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Factor IV: Self
Cluster K: Being open
Competency 30: Self-development
30. Self-development

Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal
and informal development channels.

The bottom line is, those who learn, grow, and change continuously across their careers are the most
successful. The skills someone has now are unlikely to be enough in the future. Acquiring new skills is the
best way to navigate an uncertain future. Some won’t face their limitations. They make excuses. Blame it
on the boss or the job or the organization. Others are defensive and fight any corrective feedback. Some
are reluctant to do anything about their problems. Some want a quick fix—they don’t have time for
development. Other times, people simply don’t know what to do. There is great value in learning to learn
from experience. Becoming a lifelong learner isn’t just a catchphrase. Being committed to self-
development means you look for ways to build skills that you will need in the future. You look to grow
from experience. Seek out feedback and are open to what you hear. Challenge yourself in unfamiliar
settings. Try out new skills. Learn from others. Outcome? Work is more interesting. You are less likely to
get stuck in a rut—or in your current position. You can stretch yourself to develop and grow in ways that
perhaps you didn’t think you could. Development is a personal commitment. You make the choice.

“Celebrate what you’ve accomplished,
but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed.”

Mia Hamm – American soccer player

Self-development is in the Self factor (IV) in the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect™. It is part of
Cluster K, Being open, along with Demonstrates self-awareness (29). You may find it helpful to
also take a look at some of the tips included in that chapter to supplement your learning.

Skilled

Shows personal commitment and takes action to continuously improve.
Accepts assignments that broaden capabilities.

Learns from new experiences, from others, and from structured learning.
Makes the most of available development resources.
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