In professional articles, podcasts and texts prepared by coaches and experts, one idea often appears: managers also need to continue learning in order to avoid burnout and remain competitive in the labour market in the long term. Often, however, the reality is that managers don't have time for self-development and put it aside due to work obligations. So here is some practical advice on how to make time, no matter how full your calendar may be.
These tips were published by INC.com.
Start with small steps
As with any long term change, the rule here is simple: don't try to transform everything at once. Prescribing yourself a three-week intensive course during the most hectic period for your team will hardly improve long term-issues with insufficient development. Instead, start by setting aside at least half an hour once a week for a simple learning activity and gradually strengthen this habit and extend the time.
Use empty spots in your calendar
Are you unable to fit self-development into your calendar? Then clean it up. Or identify a few meetings during the week that you can delegate or where your presence is not strictly required. In short, you need to find empty spaces in your schedule that you can use for your own growth.
Set aside a fixed time for self-development and give it top priority
Once you decide to schedule time for self-development, stick to this plan. Give the dedicated time the highest priority so that no unexpected work issue can threaten it.
Connect self-development with your team goals and work
If you are struggling to find time for learning, blur the strict boundary between work and self development. For example, if you need to plan a new project, you could take a training course on project management software that will help you and whose knowledge you can then apply in practice.
Find the form that suits you
Today there are countless forms of self development, from in-person courses, audiobooks, books and coaching to online webinars, intensive weekend programmes, or applications which deliver education in small doses. Find the form that best fits your needs and use it to the fullest.
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