Self Development: How to Help Yourself and ARS National AO Conference Colorado Springs, CO April 23-27, 2001

Self Development Presenters: Diane M. Strub, AAO, Midwest Area Deb Larson, Acctg Tech, Northern Plains Sheila Zeto, LAO, North Atlantic

Self Development Goal of this Session: Provide you some tools, resources and tips to help you climb the ladder of success in your ARS career

Let’s Loosen Up! Write down, as fast and furious as you can, what frustrates you about your present job; what do you worry about; what are your career challenges? Ready, Set, Write!

Self Development What does a successful LAO look like to you?

Self Development - KSAs Interpersonal Skills How well you communicate is key to how you relate to your supervisor, your staff, your customers. Research of successful individuals show they attribute their success to interpersonal skills (85%) and technical skills (15%)

Self Development – KSAs 2 Organizational Skills Would you call yourself organized? How do you prioritize multiple tasks and “juggle many hats”? What kind of time management tool do you use?

Self Development – KSAs 3 Increased Knowledge Base What are you reading? Who are you networking with? Where are your resources? Be a sponge!

Self Development – KSAs 4 Increased Technical Ability What training have you taken? What training do you need? What are your strengths & weaknesses? What does your IDP look like?

Self Development – KSAs 5 Learn to Give and Take Direction How well do you take direction? How well do you lead your staff? Supervisory training is a must! Who is your mentor?

Self Development Success Stories Diane, Sheila, Deb Success Stories – audience?

Do’s and Don’ts 2 Take control of your own career. Do not wait for things to happen to you but be open to opportunities. Luck is simply preparation meeting opportunity! “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Peter Drucker

Do’s and Don’ts 3 Consider yourself the first beneficiary of your work. Consider it an exercise in developing yourself. Foster a “can do” attitude!

Do’s and Don’ts 3 “Do what you can with what you have right where you are.” Teddy Roosevelt “Unless a person undertakes more than they can possibly do, they will never do all they possibly can.” Be willing to learn from your mistakes!

Do’s and Don’ts 4 “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi Jump in, be willing to take risks, be willing to ask for help, move ahead.

Do’s and Don’ts “Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titantic.”

Do’s and Don’ts Don’t be afraid to be in the “discomfort zone”, the risk zone, trying something new, being more than you are now and stretching yourself to new limits.

Do’s and Don’ts 5 You need to learn how to deal with the “tyranny of the urgent”. Manage the stress, prioritize, and do your best. Strive for balance between your work life and your personal life.

Do’s and Don’ts 6 Visit your research personnel; ask questions about their research. Sense of humor mandatory! Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Learn how to delegate. There’s more than one way to skin a cat! Empower your staff to be creative.

Self Development - Handouts Individual Development Plan Brochure Sample IDP LAO Training Matrix Suggested Reading List Things to Consider

Self Development – Handouts SMART Center Useful Web sites Program Information New Leader Program LEAD CARE

Self Development – Handouts Dr. Seuss Poem Addresses of Presenters Evaluation Form

Self Development - Summary Your career is what you make it. Be proactive. Utilize all your resources available to you. Challenge: Make new contacts while at the meeting. Plan your IDP and go to training! Read – pick one book off the list to read! Volunteer. Find a Mentor

Self Development - Summary Strive for “WOW”! “I love my job!” Your customers love your service! You feel valued and have a sense of accomplishment! You are in a “good” place! !