What do you do if your career in Staff Development is at a standstill?

1 Assess your situation

The first step to deal with a career standstill is to understand why it is happening and what you can do about it. Ask yourself some honest questions, such as: Are you satisfied with your current role and responsibilities? Do you have clear goals and expectations? Do you get regular feedback and support from your manager and peers? Do you have the skills and knowledge to meet the changing needs of your organization and industry? Are there any external factors, such as the economy, the market, or the competition, that are affecting your career prospects? By assessing your situation, you can identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and plan your next move accordingly.

2 Update your skills

One of the most effective ways to boost your career in staff development is to keep learning and developing new skills. Staff development is a dynamic and evolving field, and you need to stay on top of the latest trends, tools, and best practices. You can update your skills by taking online courses, attending workshops, webinars, or conferences, reading books, blogs, or journals, joining professional networks or communities, or seeking mentorship or coaching. Updating your skills will not only enhance your performance and credibility, but also show your initiative and commitment to your career growth.

3 Expand your network

Another strategy to overcome a career standstill is to expand your network and build relationships with people who can help you advance your career. Networking can help you discover new opportunities, learn from others' experiences, get referrals or recommendations, and gain visibility and recognition in your field. You can expand your network by reaching out to your existing contacts, such as colleagues, managers, clients, or vendors, and asking for introductions or advice. You can also connect with new people by attending events, joining online groups or forums, or volunteering for projects or causes related to your interests and goals. When networking, remember to be genuine, respectful, and helpful, and to follow up and stay in touch.

4 Seek new challenges

If you feel like your career in staff development is at a standstill because you are bored or unchallenged by your current role, you may need to seek new challenges and experiences that can stimulate your creativity and motivation. You can seek new challenges by taking on more responsibilities, leading a team or a project, initiating a change or an improvement, or proposing a new idea or solution. You can also seek new challenges by exploring different roles, departments, or organizations that can offer you more variety, flexibility, or autonomy. Seeking new challenges will help you demonstrate your value and potential, and expand your horizons and perspectives.

5 Review your career path

The final tip to deal with a career standstill is to review your career path and make sure it aligns with your personal and professional goals and aspirations. Sometimes, you may feel stuck in your career because you are not following your passion, your values, or your purpose. You may need to reevaluate your career path and decide if you want to continue, change, or transition to a different field or industry. You can review your career path by reflecting on your achievements, skills, interests, and passions, and by researching the market and the opportunities available for staff development professionals. You can also consult a career counselor or a coach who can help you assess your options and guide you through the process.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?