Have you ever had an Individual Development Plan (IDP)? IDPs are designed to be used by managers and employees to identify developmental assignments that will enhance an employee’s performance and/or potential for promotion. Unfortunately, IDPs are sometimes misused in an organization, for example, when all employees are mandated to have one, regardless of whether one is appropriate for them at that stage of their career. Obviously, employees with no performance improvement needs and no desire for promotion do not need to have an Individual Development Plan.
Let’s focus on the potential good that can come from a proper IDP and then look at ways you can try to get the most from your own Individual Development Plan.
An IDP can improve your performance in your current job. For example, if you are rated lower than you would like in a particular aspect of your job, ask your manager to give you developmental assignments or training in that area so that you may improve and, hopefully, achieve a higher rating. Putting such assignments or requests for training in an IDP will formalize your request and serve as a reminder for your manager that you are interested in development in your current job.
If you are seeking advancement within your agency, an IDP will put your manager on notice that you would like to have assignments that that will enhance your promotability. The same will go for needed training.
Here are some ways to get the most out of an Individual Development Plan.
First, don’t wait for your manager to suggest that you develop an IDP. Take the initiative and approach your manager with your desire to improve and advance in your career. Request that you have a career discussion with your manager. If you don’t tell them what you are interested in, they might never be aware of your career development concerns.
Second, don’t fill your IDP with training courses and not include any developmental assignments. Training budgets are perennially tight, and lack of money should not derail your career. Challenging work assignments can be of equal or greater benefit than training classes.
Third, don’t let the IDP gather dust in a drawer, either yours or your manager’s. Schedule periodic follow-ups with your manager on your progress toward your developmental goals.
If you follow these steps, there is a good chance that your Individual Development Plan will be a valuable document that helps you advance in your career.
** John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the contributing editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and job search issues. He provides career advising services to individual employees. John can be reached at (630) 208-0087 or johnfgrobe@comcast.net. **
