Making an investment in yourself

Oftentimes, managers find themselves so enthralled in their work that they barely even have time to accomplish the most mundane of tasks. Dealing with people issues, scheduling, and customers can take it’s toll in this fast paced world. One of the things that many supervisors ignore is their own development.

But what good is it to continuously give and never receive? Sometimes you have to just put your foot down and take time for yourself. Do you feel stuck in your position, like you’re not going anywhere?

The reason is more than likely that you haven’t taken the time to develop yourself and your skill set. You have to strive everyday to learn something, at least one thing, new. You have to take the time to keep up with the ever changing world around you.

Making the time to do this requires discipline. You have to take the time to educate (rather than train) your associates so that you can entrust them to do the job without you having to do it for them. After all, you are the manager, so act like one.

This will free you up to take the time that is necessary to focus first on what changes your company is making. Most companies roll out new initiatives and programs quickly, and it’s up to you to learn them, embrace them, and put them in place immediately.

If you don’t execute new company programs, you will fail. The reason you are a leader in the first place is because your company decided that you were capable of leading. You have to set the example and be a resource for any information and problem solving ideas that your team may come to you for.

Once you have mastered this, it’s time to work on generating the knowledge or the skills you will need to take the next step. Look to those above you for ideas and support. Make that time in your schedule to meet with your superiors and ask lots of questions.

What is it that separates your position from theirs? Once you find the answer to this question then you can work on obtaining the skills you need to take their position. It’s up to you to take the time to make that investment in yourself.