Leadership magazine Jan/Feb 2016 V45 No 3 | Page 24

Top 16 Personal Development Tools for 2016 NURTURING YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS These online resources aim to encourage your development as a visionary, lifelong learner, and a stronger, more compassionate and resourceful leader. Leadership isn’t a destination; it is a journey. Regardless of one’s role, the skill sets that make up a leader continue to expand and develop. Personal development should not be that thing you do outside of work time to get ahead, but is a focus on learning, self-actualization and growth. What should matter is starting with the skills you were given and taking them to the next level to be the best you that you can be, for your family and for your work life. Becoming a complete human being is a big and noble goal to which you can aspire, and these resources are a great start. Professional Learning & Growth In the area of learning and growth, here are a few resources that can help you expand your skills and your thinking, free of charge. 24 Leadership Whether you want to broaden your skills or want to strengthen your presentation skills, the resources here should be helpful in your personal and professional growth. 1. MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, are one way to really personalize learning. Want to learn about decision making? How to more effectively transition your school/district to be future ready? Have a personal goal and want to learn with others, such as becoming a happier person? Instead of signing up at the local or online university, paying your tuition and “attending” class, there are other options...and they are often free: • Udemy has more than 30,000 courses, some paid and some free, that tend to be grounded in By Lisa Gonzales and Geoff Belleau