18 Career Advancement I love learning. That’s the simple introduction that I always provide when asked to introduce myself. I also love helping adults learn. I love devising formats, methods and programs that utilize technology to help adults learn and to inspire those adults to love learning. This is my unique value to build the workforce of a professional association. In my career, I’ve been the matchmaker of technology and learning. When that match is found between the content and the learning format, the desired outcomes for the learner are understanding, comprehension, application of knowledge, confidence and competence. It is critical to use technology where it’s appropriate. It can be challenging and political to determine where to apply technology and where/when to not apply technology. The right learning—at the right time—helps people achieve things that they never dreamed possible. It expands abilities to enhance their current career, or initiates change to morph into someone they didn’t realize that they could become. Learning is informational, inspirational, and transformational. Working in or with professional and trade associations can be challenging. It is common to lose enthusiasm or feel frustrated at times. There are days that require much patience and perseverance as a leader. We want our member service and tech stack to offer an excellent customer experience. We want time to innovate while spending our time implementing historic, traditional programs—some often outdated. We want our work to have an impact on the profession(s) that we serve while we watch limited open and click-through rates to our digital marketing efforts. We want to advance in our professional roles with limited time, budgets, and energy to dedicate to ourselves. When frustration occurs, how do you manage that stress? Does it impact your attitude or productivity? Do you have a strong peer network for support or resource recommendations? Do you allow others to minimize your contributions and deflate your enthusiasm for work? Here are a few suggestions to keep you focused and grounded: Make a fist with your thumb in between your index and middle finger. This is “T” in American Sign Language (ASL). Instead of the fist symbolizing anger, think of the “fist T” whereby the “T” is trust. Trust yourself. Trust your ability. Trust your intuition. And, trust that you can guide your department, your association, your membership, and your company forward. TRUST YOUR UNIQUE VALUE AT WORK By Tracy Petrillo, EdD, CAE — Chief Learning Officer, CASBO Learning is informational, inspirational, and transformational. —Tracy Petrillo, EdD, CAE
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