Getting Your OWN PhD

Yes, we all agree that developing yourself is an important strategy for improving your results in life. But who has time/resources to pursue learning all the things that can help you grow to who you want to ultimately be - both professionally and personally?

You do.

Want to know a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to grow dramatically in the direction of your unique, personal dreams in just one year's time? Instead of the huge commitment involved in enrolling at a university for an advanced degree, create your own customized program in the living laboratory of your life! Try this little strategy:

Identify the top 6 areas of knowledge or skills that you need most to attain the professional or personal goals of your dreams. Next, dedicate 2 months per topic and begin researching the "best of" information available to you. You can begin with as simple as an Internet search. Try "(topic)" + "best" + "list" (add other search words such as "thought leader" or other terms to best target your research.) As you land on valuable information, save/print/study/learn the information as you need to develop you for the attainment of your goals.

On your terms.

If your goal is skill-based, you can augment your online studies with local hands-on opportunities (locate professionals in your area to help you experience the skill-building you want.) Maybe this looks like job shadowing. Maybe it is a local trades/craft class you can take at night/on weekends. Get creative! Again, YOU drive your development.

The beauty of this approach is threefold. 1. You can do this on your schedule - when it is convenient for you. 2. You can get as in-depth and detailed as you desire - in ANY direction of content, with no one else adding irrelevant content that you don't want. 3. It is virtually a free "directed independent study" program - created by you - for you.

Bottom line: With minimal investment of time, money, and effort - you can make tremendous strides in your own development. Don't be discouraged by the expensive, long-term formal education options. You have alternatives! Go out and make the opportunities that are at your fingertips each and every day. With a little discipline, you'll be amazed at what you will accomplish with a little extra effort each and every day.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Who Do You Think You Are?

Think about the times you've had a conflict with someone - or there's been a different opinion about an issue between your company and your customer base. Notice a trend/pattern? Virtually every time, the conflict starts when there are differing perceptions.

How do you fix this BEFORE it becomes a costly problem?

Last week, I was working with a Fortune 500 company who had a proactive solution. Starting with their employees, they arranged for everyone to complete various simple assessments - as a way to initiate discussion about different issues. (You can download some free samples at http://www.smallworldalliance.com/free-business-tools.html)

After you and your colleague(s) fill one out, simply compare perceptions/opinions and make the opportunity to discuss where you are coming from. [Note: Any assessment by itself does nothing - it's just an excuse to have a discussion, where the real value is.] This process gets everything out so you can get on the same page - or at least understand (with no unpleasant surprises) how you differ. This approach addressed nearly all assumptions and allowed them to resolve issues before they became costly problems.

The bonus? Approaching their customers with the same kinds of questions in a less-formal/"no assessment form needed" part of their natural discussions had similar outcomes: Better clarity/understanding/communication for less conflict and better results.

Not bad for an investment of FREE, eh?

Ready to make things better? Start addressing big issues before they become bigger problems!

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!