In order to move forward in your career, you need to invest in your own development. This can be as simple as reading a book on leadership, or as involved as going back to school to get an advanced degree.

Typically, it might lie somewhere between those two extremes. But we never drift into excellence. We need to be intentional about investing in our own growth and professional development. That’s what I tell my coaching clients, and what I do myself.

In the years I spent building a successful hospitality-management business, I listened to every John Maxell CD and read every book he wrote on leadership.

I tried to implement the strategies he recommended. John Maxwell’s ideas about business leadership contributed to the success of my business and inspired me to develop professionally and personally.

That is why I am excited to announce that I recently became an Independent Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker with the John Maxwell Team.

I earned this certification by investing in online training, coaching calls and attendance at the John Maxwell Live Event. I had to speak to a live audience and was “graded” on my ability to do so. The entire process (conducted mostly through Maxwell’s online university) took months. I learned a lot, gained new skills and expertise, which benefits my clients. I’ve become a better coach, a stronger trainer and a more polished, professional speaker as a result of the training that led to this certification.

I’m thrilled to have this certification. It took a lot of work and effort, but it makes me better at what I do. It leverages my coaching/speaking to a wider audience and confirms that I have the expertise to train the best.

To be endorsed and certified by the most internationally respected leadership expert who has sold more than 18 million books and trained more than 5 million leaders allows me to offer cutting edge expertise to my coaching clients. Having the John Maxwell Team as part of my brand not only provides my clients with better service, it opens doors for me to build my business.

Whatever work you do, you want to do well. Excellence, in many ways, is its own reward. But beyond that, excellence will further your career. What does that look like for you?

No matter what field you work in, budgeting both time and money for professional development is a worthwhile investment. If you are a leader, consider investing in leadership training from John Maxwell, or attending an event like the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit. If you’re an executive, hiring an executive coach, or working an advanced degree, might be your next step in professional development.

Change and growth is an important component to staying relevant as a leader.

It is not so important to receive the certification as it is to continually be challenged, grow and learn and not be stagnant. As an Executive Coach, my clients are looking to me for wisdom and direction. If I am not continually learning and growing, it will be difficult to serve my clients well. And how can I challenge them to continually learn and grow if I’m not doing the same?

How about you?

What certification, training or continuing education would help you to move forward in your career?

More importantly, what keeps you from making the time to engage in professional development?

 Tell us by leaving a comment below!