Why develop?
Getting the most out of myself?
Blog by
Joanne Bouwers
Sometimes you get the most beautiful questions. Questions that stick with you and make you think. Questions like: ‘What actually is “Development works”? Why does it work? Does it mean I have a lot to learn and need help? Should I tell my employer that I’m not getting the most out of myself? In fact, I’d be admitting I haven’t been working at my best for a while. Apparently, I need help to develop. And the key question: WHY do I need to develop and get the most out of myself?’
Developing is more than learning...
I do understand where the questioner is coming from. Developing is more than just learning and taking courses. This misconception is mainly fueled by commercials from training institutes, trying to get the maximum talent out of you. From Dutch people with a stick in hand, asking: ‘Do you have the ambition to raise the bar?’ Or children talking about their dream jobs as firemen and astronauts, while dad doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up. Everything revolves around being better, improving, and achieving the maximum. But why does it always have to be better? Can’t you just be content with yourself? And, honestly, can you imagine someone not developing? You have spent years developing into who you are now. We just tend to think that at some point, we’re done developing.
Unconscious development happens by itself
There is a difference between conscious and unconscious development. We often develop unconsciously, and it happens naturally in daily life. In the nineties, using ATMs was introduced. Do you know anyone who can’t use an ATM? They still exist, but not many. The rest have unconsciously adapted to this changing world. Surely, you have also made more conscious choices to develop yourself. Simply because otherwise, you wouldn’t be allowed to drive a car. You consciously chose to take driving lessons and pass an exam. And, if all goes well, in a few years we’ll be driving electric cars. Whether we like it or not. The advancement is already set. Development is driven by the changing world around us.
Conscious development is working on your skills and talents
Back to the questioner. Should I get the most out of myself? No, and maybe that’s a surprising answer. You really don’t have to turn everything upside down and aim for the maximum. I don’t participate in all those well-meaning high-bar expectations for employees. But I do encourage you to consciously reflect on yourself and grow. Development means something different for everyone, a unique path with a personal goal, allowing you to grow or adapt to a changing world.
Why would you develop?
You can choose personal development for yourself. Developing skills that make your work easier or increase your chances of work with short-term contracts. Challenges may also be lurking. Such as changes in your work. These can become threats if you can no longer keep up in your field. Situations where you can no longer develop unconsciously, but have to take conscious steps. We then realize that further development is necessary.
Development questions can also arise at the employer’s request. Well-known examples are the technological plans in a company driven by a changing world. You then have to consciously develop yourself in order to continue working in your industry or company. Or develop skills suited to a changing role. It is a collaboration between employer and employee in the growth of both the organization and the individual.
Development continues
In the early years of your life you develop quickly and in many ways. But never everything at once. The process of development doesn’t stop. It just isn’t about raising the bar and performing at your maximum. It’s about finding the right time for a next step in your development or in that of the organization.
Joanne Bouwers
Career Advisor
I work for the three northern provinces where I feel at home thanks to my Drenthe-born father, Frisian mother, and Groningen-born husband. To keep my life in balance, I swim and do activities with my family.
