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When you think of CEUs, what topics pop into your head? What is the motivation behind gaining more knowledge on these topics?
Most of the time after graduation we have the aspiration to move quickly to a higher level and higher paying position as quickly as possible. Many established ATs recommend extra development courses to increase your clinical skill set and versatility. This results in becoming a content expert.
We all know someone that has the credential ABCs after their name, but by utilizing those skills are they going to really advance you through the AT profession?
Some are drawn to go after the cool new cutting-edge modalities or therapies to keep up with the ‘cool kids’ by increasing their "tools in their toolbox". However, how many times does a job description contain these specific clinical skills under the responsibility description? Usually, it is assumed that an AT has a knowledge of these clinical skills due to our education. These traditional CEUs may make your job easier, but are they actually going to advance you in your career aspirations? Professional development in clinical skills may help you gain a footing in your clinical practice at the beginning of your career, but do ATs get stuck increasing their expertise rather than mastering our skills?
An expert has a deep understanding of a subject.
A master has mastered the subject, but has also achieved a level of excellence that sets them apart from others.
By directing energy towards mastering skills, it creates more credibility with your peers and colleagues which increases your chances of advancement.
We get very comfortable with clinical skills but move away from mastering domain 5 of athletic training for actual career advancement. We are backlogging ourselves by chasing the tail of obtaining more new clinical skills and techniques, which has a point of diminishing return. Potentially pursing the wrong skills that could result in holding you back professionally.
How do you use your mind for future growth and challenges to advance your skills professionally? Learning new and different skills instead of more of the same thing? What if you start preparing yourself to utilize different toolboxes in different situations, rather than adding more tools to your one toolbox?
Kutz & Konin Leadercast. Ep. 30 Avoiding the Trap of the Peter Principle
Shelby 6/2024
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