Many articles we've published over the years have noted that talent development professionals often focus more on developing others' skills and competencies, placing their own development on the back burner. Reading TD magazine definitely counts as part of your professional development, but what else could you be doing to further refine your skills, hone your craft, and learn to be better at the job as it's defined now and how it may be defined in the future?

The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to rethink their offerings and business strategy, which subsequently trickles down to the work that employees do. Some of your responsibilities have likely changed, as has the way that you design and deliver training and assess what your company's current and future needs are. "What the pandemic has brought to light is the importance of foresight to TD personnel," writes Cheryl Lasse in this month's cover story. It's time for you to pivot and adapt.

To do so, Lasse explains, you need to learn how to learn—not just about TD-related topics but about the business, your company's industry, and any other area that will help you do your job better and set you up for success. Take steps toward future-proofing your skill set.

In her article, Lasse offers professional development advice for both employed and unemployed TD professionals on how to capitalize on this moment. Yes, it's literally your job to help develop others' skills, but you also should view it as your obligation to focus on your own skills. We're here to help you in both regards.