The fact that you were appointed a manager or that you are working on a project that is absolutely crucial for your company does not mean that you should not further develop your management skills. Neither is the fact that you have completed a management training program a sufficient reason to stop learning new things. Do you think that you don't have time for training? Stop making excuses.
The PM Hut website recently drew attention to the most common excuses Project Managers made to neglect further professional education and added some advice on how to move from excuses to action. The recommendations can be useful for all managers, not only PMs, because the excuses are very common. Most of us know them very well.
"I don't have time."
Really? Try to schedule 30 minutes a day to study and improve your management skills. Change your unproductive habits. Spend less time watching television, go to bed earlier... this are some of the many ways. The argument "When I start studying, I will not have time to work", is really just an excuse.
"I don't have money."
Try asking your boss, explain that you are interested in further education in the management field. Maybe he can recommend a good book or course, ideally with an internal trainer. If your company does not have its own trainers or does not invest in employee training, try to change the status quo. Even if you fail, you still have a wide range of study options, such as using the Internet.
"I have a family."
Most managers have families and want to spend their free time together. This does, however, not prevent them from occasionally attending a training or a conference. Try to plan your time so that you can spend more time with your family during the work week, not just on weekends.
"I'm tired."
This is often true. Work is really exhausting for many managers. However, if this is the case, they should try to do something about it. Find a way to renew your energy. Go for a run, work out, free up adrenaline. Then you can learn much easier.
"I am not motivated."
The problem may lie in the fact that you don't often meet managers who are better than you and motivated to improve. Try to enter a local professional organization of managers and start regularly meeting your peers. If you can't learn by yourself, create a study group. You can also share your new knowledge and teach others what you have learned. This may give another purpose to your efforts.
How do you develop yourself as a manager? What are your excuses not to?
-kk-