Individual Development Plan Examples

Individual Development Plan ExamplesIndividual Development Plan ExamplesAn individual development plan (IDP) is a tool that helps facilitate employee development. The benefits of IDPs are They are a commitment between the employee and manager on what the employee is going to do to grow and what the manager will do to support the employee.They are a catalyst for dialog and idea sharing.When something is put in writing, its more likely to get done.They provide a framework for how to develop. Preparation If youre going to help someone else write an IDP, Id strongly recommend that you have current one yourself. Otherwise, you could come across as a hypocrite(Its good for you, but I dont need one). Showing your employee your own plan, or referencing your own IDP is being a good role model and sends a message that development is foreveryone. Most organizations will have some kind of IDP fasson to fill in, or an online version, with instructions. The employee should fill in the form the mselves first, but the manager should also review the form in preparation for the discussion with the employee. IDPs usually consist of the following Career Goals This answers the question Development for what purpose? To get better at the current job? This is the time to have a career discussion with the employee, to find out what they aspire to some other job, either a promotion or lateral move, or if are they satisfied with where they are currently. Its also a chance toprovide feedbackon if the employees career goals are realistic, or to offer additional suggestions. Good development plans often address both the current job and at least two potential future roles. Top Strengths and Development Needs An assessment of top strengths and development needs (often selected from a list of competencies or from performance review criteria). While the employee will do their own self-assessment, this is the time to provide your own assessment of the employees strengths and developm ent needs. These may be areas that were identified in a performance appraisal, a 360 leadership assessment, or feedback from others. Dont forget to take the opportunity to recognize and reinforce strengths. Strengths will often be enhanced and also be leveraged in order to address development needs. Development Goals A brief development goal for each development need. For example, Improve listening skills, or Learnhow to lead a product team. Action Plan to Address Development Goals The most common development actions, listed in order of developmental impact are move to a new job, take on a challenging assignment within your current joblearn from someone else (your manager, a coach, a subject matter expert or role model)get educated on the topic take a course and read up on the topicand a section for follow-up dates, status updates, and signatures. Select dates, costs, and whos responsible for what. This part will be filled out during the discussion. The dates will help each of you keep your commitments. Any costs should be approved or not. The Discussion With Your Employee Schedule an hour with your employee to discuss. Allow the employee to lead the discussion and go through each section of the plan. Listen to the employee, ask questions for clarification, probe to find out the reasons why the employee chose a goal, and offer your own development goal if you think the employee missed a critical goal. Listen to the employees action plans, and accept, modify, reject (explain why), and offer your own ideas. Here are some additional dos and donts Do ask yourself, Is it really worth it? before you add your comments.Do provide clarification or additional feedback.Do provide additional development ideas.Do offer to open doors and make connections.Do be supportive, encouraging.Do be available for follow-up, keep your commitments.Dont treat this like a performance review.Dont be a know-it-all.Dont insist on all of your own ideas.Dont talk about yourself.Do nt be vague when asked for clarification.Dont chicken out and sugar-coat development needs. When you come to an agreement on your goals and plans, decide and agree on completion dates and follow-up dates. Sign the form, with copies for both of you. By both of you signing the plan, its a symbolic two-way commitment. Keep Your Commitments, and Follow-up Often. Your follow-up discussions with your employee will help your them reflect on what they learned, and the two of you will assess progress and come up with any modifications to the plan. The IDP should be a living document, and a catalyst for ongoing discussions about your employees development.