In an article written by Joel Trammell for Inc. Magazine, he mentioned one of the differences between great
versus mediocre leaders is the "willingness to examine past actions and decisions, in order to improve" upon
future performance. This disposition can help when making superior decisions to prevent biased actions. In
order to "have a willingness to examine past actions and decisions," one must be open to exploring ways to
develop professionally.
In the above-cited article, Joel provides a suggestion given by Tom Peters, in an interview with McKinsey
Quarterly, which is to designate about 50% of "unscheduled time" in order to continue learning and developing
professional skills. The process of learning, of course, is not just about the process of acquiring knowledge by
attending training programs, reading widely and regularly, and even writing to improve critical thinking skills
and enhancing communication, but also encompasses such practices as teaching what you have learned.
In fact, I have always heard that one of the best ways of learning a subject well is to teach it to others. In
an article written in 2018 by Christian Jarrett, for Research Digest, he explains that one of the reasons why
"learning by teaching others" is highly effective is found in the "retrieval practice hypothesis." This hypothesis
postulates that the reason why teaching is so effective in learning and remembering what one has learnt, as
explained in the journal article written by Koh, Lee, & Lim (2017), is because whenever one explains concepts
to others, one must retrieve previously learned concepts from memory. This practice thereby enhances one's
capacity to recall concepts more easily.
In terms of my professional development, I feel these past 10 years in particular, certainly throughout my
education and working experience beginning at the early college years, have given me many ways to do
so. From attending several universities to earn a bachelor's, two master's, and a PhD degree to working in
several fields — including as a teacher — and gaining many skills along the way, have all been ways in which
I have developed professionally. I feel now that all of the skills I have today will help me in future professional
opportunities.
References
Jarrett, C. (2018). Learning by Teaching Others Is Extremely Effective — a New Study Tested a Key Reason
Why. Research Digest. Retrieved from https://digest.bps.org.uk/2018/05/04/learning-by-teaching-
others-is-extremely-effective-a-new-study-tested-a-key-reason-why/
Koh, A., Lee, S. and Lim, S. (2017). The Learning Benefits of Teaching: a Retrieval Practice Hypothesis.
\Applied Cognitive Psychology, 32(7), 401-410. https://doi.10.1002/acp.3410
Trammell, J. (2016). 10 Ways to Maximize Your Professional Development. Inc. Magazine. Retrieved from
https://www.inc.com/joel-trammell/10-ways-to-maximize-your-professional-development.html
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NCUPA Summer Bulletin
