The article, "Is Sharpening Your Skill Set Along the Way the Fine Print to Your Career Success?" by Kristy Smith is one I would refer people to, over and over. 

Career success may mean job security to some, and not to others.  But the upshot is the same, taking responsibility and committing to your own development is a highly differentiating factor.

Keeping your head out of the sand

 When thinking about the importance of committing to your own professional development it reminds me of when I left my 20-year career at a corporation, my last assignment being an HR manager.  Employees kept asking me, "Is there something we should know?"

Their question came from the thought, "If the HR manager is leaving, things must really be getting bad."  Some even asked me if they should start making plans to leave.

The subsequent conversations always included the question: "Are there adjustments you can make to improve your career success?" (or job security, depending on how you are looking at it)

Kristy does such a good job making the case for taking responsibility for your professional development no matter what the circumstances. Be sure to check out her post.

Talk soon.

My Best,