Economic development is a multi-dimensional entity, like a complex, interconnected puzzle where each piece, no matter its size, has a dominant role. In the midst of this puzzle, the contributions of field officers and intervention managers often fall through the cracks or are underestimated.
Through this edition of #DoDevBetter Newsletter, we aim to break down the competence dynamics often seen in economic development programmes and illustrate that everyone's work, directly or indirectly, makes ripples throughout the entire sector.
Take a moment and think about the tough, grueling tasks you undertake daily. Compliance. Recording responses. Writing reports. Seems mundane, right? Now, let's take a step back and look at the whole landscape. These tasks, when combined, form the building blocks of effective models and methodologies in economic development.
You draft the reports - the crucial documents that hold the power to sway decisions for donors, programme designers, and many more players in the economic development arena. Your work tests the efficacy of the adopted models and methodologies, helping shape the sector's trajectory.
This brings us to one of the key misconceptions surrounding competence - the idea that fulfilling daily duties is all it is. Competence is, in fact, the manifestation of your understanding of your role in the grand scheme - a scheme that constitutes the economic development programme lifecycle, from proposal writing and creation to closeout reports and events.
True competence? It's born from clarity. A clear understanding of your role in the broader picture sets the foundation for personal and professional growth. It’s about filling your knowledge gaps, yes; but it’s also about understanding your crucial contribution on a grander scale.
Let’s redefine development. Cultivate a culture of competence that brings tangible impact. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing boundaries in your professional journey. Are you ready to embrace this competence culture? Share your thoughts in the cpmment section below.
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