Language reference

1. Discussing your personal development options

Here are some phrases you can use to discuss ways to develop yourself professionally and personally.

Understanding the context

What will be important in the future if I want to…? What will the organization need in the future?

What are the organization’s most important priorities?

Assessing your current situation

Where do you see my main strengths and weaknesses? What skills should I develop in order to…?

What should I focus on for my personal development?

Exploring developmental measures

What is the best way for me to improve my… skills? How can I best…?

What measures do you think would help me most?

Discussing support

Who can help me to…?

How can I build a network that could help me to…? Would you be willing to help me to…?

Getting feedback on your progress

Do you think I am getting better at…?

How do you think I have improved since we last spoke? What do you think I still need to focus on?

2. Helping others to explore their options

Here are some phrases you can use to help others to think about how they might develop themselves.

Advising

If I were you, I would…

I think you should…

It would probably be a good idea if you…

Asking “coaching” questions

Where do you see your strengths and weaknesses? What do you think you should focus on now? What could you do differently?

What would be the benefits?

Connecting people

I can put you in touch with…

Let me connect you with someone I know in the… department.

It would be good if you spoke to…

Sharing know-how

I just read a great book about… which you might find interesting. There’s a great article on… that I can send you.

I can recommend this course about…