Horizon Point Consulting

Category: Learning and Development

  • What Do You Need to Add to Your Professional Development Toolbox?

    What Do You Need to Add to Your Professional Development Toolbox?

    Earlier this summer, I facilitated a Zoom session with a small group of employees to gather feedback on a new training initiative. The discussion was eye-opening. While a few participants voiced concerns about the perceived bureaucracy around required training, others shared that they had already implemented some of the tools and were eager for their colleagues to experience the same growth.

    My biggest takeaway? When rolling out professional development (PD) opportunities, it’s essential to invite your team into the process. Be transparent about the “why” behind the training. Let people know it’s not just a box to check—it’s a pathway for their personal growth and a strategy to drive organizational success.

    This week, I’ll be in Mississippi speaking with educators about building a Professional Development Toolbox (follow along with all of our events here). Shortly after, I’ll head to Mobile, Alabama to kick off a PD course with another group of dedicated educators. Despite being in different locations and varied groups, the message is the same: professional development is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for organizations that want to thrive.

    Whether you’re supporting teachers, tech teams, or healthcare workers, the tools you include in your PD toolbox may differ—but the framework remains consistent:

    1. Identify what your organization needs to operate effectively and stay competitive.
    2. Align those needs with the existing or aspirational skill sets of your employees.
    3. Provide the tools, resources, and opportunities that allow people to grow—and in turn, help your organization flourish.

    As the saying goes, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” – Henry Ford

    When professional development is done well, it’s not just about skill-building. It’s about cultivating a culture of curiosity, ownership, and continual growth.

    For ideas on how to get started, check out these previous blog posts:

    Ask us at HPC how we can help you expand your professional development toolbox!

  • Nourish Your Growth in 2025: Why Learning Belongs on Your Agenda

    Nourish Your Growth in 2025: Why Learning Belongs on Your Agenda

    “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”—Zig Ziglar

    At Horizon Point, we love learning and helping others nourish their growth—both personally and professionally. Each year, our team selects professional development opportunities that align with our individual and organizational goals.

    Here are some of our favorite ways to keep learning and growing:

    Nourish Your Growth with Books

    If you’ve been around here long, you know we love a good book! In our coaching and training, we frequently incorporate book recommendations.

    ? Check out our 2024 Book of the Year and explore HPC’s Bookshelf for more inspiring reads.

    Expand Your Knowledge with Online Courses

    There are so many ways to nourish your growth with online learning! We recommend courses from credentialing agencies like SHRM and NCDA, along with our very own on-demand and customized courses.

    ? Explore our HPC Courses here.

    Nourish Your Career at Conferences & Workshops

    We love both facilitating and attending conferences and workshops—because learning is always better when shared!

    ? Want to connect with us in person? Check out What’s Up? to see where we’ll be next!

    Earn Credentials to Nourish Your Growth

    Credentials can be a game-changer for career advancement and professional growth. If you’re unsure which credential is best for you, we’re happy to help!

    One of our standout offerings is the Facilitating Career Development (FCD) course, which we’ve provided for over a decade. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce School Career Development Advisor (SCDA) training, ideal for professionals supporting K-12 students.

    Here’s what Joulia, a recent participant, had to say about her experience:

    “What truly stood out was how well-organized the entire course was. The materials provided were top-notch, including detailed PowerPoint slide decks, an E-manual with interactive module exercises, and invaluable resources for the certification test… Everything was comprehensive and easy to follow, making the learning process smooth and efficient.” – Joulia R.

    ? Learn more about SCDA Courses here.

    More Ways to Nourish Your Growth

    Looking for more insights on learning and development? Check out these blog posts:

    Let’s Nourish Your Growth Together!

    How can we help you or your organization grow? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and customization options!