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For any jobs, there are countless new skills you can learn to help you improve your work performance. From building leadership or project managing, or even polishing your public speaking skills. The problem is there never seems to be time or opportunities during work hours to actually learn them. Starting this year, I’ve made an intention to make time during my off hours to help me learn and grow. There are things you can do outside of your workplace to help you improve at your current job.
ONE: Volunteering in Community Organizations
Volunteering is a great way to not only network, but also practice your leadership skills. It’s easier to take initiative when you don’t feel like your job is at stake. You can practice being confident and having a voice in meetings. Non-profit organizations are more open to new ideas, so you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. Also, community events or out reach events is a perfect way to practice your presentation, pitching skills, and even interpersonal communication.
TWO: Online Courses
If there are new programs or skills you would like to learn and have little time and money, then online courses are great tool. Sites like Linda.com or Udemy.com provide online course work to teach you news skills for lot less money. There are courses from software development, graphic design, photography, etc. I’m currently taking a Project Managing course myself. If you prefer a more in-person class setting then coursehorse.com is perfect site to check out. It let’s you search and sign up for classes in your local area.
THREE: Toastmaster Organization & Improv Classes
Toastmasters Organization, if you haven’t heard of them already, it is a club that teaches communication and leadership skills. The meeting are created in a way to help you practice your public speaking. There manuals with different projects to work on and roles you can sign up for to practice running meetings. You also get feedback from your group and assigned mentor. Improv classes sound a lot scarier. I myself was hesitate to take it, but really enjoyed the experience. Improv isn’t acting, it’s really about listening and responding with whatever comes to you. There are rules to follow which can help build personal communication skills. What I liked about improv is that it teaches you to think on your feet, unlike Toast Master where you can prepare ahead of time. Both are great ways to help build you public speaking confidence.
-Denise