What is GROW?

Welcome, I'm glad you are here!

Within the profession of social work, we talk at length about the essentialness of developing a self-care practice. Depending on your industry you might have heard other terminology. These caring for ourself efforts are most often directed towards our physical, psychological, and/or spiritual self. But what about care for your professional self?

If you are like many of the students and professionals I know, the last time you spent any significant time thinking about professional self-care was when you were in school, studying for your professional licensure exam, or in the job search process. You and I both know the benefits available to us when we commit time and energy to personal self-care practices. Self-care when focused on our professional self can offer a similar transformation.

Hi, my name is Tracey Kelley "TK" Neal and I am passionate about helping you use professional self-care, professional development and community connection to claim your space, activate your purpose, and design your career.

I am a social work educator, career services professional, coach, a graduate of Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business and the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work (MSW). Through GROW, I use my interdisciplinary perspective and skill set to help purpose motivated individuals and organizations thrive.

What is professional self-care? Lee and Miller, in a 2018 article, describe professional self-care as “the process of purposeful engagement in practices that promote effective and appropriate use of the self in the professional role within the context of sustaining holistic health and well-being” (p.98).

Energetically cultivating a career passion while strategically developing a professional skill set for a lifetime is not without its complexities, but with intentional support and specific care dedicated to your professional self you can do it. And this Blog is a great place to start.

What is professional development? Professional development is continuing education and career training to help you develop new skills, stay up to date with best practices, and advance your career.

You are unique and full of creative talents, and abilities. I want to help you activate your purpose and develop a career design system for a lifetime of success. Are you ready to pursue the life and career you desire?

Special Note to all my social work colleagues out there - - - I want you to know "It is NOT contrary to the mission of the profession for a social worker to have career goals or to designate resources to care for professional self."

GROW as Part of Our Community

Building a professional community or network can help promote your career success as well as support your professional self-care and development accountably. The GROW Community stands ready to be an ally to you for the life of your career. You can join the community today on LinkedIn (GROW Community). Let's connect and support each other. Ask questions, offer advice, and chat! The more engaged you are, the more you will get out of the community.

If you aren't on LinkedIn or aren't active there, I invite you to read my post Are social workers on LinkedIn? to learn how LinkedIn connects the world's professionals, including social workers.