No excuses when it comes to your career

A NO EXCUSES sign hangs prominently in my gym. Under the sign is a large whiteboard where members can write in their own excuses, things such as it’s too hot, it’s too cold, I ate a big breakfast, or I feel old, fat, tired, hung over…….or whatever. Some are very creative and funny, and in their own way motivating.I was fortunate to chair two meetings of senior executives this week. One meeting was a Purchasing Management Association of Boston roundtable of senior purchasing and supply chain executives discussing pertinent topics in supply management, including staff development, technology integration, and the impact of the recession on their businesses and industry. The other meeting, on behalf of my college, was with a group of local community business leaders to discuss employee development. In total I worked with 24 senior managers. A lot of coffee!

The common theme in both of these meetings was the importance of employee development. They all felt it was important to continue to offer training and development opportunities to their employees on a regular basis, and this need crossed cleanly through industry segment and company size form big pharma to a local law office. All advocated and supported education.

Yet, I hear from many purchasing employees themselves that there is no time for educational activities. Some say that their managers don’t support it, or the budgets are down, or they are afraid to ask for training for fear of losing their jobs. That is my favorite one by far.

There were twenty four senior managers and business owners, across industry lines and company sizes, all advocating and supporting employee development. All in the same week! The message was clear to me that employee development is increasingly important.

Maybe it is time to have a conversation with your manager today. No excuses!