Expanding my knowledge is really important to me and I do this through formal training courses, guided reading, talking with others and my own research.
Last week I went to the British Psychological Society Occupational Psychology conference. It’s been many years since I went to one of these.
This is quite a formal conference, with the majority of sessions papers by academics. As a psychologist it’s important that I keep up with research and that I look for how I can link research to my practice.
There was a room of poster presentations. an interesting one was on how Smart Phones make us stressed, if this interests you, read more here.
For me the formal sessions is just one reason why I’m there. I like to be inspired and I like to think about practical implications for what I hear. It’s also about meeting with people and finding out more about their applied work.
I take quite a few notes, previously I used to write them in a notebook but then I’d have the hassle and would need to find the time to type them up. This time I used the notability app on my iPad and I have saved so much time!
Sometimes I like to do things just a little bit different!
So in July I’m going to Portland, Oregon to attend the World Domination Summit. This is not about invading countries, but about being inspired, and challenged, meeting interesting people and looking for how I can impact the world. It’s about how I can best be of service.
It’s quite a decision, not just the cost of the conference/ event, but flying across the Atlantic and cross America but I know it will be inspiring and awesome and I’m turning it into a holiday.
I really think this conference will be amazing, and I’ll meet lots of amazing people! Watch this video and you will see what I mean.

World Domination Summit 2011 from Chris Guillebeau on Vimeo.

What about your personal development? What plans have you got for 2012?
Are you going to any conferences, or attending any courses? I’ll often discuss personal development with people and if their company isn’t going to pay they won’t be doing anything. Some won’t even read journals or work books unless it is in work time. This is quite short sighted, and is hardly likely to help them get a new job or a promotion.
If you want to develop a good reputation at work then create your own development plan, and then share what you have learnt. You could
• Create summaries and short reports
• Offer to do a lunch time talk
• Keep all your details ready to discuss in your personal review
I’d love to hear what your plans are? Make a note below or post on the Facebook page –
http://www.facebook.com/#!/amazingpeopleUK

Published On: January 17th, 2012 / Categories: About Denise, Career Management /

2 Comments

  1. Ian Glendinning January 17, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    Hi Denise,
    I have at least 2 US conferences in 2012 (as well as 3 or 4 others, sometimes several more) – so I doubt I’ll justify time to get to Guillebeau’s event, although I’ve plugged myself into the mailing list.
    Two thoughts – most good conferences, most of the value is in the less formal activities – take a look at Johnnie Moore and “open-space” activities and also “Anecdote”.
    Also – go one better, if you have the iPad on-line why not blog notes directly.
    Take care.
    Ian

  2. Denise Taylor January 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm

    Thanks Ian, good to hear that you are keen on personal development too. I was working with a client the other day who hasn’t done any persoal develoment for over 10 years as their company doesn’r beliwve in it – they also haven’t got promoted or been succesful in any jobs they applied for- they couldn’t see the connexion!
    I like the idea of blogging live, all depends on holtels and free wifi, I think they wanted 320 per day where i was – what a rip off!

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