Frequently Asked Questions – Personal vs Professional Development
What Is Personal Development?
Personal development is the process of self-improvement and involves making changes designed to have a positive impact on one’s physical and mental wellbeing and all aspects of one’s life. Personal development may be pursued by people to develop new skill sets or improve their lifestyles to afford them wider career opportunities or a more fulfilled existence.
What Is Professional Development?
Professional development is usually an ongoing process aiming to improve the knowledge and skills required to undertake one’s work effectively. It may be short or long term, formal or informal, and done individually or in a group. It can take place at any point in a career, such as to adapt to new technologies in the workplace.
Why Is Professional Development So Important?
Continuing professional development can help to improve an individual’s efficiency, give them more confidence, offer new perspectives, and allow for opportunities to progress or be promoted within the workplace.
What Is the Difference Between Professional Development and Personal Development Plans?
Although there is a difference between professional development and personal development plans, there are many instances where the line between each is blurred. For example, many professional development plans lend themselves to personal development and vice versa. Recent workplace trends like hybrid and remote working models are blurring this line further.
What Are Some Examples of Personal Development in Action?
Examples of personal development include developing better interpersonal skills, learning to actively listen, learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, identifying ways to lead a healthier lifestyle, and developing healthy ways of managing stress.
What Are Some Examples of Professional Development in the Real World?
Examples of professional development include learning better time management techniques, undertaking a training course from an accredited provider to stand out in the job market, finding a mentor to improve career prospects, and improving knowledge of a specific industry-relevant practice or software program.
What Personal Development Skills Do Companies Need Most?
There are several particularly in-demand skills that companies are seeking in their employees, such as communication, management, sales, project management, customer service, research, teamwork, marketing, and analytical skills.
What Is Personal Growth Coaching?
Personal growth coaching involves an individual working with an expert to help them explore specific areas in which they want to improve. It can also help to develop the tools required to overcome obstacles, such as low self-image or a lack of confidence.