(1 minute read)
“If you don’t set your own (PD) plan, you’ll fall into someone else’s plan – and they won’t have you as their number 1 priority!”
GARY RYAN BLAIR
While possessing an updated Personal Development Plan (PDP) can be of immense value during any performance review discussions in your workplace, it can also provide you with a roadmap for the achievements you need/want to hit in the future.
Regardless of whether you are aiming to build on your current skills, learn something new, or navigate a potential job/career change, a PDP can help you plan for this future by giving you more control over your own learning and development.
Tips to Create and Curate your PDP
- Start with a Gain Analysis – not a Gap Analysis: Record the wins and successes you have achieved over the past 12 months. This record of your most recent wins is of the greatest value – and relevance – to you and anyone appraising you.
- Conduct a ‘S & W Analysis’: In addition to listing your personal strengths and weaknesses, ask a manager to do the same for you. Remain open/receptive to the perception of others (you may be pleasantly surprised).
- Set Career Goals: These should include a good blend of short, mid, and long-term goals or milestone achievements you’re keen to achieve over the coming timeframe.
- Set a F.A.S.T. Action Plan: For each of your goals, you increase your chance of achievement if you adopt the F.A.S.T. approach. Frequently discussed/reviewed; Actionable Steps; Specific; a realistic Timeframe in which to achieve them.
- Review Progress: If you don’t monitor your progress, it will be difficult to measure it. Also consider the current relevance of each goal you set, as priorities can – and will – change.
Use these tips to assist you in regaining the control over your professional career you desire and deserve.