Individual Development Planing (IDP)

Steps to Create an Individual Development Plan

1. Self-Assessment Reflect on your current skills, interests, values, and career aspirations.

Consider: Strengths: What are you good at?
Weaknesses: What areas need improvement?
Interests: What excites and motivates you?
Opportunities: Are there trends or roles you can capitalize on?

2. Define Your Goals Set SMART

Goals: Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Ensure progress can be tracked.
Achievable: Goals should be realistic given your resources and time.
Relevant: Align with your long-term career aspirations.
Time-bound: Establish a deadline. Examples: Short-term: "Improve my public speaking skills by attending 3 workshops in the next 6 months." Long-term: "Earn a leadership role in the next 5 years."

3. Identify Development Needs Assess the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.

Consider: Skills to acquire or improve.
Certifications or qualifications needed.
Experiences that will help (e.g., managing a team, handling a project).

4. Create an Action Plan Detail the steps required to achieve your goals.

Include: Training programs, courses, or certifications.
Networking opportunities (conferences, mentorship, industry events).
On-the-job activities (shadowing, rotational assignments, new responsibilities).

5. Establish Timelines Break your plan into manageable phases with deadlines. Allocate specific time for professional development activities.

6. Seek Feedback and Support Share your IDP with a mentor, manager, or trusted colleague. Regularly check in to adjust the plan based on feedback and changing circumstances.

7. Monitor Progress Review your plan quarterly or annually.

Reflect on: What you’ve accomplished.