How can you track your progress when prioritizing personal development as an executive?

Engage a mentor who can provide experience, help with identifying learning goals, encourage, support and act as a ‘sparring partner’

Having an Individual Development Plan (IDP) which is clearly documented helps in reviewing progress for self and seniors. The IDP should consist of Development Goals, Actions linked to goals that should be taken, measure of success and timelines. Once this is defined, every review should track progress using a progress scale to rate and track the progress made on each goal.

Here are the top 5 ways to track personal development as an executive: Set SMART Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Feedback and 360-Degree Assessments: Seek diverse input to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Establish measurable indicators related to your personal development goals. Skill Development Metrics: Monitor the acquisition and enhancement of critical leadership skills. Continuous Improvement Plan: Develop and adjust a plan based on assessments and feedback for ongoing growth.

It is important to note that goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. As an executive, here's an example of setting SMART goals for personal development. Specific: - Non-SMART Goal: Improve leadership skills. - SMART Goal: Enhance leadership skills by completing a leadership training program focused on effective communication, team collaboration, and strategic decision-making within the next six months. This goal is specific and not generalized. In the same way, they should be measurable... By applying the SMART criteria to your personal development goals, you create a roadmap that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, increasing the likelihood of successful goal attainment.

SMART goals are great but they have to align with your core values. Before you ever set a goal you must make sure you understand your core values and then align your SMART goals to your values and this will help ensure success.

From experience, recording actions, results and reflections help. Use a journal or a dashboard to systematically track your progress toward personal development goals as an executive. Journal: Dedicate a few minutes each day to reflect on your achievements, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Capture insights that contribute to your professional growth. Dashboard: Create a visual dashboard with charts or graphs representing your goals and milestones. This provides a quick overview of your progress and areas needing attention. Whether through a reflective journal or a dynamic dashboard, these tools can serve as invaluable companions on your personal development journey, providing clarity, accountability, and motivation along the way.

Accountability is so important when working towards goals. We all have times where we need a push or support and this is where having someone hold you accountable becomes so important in your journey. I recommend doing accountability checkins at least weekly as this will keep you moving.

Seeking feedback and support is another way to track and ensure progress with personal development as an executive. These can help: 1. Peer Feedback: - Engage with colleagues and peers to gather constructive feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. - Request specific insights related to your personal development goals. 2. Mentorship: - Seek guidance from a mentor who can provide valuable advice and share their experiences. - Regularly discuss your progress and challenges with your mentor to gain personalized insights. Seeking feedback and support is a proactive step toward continuous improvement. I recommend both positive and constructive feedback as valuable tools for your personal and professional growth.

To review and celebrate: - Set aside dedicated time for regular reviews of your progress toward personal development goals. - Reflect on achievements, challenges, and the overall trajectory of your growth journey. - Assess key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics associated with your goals. - Determine whether you are meeting benchmarks and make adjustments as needed. - Celebrate achieved milestones to reinforce positive behavior and maintain motivation. - Recognize the effort and dedication put into reaching specific goals. By incorporating regular reviews and celebrations into your personal development journey, you not only recognize accomplishments but also create a positive and motivating environment for ongoing growth.

Adapting to the constant change and innovation that the world is experiencing, requires a continuous learning mindset. To harness Personal development potentials as an executive requires that you: - Cultivate a mindset that embraces learning as a lifelong journey. - Stay curious and seek opportunities to expand your knowledge in various domains. - Regularly read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in conferences to stay abreast of current trends and developments. - Follow thought leaders and influencers to gain diverse perspectives. By encouraging a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability, you position yourself not only for professional success but also for resilience in the face of change and uncertainty.

Track your progress by gauging if the organization and especially your team is growing - both together and in results. Set boundaries and then get out of the way. How would the team do without you for a week, for a month, for longer? Are you serving the organization’s long-term interest, who can you mentor, do people go to you for mentoring? Focus on developing others and track their progress.