Where do I see myself in three years?
I envision myself to be a senior manager in a leading team, which contributes strategically to my company’s growth. This vision is influenced by Riitta Viitala’s study, which highlights the importance of personal development for managers in the growing globalization, technologial growth and competition. My focus will not be only on technical and business side, but also on social and intrapersonal skills, which I identified in my previous studies. The research also backs up the lack of these skills in managers.
Staying informed about industry insights and trends become valuable, incorporating research to one’s career plan is paramount to a career vision.
Technology has always been close to my heart and I am certain that I will be in a leading organisation in industrial technology.
Defining competencies
When considering Viitala’s management competency model on Finnish managers, you can recognize the importance in strategic thinking, change management, communication and leadership. Adaptability, social literacy and collaboration in diverse teams become vital to have a successfull career. Viitala referred to managers neglecting social and intrapersonal skills. Keeping that in mind, my development plan will address these points to ensure a skill set, which values these topics.
Three-year Development Plan
I will be focusing on to develop competencies with the insights from the study. Recognizing that managers lack development skills. I will join an executive program, which focuses on strategic management and social skills. Attending industry workshops and conferences to focus on technologial changes are also needed. Creating feedback systems or session will provide valuable information about personal growth and incompetencies and development needs.
Self-study has always been important to me, so I will be studying about important topics at the same time. Finding a mentor has always been in my mind and I will focus on that more.
The first year is important to build a foundation for your skills, finding neglected areas and understanding personal development needs. Second and third year should be used to refine your skills.
Concrete plan
Year One
- Training myself via workshops and conferences, regarding to leadership and strategic planning
- Communication and interpersonal skills training with self learning and feedback
- Seeking a mentor in my field, who can teach me the required skills
- Researching literature on management and industry trends
- Learning how to lead projects
- Self constructive criticism to identify areas of improvement
Year Two
- Advanced training in leadership and management, by enrolling to advanced courses
- Executive programs
- Networking using conferences and workshops
- Feedback and self assesment
Year Three
- Additional resposibility
- Seeking international expertise
- Certifications in my field of expertise
- Networking in a larger are of the industry
- Evaluating my three year growth and creating a new plan and development ideas
References:
R.Viitala (2005) – Perceived development needs of managers compared to an integrated management
competency model