Avoid The Attitude That Could Dampen Your Career

I'm the first to agree that career development doesn't necessarily mean you have to head back to college or enroll in graduate school. But if you genuinely want to advance and grow in your career, then investing in your education - whether the investment is time, effort and/or money - is crucial.

You see, regardless of whether doing some kind of formal course or program is worthwhile... there is little doubt over the value of investing in your informal education. For example, buying books, subscribing to journals and newsletters, joining membership and mastermind programs, attending events, and participating in other learning opportunities.

The fact is, your ongoing career development depends on your ability to learn and grow as a professional and person. Yet, as you acquire more knowledge and skills, and progress within your career, you risk adopting a "know it all" or "know it already" attitude. And it's this attitude that could literally halt your ongoing career development and dampen your career as a whole.

The problem with assuming that you "know it all" is that you'll close your mind to ongoing opportunities to learn and grow. In truth, high achievers readily admit that they don't know it all and are always endeavouring to learn more.

Who would you rather be - someone who is constantly developing and growing... or an "armchair critic" who knows it all, yet never really reaps the rewards of their "knowledge" or makes any great leaps in their careers? Clearly, you're better off being someone who embraces learning and constantly develops and grows!

As an example, take the case of hairdresser who has spent 15 years cutting and styling people's hair. You might think that by the 15-year mark this hairdresser would know what there is to know about hairdressing. But new fashions and trends indicate the very opposite: there are new techniques, styles, products and hairstyling tools being invented - and to be learned - all the time.

As a result, any hairdresser serious about their career development would constantly be reading the latest hairdressing magazines, attending hairdressing conferences and shows, and attempting new techniques, styles, products and tools. In fact, my hairdresser is an example of this. She continues to learn and develop her skills and, as a result, is able to charge much, much more than what the average hairdresser can charge... the hairdresser who "knows it all" yet wonders why they are working in a suburban salon, earning minimal wages, and can't get ahead.

Therefore, be wary when you find yourself thinking that you "know it all". Stay open to new learning opportunities and continue to invest in your informal education. That's how you'll continue to evolve and grow... and earn greater career satisfaction, pay rises and other rewards along the way.