Creating New Year’s Resolutions is an annual tradition of creating a wish-list for ourselves that usually falls by the wayside by Valentine’s Day. Think about the resolutions you’ve made in years past. You may have resolved to establish a workout routine and a healthier eating plan. Maybe you resolved to read more, spend more time with family, or start saving money. I’ll give credit to those of you that have followed through on your self-made promises. For those of you who haven’t, take an honest moment of reflection and think about where you would be if you had.
If you can’t trust yourself then how can you find truth in anyone else? This year make a resolution to actually fulfill your resolutions.
I want share some of my resolutions for the upcoming year with you. Take them or leave them. Feel free to join me:
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Seek Knowledge Outside My Comfort Zone
Find ways to expand your knowledge base. If you consider yourself an expert interviewer and feel comfortable handling a variety of cases, find new ways to apply these skills. Change your perspective, think of yourself as a truth-seeker and imagine the endless opportunities of expanding that skillset. Did you know that WZ offers training on disciplined listening sales methods, and negotiation techniques that incorporates the core components of the WZ method? I’m all for using the truth to my advantage in any situation, and you should be too!
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Become an Active Member in a Networking Group or Association
It is difficult to develop personally and professionally when your networks are full of people just like you. Expanding your network and involvement into diverse groups or associations can be vital for personal development and career advancement. Groups such as the International Association of Interviewers (IAI) help you accomplish these goals by bringing together diverse groups of people and enabling them to network while providing a plethora of resources. If you’re a member of a networking group make sure people know your name and your value. If you’re not a member of a networking group, join one as I also plan to broaden my network in 2016.
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Take Advantage of Continuing Education Opportunities
Knowledge is power. Education and experience are the sources of knowledge. When you stop learning, you stop improving yourself. Rest assured that someone is working harder to prepare themself for an opportunity that could’ve been yours. Arm yourself appropriately by taking advantage of a variety of continuing education opportunities such as a college course in an area that interests you, advanced or specialized training seminars, webinars, or even online training. Move beyond staying relevant. Strive to become extraordinary.
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Increase Your Credibility Through Accreditation
Make your resume stand out in a stack of 200 embellished Microsoft Word templates. I’m not going to pretend to be a resume expert. I can tell you that hiring managers definitely value accreditations and certifications. Take the time to evaluate the available options and identify the programs that best fit your passion and career goals. Personally, I can speak to the credibility the Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) designation has given me in and out of the interview room. Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or the LP Foundation’s Loss Prevention Certification (LPC) are other goals to consider.
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Give more by Volunteering
Some of my best experiences came from unexpected sources. I have vivid, inspiring memories of volunteering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation with my family. I also was able to meet some amazing athletes while volunteering as a Basketball and Softball Coach for Special Olympics. I plan to become more involved in this area of my life this year, to not only contribute to the community but to utilize that experience and those relationships to continue to better myself. You’d be surprised by how much you can personally gain by simply just giving.
Set your goals, put them on a calendar and move goals into actionable items! Let this be the year for you! Share your plan for 2016 New Year’s Resolutions with Dave Thompson, CFI and the rest of the WZ Team. Let us know how we can help support your goals!
Why not obtain your Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI) in 2016? Check out more information here.
