How to Write an IDP

Both manager and employee can jointly create an IDP.

A good manager should want to see her employees grow professionally, encouraging and enabling their growth however possible. An IDP -- or individual development plan -- has become a popular tool to achieve this in many organizations. In essence, an IDP is a professional road map for employees to follow, describing where the employee is currently, where he would like to go and how he plans to get there. IDPs also benefit the manager by providing a tool to help keep track of the employee's progress. The most effective IDPs are the result of the manager and employee working together to formulate the plan.

Instructions

1. Create a job-related goal. Define what you want to achieve and when you want to achieve it.

2. Describe the three most important traits or qualities you'll need to attain your goal. These should be very specific -- such as "writing skills" -- instead of very broad, such as "job knowledge."

3. List the steps you must take to achieve each of the traits or qualities you'll need to reach your goal. Then list individuals or groups -- either within the company or outside the organization -- that will help you achieve them. For example, if your goal (listed in Step 1) is to be promoted to a management position in your company, then one of the important traits you'll need to get there might be superior writing skills (listed in Step 2), and one step involved in attaining those skills might be to complete a business writing course.

4. List estimated dates of completion and costs, if any, for each step you'll need to take to achieve your goal. For example, if one of the steps involved in attaining your goal is completion of a business writing course, include details about when you plan to finish the course and its associated cost.

5. Follow through on your plan. Keep track of your progress and check in with your manager regularly -- at agreed-upon intervals, if possible -- to provide an update on your actions toward your goal. Check off each step as you complete it, to demonstrate your commitment to the plan and give yourself a feeling of accomplishment.

Tips & Warnings

• IDPs often include several goals, depending on the specific organization. If needed, repeat Steps 1 to 4 for each goal required in your IDP.

References

• Individual Development Plan