As a community leader, your plate is probably full, and sometimes, you may have trouble finding dedicated time for learning. If, however, you want to be a compelling leader, you must continuously commit yourself to gaining new skills, understanding fresh perspectives, and expanding your knowledge of the world around you.
With the following resources, community leaders will find ways to incorporate lifelong learning into their busy schedules:
Pursuing Higher Education
Going back to school could be your ticket to earning additional credentials. Here’s how to chart your path through higher education.
● Wondering if enrolling in a degree program is right for you? Explore the benefits of returning to school as an adult.
● Before deciding on a particular graduate degree, compare different programs and think carefully about your professional goals.
● If you’re interested in building your teaching career, why not earn a master’s degree in K-12 education online?
Learning From the Pros
Sometimes, you may want to focus specifically on improving your leadership skills - and what better way to do that than by connecting with other effective leaders?
● Enroll your company or organization in leadership seminars with the Training Dynamics Network, which can help prepare your team for future success.
● Schedule informational interviews with other community leaders, activists, or organizers to learn from their experiences.
● It’s never too late to find a mentor - forming a long-term, professional connection with someone who wants to help you grow is invaluable.
Here are a few recommendations to make this happen:
Alternative Forms of Education
Today, learning is not confined to a classroom. From volunteering to networking at conferences to educating yourself on your own time, there are endless ways to deepen your knowledge.
● Attend conferences where you can mingle with other leaders in your field. You never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll learn!
● Volunteering with new groups gives you the opportunity to acquire fresh skills in casual settings.
● Embark on a journey of self-directed learning - you can choose the educational materials, the pace, and the projects you want to complete.
Learning doesn’t stop when you enter the workforce - in fact, this should only mark the beginning of your educational journey. When you’re a respected leader in your community, lifelong learning can help you transform the lives of those around you for the better, and with these resources, you’ll be able to jump-start your educational progress and become an even more motivating leader!
By Sean Morris, Learnfit
SEAN MORRIS A few years ago, Sean left his job as a social worker to spend more time with his kids. Today, he writes for LearnFit in his spare time. He is an advocate of living healthy lives and being an asset in the community. Learn more at www.learnfit.org
Photo via Unsplash