August 16, 2016
The Importance of Changing the Oil
In tough budgetary times, a common way to make budget is to reduce expenditures for professional development. I understand this. When faced with the decision of cutting program opportunities for the people we serve versus investing in professional development opportunities for ourselves – it is only natural to give in to the inclination of forgoing professional development opportunities.
Nevertheless, we can take this too far. Professional development is analogous to changing the oil in your car. When budgets are tough we can delay getting that oil change. If we keep doing this, however, we are likely to end up with catastrophic engine failure. From that perspective, changing the oil isn’t a cost per se, it is a critical investment in the longevity of your automobile.
Professional development is a critical investment in the effectiveness and career longevity of an Extension professional. Professional development opportunities allow us to keep to the forefront in our specialization area. They help us communicate and work more effectively with the public, our colleagues and other stakeholders. Professional development opportunities also help us deliver our education content more effectively. In short, professional development and the implementation of the knowledge and skills gained from professional development keeps Extension professionals relevant and effective for the people we serve.
Albert Einstein is often attributed as having said “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” This quote is so fitting for an Extension professional. Instead of sharply curtailing professional development opportunities in tough budget times, I would encourage you to be more discerning in selecting your professional development opportunities. Prioritize those opportunities so they compliment your prioritized programming endeavors for the year.
The chief asset of the Extension professional is the Extension professional. Make sure you invest in yourself.