate of recognition or a gift certificate to a store or restaurant as a reward. Offering such rewards in public in front of other employees can act as motivation for other employees and provide that specific employee who reached a goal with a sense of pride that can foster more growth in the future.
