How do you define professional development and is it necessary?

Professional Development is teaching that challenge the mindset of people to think beyond where they are in their life. For anyone is wants to find the "more" for their life, then Professional Development is a must, because it involves Personal Development. My thought is you can't lead another past the point where you are. Hey, follow me on Facebook @ RichardFlintFan

I am a huge believer in Professional Development. We live in a world where knowledge is expanding exponentially. Digital processing technology is enabling more discovery at a rate we can no longer keep up with.  This requires us to adopt new perspectives on lifetime learning. 

It is now a continuous requirement if you are to remain professionally competent and connected to the evolution of your area of expertise. The biggest challenge is finding the time to read, listen, or watch content that moves us forward. The number of certifications and industry educational programs continues to expand. 

The plan you develop for yourself will ideally address what level of competency of knowledge you need to maintain and advance your business or career.

I feel that professional development is necessary for those who realize that what they know now has gotten them to where they are but most likely will not advance them past that point. If people are interested in growth then development is absolutely needed. I feel that it takes on many forms - coaching, training, mentoring, books, podcasts, seminars, etc. I do not feel there is a one size fits all approach as each person has different goals and visions for where they want to go. I think it is critical for each person to define where they want to go before the start the journey. Meeting with someone ahead of time before committing to a program is a big key to the success. I also believe that unless we are continually learning and growing we have started the process of dying. 

Professional Development is never being stagnent in your thoughts and knowledge about the things that are important to your profession.  It is the school of continuing knowledge.  Yes, it is important.  And you can teach an old dof new tricks, if the old dog continues to have an open mind.

Everybody knows something you don't know.  Professional development is the ongoing effort to got exposure and experience to something or someone that can have an impact on you or your organization.  It should be a two way street, you can give and receive during the same encounter.  Professional/personal development can open you up to possibilities that you may not discover on your own or as quickly.

Professional development is the attainment of skills, awareness, and perspectives one needs to do their job well.  Businesses need to constantly adapt to change, so professional development is essential to remain competitive.

However, professional development is not limited to new technologies, regulations, procedures, or new products.  The leadership of the company must work hard to remain aware of changing trends, consumer tastes, and new opportunities.

I  consider Professional Development is essential for staying in touch with where you want to go. I  like what Karla said, [paraphrase] "What you know has gotten you where you are, and to advance past that you will need to know more." 

I believe there are personal and professional benefits of continuing education. Often the development expands beyond the intended scope. In learning new specific tools, in expanding understanding and awareness, and also in having the space to explore new ideas, we are able to grow in our whole world. 

I  remember sitting in a training and have a completely random thought that provided a solution to something else entirely. Yet, without the conversation, I was listening to, and the space to be in my head, the insight would most likely not have shown up.

Lastly, I think Professional Development is one of the core ways that organizations invest in and show that they value their employees. 

In my practice, Professional Development is any action or activity that individuals or businesses take to promote the growth, learning and development of themselves and others. From the Org.Dev. perspective this is essential because the sum of the parts are greater than the whole. Meaning the more effective each component, the more impactful the entire organization. From the individual perspective, this topic heavily overlaps the concept of what "success" means to the individual. Many professional people understand the necessity of life-long learning in leading a thriving life.

Keeping up with the technology that is important in your industry. I think work life balance is a professional and personal development issue.

I consider anything you do to improve yourself as professional development and believe that it is absolutely crucial to success. There's always more to learn. I'd be happy to recommend some great books if interested.