New year, new start or something along those lines! I hope you had a productive 2022 and achieved your work-related goals. After what has been hopefully a refreshing break, with batteries fully recharged, thoughts obviously come to year ahead. So naturally it is time for the new year’s resolutions blog post! I’ve provided a few ideas on resolutions that you could aim for in the next twelve months although yours may differ they at least may give you some ideas.
1. Try something new
As we enter a new year it is not a bad time to do something different or do the same thing in a different way. I think human beings thrive on new challenges, making us more confident and a better all round individual. It could be giving public speaking a go or undertaking some work that you have previously avoided or carrying out a task in a more productive way. Anything to remove you from the same old thing.
2. Upskill
A good way, but not the only way, to increase competence is to attend a training course. Perhaps you would like a higher level environmental qualification such as the NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management or IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management. Such qualifications will allow you to learn some new topics and gain industry wide recognised certification. They will help you achieve your goals. If you already have these qualifications, why not consider a short course on a specific topic that you don’t currently know much about.
3. Choose an environmental theme for the year
With this one it might not be a bad idea to really get to grips with a key topic that is relevant at work. It might be plastic pollution, climate change or waste management, just choose something important and relevant to your workplace. You could find out as much as you can about this issue and then plan to really push it. Communicate it to as many people as you can and keep at it (maintaining interest is a difficult thing to do – people soon forget).
4. Plan your professional development (P-D-C-A)
I am a big believer in management systems, if developed properly they can be an excellent framework for improvement. Why not apply your professional development using similar principles. Plan – do – check – act (PDCA) for example can be used to manage any issue, not just environmental management. You could start the year with a formalised action plan of what you want to achieve professionally, followed by how you will implement the plan. Next you will need to monitor progress towards achieving the goals in the plan and at the end of the year you could review your overall progress.
5. Mentor others
You may know someone at work who has shown an interest in environmental management. Do what you can to assist this person in professionally developing. This can be very rewarding and will help spread the word on good standards of environmental management.
Final Note
Above are just a few ideas on resolutions for the coming year. Your list might be different and a little more specific that what I have provided above. I hope however it gives you a few ideas on where you could professionally develop.
John Binns BSc (Hons), MSc, MIEMA
With over 19 years’ experience working in environment management, John Binns BSc (Hons) MSc MIEMA is an experienced environmental tutor and consultant with knowledge of health and safety management.