ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines what self-development is, why it is important, how to approach it to maximise benefits and discusses the potential return on investment (ROI) of self-development. Project management professionals, by the nature of their work, are regularly at the forefront of developments, pushing boundaries, exploring and using new approaches. The term self-development can mean different things to different people, and there are a number of different terms which are often used interchangeably. Many people refer to self-development, self-improvement, CPD and continuous or life-long learning. Self-development is an essential tool that allows professionals to learn continuously and develop knowledge, behaviours and skills. The key element is that it should be self-led, and we should not rely on or be led by our organisation and its desire to impart skills as part of a framework that is important, but not the only development route.
