We set lots of goals. But, we must be deliberate about our influence as a personal development goal.
Deliberate Influence
Our influence on others can happen by accident. That is, we’re unaware of how we affect others.
Conversely, we can be deliberate about our influence.
Now, we regularly set goals for our own professional development.
However, it’s important, I believe, that our growth goals include building interpersonal skills, such as empathy, which facilitate our influence on others.
How do we get there?
Our positive impact on others is a conscious choice.
We build sensitivity about how others are responding to us. Thus, we begin to notice the subtle, or not so subtle, clues they give us.
So, how do we get to the point of being a positive influence?
First, we must know where we are right now. Therefore, we create a baseline to become more self-aware.
Second, as an outcome of building self-awareness, we add social awareness. That is, we recognize how we trigger others.
Third, through self-reflection, mentoring, counseling, reading, and other resources we grow to the point that our interactions are positive and constructive.
Now we’re ready to decide, based on awareness of our strengths, where we can have the greatest impact on others.
For me, personal development has been a long process. But for others, who have much stronger interpersonal skills, the process may not be so challenging!
Proverbs 14.8 notes the link between deep thoughtfulness and discernment about where we’re going in life. That honest reflection helps us avoid self-deception. Hence, this verse connects critical thinking and wise behavior!
Apply This Today!
Goal setting for professional development is essential. But, don’t overlook building interpersonal skills that benefit others.
Where can we look for hints about how we come across to others? Obvious sources are family, friends, and co-workers. I found that when the relationships are healthy, staff members provided especially meaningful feedback about my social skills.
Is it possible to separate personal development goals from professional development goals? Clearly, our personal growth impacts the success of our professional efforts. Thus, those two are closely linked.
For me, setting both professional and personal development goals helped clarify noticeable gaps in my interpersonal skills that were a drag on accomplishing my professional goals.
A Question to Consider
It’s good to ask: Have I made my positive influence on others one of my personal development goals? Do you think this is important to do? Why or why not?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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