Thoughts on Professional Development

Professional development is an ongoing process of continual self improvement. Here are some thoughts and ideas that might help you in your journey of professional growth:

• Start with a passion for what you. For me that is the fuel that drives learning.
• Have a detailed learning plan.
• Develop a personal network of peers that you can exchange ideas with and who will challenge your ideas.
• Read voraciously – Read the classics, read current research and read coaching literature also read outside of coaching.
• Go outside coaching to learn. I have picked up some great ideas on planning and debriefing from some management books.
• Research and analyze. Keep copious records of training plans and results.
• Observe – Watch others and see what they are doing. Ask why? Ask how?
• Practice – Try new training methods yourself before you use them with your athletes. Prototype continually.
• In the words of management expert Tom Peters fail forward. Recognize that mistakes and missteps are learning opportunities.
• Become part of the GAIN Professional Development Network – Come to GAIN, join now here.