Professional development refers to skills and knowledge attained for both personal development and career advancement. It refers to activities that improve self-knowledge and identity, develop talents and potential, build human capital and employability, enhance quality of life, and contribute to the realization of dreams and aspirations. The concept is not limited to self-development but includes formal and informal activities for developing others, in roles such as teacher, guide, counselor, manager, coach, or mentor.
Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences, and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It can be described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage. There are a variety of approaches to professional development, including lesson study, reflective practice, coaching, mentoring, and communities of practice.
What’s your perspective on developing organizational skills?