Some of us are designated speakers, trainSome of us are designated speakers, train ers 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.
One morning, I went to have my hair cut. 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.” This got me pondering 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 spoken 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. 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. Haha!
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!
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 a keynote speaker, leadership trainer, and author of 4 books including ‘SPEAK: How to Craft and Deliver a Speech or Presentation with Competence and Confidence.’ Join him and other like-minded individuals at the Growth Summit 2019. Sign up now at http://bit.ly/growthsummitph.)
