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struggles of a challenging assignment. Support usually comes from
coworkers, but can also come from family and friends. The individual
being challenged can make the most of an assignment by creating a
development plan that calls out the challenge being faced in the

assignment and articulates strategies for getting the assessment and
support needed to maximize learning from the assignment. 314

Remember, personal learning isn’t a sign that you are unskilled; it simply
means that you are willing to constantly better yourself so that you can be
more of an expert in your field and a source of inspiration to others.
315
People who embrace personal learning find that they can never be done
educating themselves on how to be better at their relationships and their
job, and that can lend an air of excitement to their career. Constantly
challenging yourself makes you a better leader in that not only will you
have more skills with which to manage your work, but it will hopefully

create a culture of achievement in your workplace that everyone will try to
live up to.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top leadership of an organization clearly has to be

interested in the development of his or her staff if he or she is to be
transformational. A good deal of time needs to be spent observing and
coaching others, and helping them set goals that stretch their capabilities.
However, training leaders is not enough if the organization is to benefit
from their skills and knowledge. Frequently, the comment is heard: “I

spent a good deal of time and effort in this leadership training program,
but I don’t know what to do with what I learned.” The follow-up to all of
this education and training is as important as the learning process itself.
The key is to determine how to most effectively involve these emerging
leaders in the organization and its various processes. It is also important to
have follow-up meetings with the staff to encourage and assist them in

their pursuit of personal and organizational goals.

314 http://govleaders.org/development.htm.
315 http://www.mysuccesslab.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160:critical-
leadership-competency-personal-learning&catid=43:news&Itemid=173.

David Kolzow 293