Some of us are designated speakers, trainers and writers. Some of us are designated police officers, politicians and professors. Some of us are designated engineers, nurses, and entrepreneurs. I could go on and on. The point is that we have our own designations. We may call them our profession, career, job, occupation, vocation, or calling. Whatever you call it, it is important that we grow in our own fields.
I just had my haircut this morning and at the ‘desk’ of the barber is a frame containing his professionally printed name with a statement saying, “A good haircut is not cheap and a cheap haircut is not good.” That got me thinking as he proceeded with my haircut. I haven’t seen that months ago. I whispered, “He is getting good in his ‘marketing.’ He is growing in his ‘communication skills.’” You see, communication skills include those verbalized and not verbalized, those not written and written.
After several minutes, I opened my eyes and looked at the mirror and said to myself, “Hmmm, he seem to be really growing in his craft.” After an intensely quick upper back massage, he said it’s done. Then I looked at the mirror and oh, I thought I looked handsomer with this new haircut than with my previous haircut. Note, my comparison is with my previous look (not with another person). Thanks to Mr. Barber who have grown in his marketing and in his skill. Because he has grown, he helped someone (me) to grow in how I look. In this way, he helped in making the society better looking with one better looking man at this time. (On another note, with his quality service, I gave him a relatively handsome tip!)
Now that also applies to you. When you grow your skills, you do not only grow yourself. You also help the people around you grow. And because the people around you are growing and becoming better, you are making the society and this world a better place. Yes, even better looking! (The bonus, you will earn more.)
There are many ways to hone your skills and grow in your field. You can keep practicing and receive evaluation from that practice and then implement the suggestions in your next practice. You can keep doing what you are doing and as you do it, keep improving how you do it. You can also attend trainings, workshops, and learning sessions. When was the last time you attended a training session? When was the last time you participated in a seminar? When was the last time you read a book? When was the last time you intentionally learned something not just because your supervisor required you to do so?
Remember, growth happens but it is not automatic. Growth happens with intention. Growth happens with your decision, choices and actions.
Today, make that decision, that choice. And act on it. Grow yourself. In time, you will notice how you are serving better, earning better, and making the society better – just like what Mr. Barber does!
(Chris Dao-anis, CPA, DTM is your partner in personal development. His latest book ‘Living Large in the Little Things’ is available at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City. For inspirational talks, recollections, public speaking workshops or leadership trainings, email him at info@chrisdaoanis.com or visit www.chrisdaoanis.com. Like his page at www.fb.com/chrisdaoanis.)
