Your own CPD

Identify goals

In an earlier module we looked at the importance of carrying out a SWOT analysis and then setting SMART objectives for your LTO. The same is true for your development. Set aside time to do a SWOT analysis of yourself as a professional. Be honest and critical (though not too hard on yourself). Then start to define your next objectives.

 

Reflection

End the day or the week by looking back and considering how you dealt with different aspects of the job. What worked well? What would do differently next time? It’s too easy to end the day and think nothing was achieved when in fact, if you take time to reflect properly, you will find out that it was.

 

A critical friend or mentor

It’s useful to find someone you trust at a similar level of management to share in your development. Find someone who asks questions and listens. If there’s no one within the actual LTO, approach an ex-boss, a former trainer or a peer (not necessarily someone in the ELT industry).

 

Management training

Within the world of ELT there are many ways to train and courses to take. There are special interest groups such as the IATEFL LAMSIG that hold conferences and workshops. However, it might also be time to look outside of the ELT world and take non-ELT courses run by management trainers aimed at managers from any kind of business or organization. Learning a new skill is also a useful way to change the way you normally do things and challenge your comfort zone.

 

Manage your time

In module 1, we looked at the biggest challenge for most managers which is lack of time. So adding time for professional development can often seem like a luxury as it falls into the ‘important but not urgent’ category of things we need to do. But if you delay doing it for too long, you might start to resent the job. Try to set small developmental goals and choose to do things (such as attend a conference) at times of the year when you know you will be less busy.