Take Charge and Start Mentoring Yourself

THOMAS EDISON- AboutThomasEdison.com

There are only so many days in a week, so many hours in a day, and your company provides only so many hours of training. If you want to learn and grow today, take charge and start mentoring yourself. 


  Where to start:

a)    Start with a list of your strengths, weaknesses and wants (what you want to retain, improve and learn).

b)   Visit another jobsite; giving you a different perspective of leadership styles or use of new technologies. Spend some time on-site picking out their best practices.

c)    Social Media (if you haven’t already, set up a Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and G+ account). Find people in your field of work to connect with Follow pages and learn from them.


Have No Time:

a)    Wake up an hour earlier; dedicate this time only to your growth.

b)   Use the weekend. Saturday/Sunday mornings are ideal for learning; you are focused and energetic, along with a peaceful and quiet house.  

c)    Use short breaks to read an article, post a question on your social media page or call someone to ask them questions.

d)   Schedule one day a month dedicated just to you! Make note of items you would like to learn, getting through as many as you can. Save the remaining items for the next month or trade out with some new ideas.


Why Do I Need Training?

a)    We can never know enough, even if we are the best at what we do. Complacency and ignorance will stunt your growth.

b)   Talk to your boss and peers how you can improve, then set personal goals and a re-assessment date to check on your progress.

c)    As fast as technology is moving, we can’t let it pass us by.  Use social media to receive up to date information, this will help you understand where the industry is headed. Subscribe to a newsletter pertaining to your industry, you will receive up to date information and articles on your smart phone.


Try New Things

a)    If you’re great at carpentry learn to finish concrete, if you’re talented at finishing concrete, learn to survey.  Don’t be afraid to try something new or master a weakness; just don’t settle as a one trick pony!

b)    Tackle a new computer program: Learn it inside and out, don’t just use it to 30% of its capabilities; learn it all.

c)    Compare yourself to the best! Yes, you might look superb next to someone who does not possess the same skills or abilities as you. So find out who is the best, try to pair up with them (show us what you’re made of). Learn what they’re exceptional at and why, at the same time recognize your strengths and weaknesses.  


Collaborate

a)    Talk to your peers at the beginning/finish shift. You can also send group messages or hold discussion groups. You want to extrude all possible information from peers and professionals.

b)   Set up job tours with other peers, if possible. Learn their processes and techniques, then compare to your way, discard the ones that don’t want to use and implement the ones you do.

c)    Find an app to help you share and receive information. There is so much knowledge floating around tap into it. Find a great app to gather and share the data. Don’t be afraid, just do it!

Yes, it’s nice to be successful at work and build a name for the company. But, you need to protect yourself! Allocate as much effort into teaching and growing yourself as you do for others. Otherwise, you’re going to be left behind; waiting for someone else to teach you. Take the initiative, mentor yourself and become viable for the future!

---