Performance feedback is in! Is it time to review your Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

By this time each year, managers/supervisors have completed performance reviews with their employees. This is a prime time for you, the employee, to develop or adjust your IDP to be sure you are on track with your career goals.

What is an IDP and why is it important?
An IDP is a tool to assist you in setting short-and-long-term goals for your career development. This includes identifying and leveraging your strengths and talents, and developing skills, knowledge, and competencies toward smart goals in the coming year. With your goals in mind, and the inevitable changes that face us every day, it is important to frequently monitor whether or not you are on track, and that your goals remain relevant. If not, it might be time for a refresh.

Goals should be:

  • SMART Goals
  • Closely aligned with the mission of the University, your department, and your manager/supervisor.
  • Include areas of interest that meet YOUR wants and needs for growth. These can change over time as you change, or they may no longer align with the University, department, or your manager’s/supervisor’s goals.

The development of an IDP is your responsibility and you are fully accountable. No one knows you better than you know yourself.

How can I use my IDP to help navigate my career?
Your IDP should be used in ongoing conversations with your manager/supervisor. It is a partnership. Once you have established your IDP, meet with your manager/supervisor regularly. Your manager/supervisor can share observations in areas of agreement on your IDP or areas where they feel you may have an opportunity to grow or improve.

It is best if your manager/supervisor works with you to match meaningful work that meets the needs of the department  with your strengths and talents. Managers/supervisors may be able to offer stretch assignments to help you improve in a particular area, opening windows of opportunity to apply to other jobs outside of your current position or to remain where you are, but “grow” in place.

You cannot get to the goal without a plan!
Once you and your manager/supervisor have agreed on work goals, and you have decided on your personal goals, it is time for a plan! Think about and research courses that you might take to fill the gaps in your skills, knowledge, and competencies. Solicit a wide range of sources to receive candid feedback. You should ask your manager’s/supervisor’s opinion, but it might also be helpful to ask colleagues, friends, or even family members to look at your IDP and provide feedback. Next, you need to find resources to fill those needs. You will find many Development Courses on the Learn and Grow website.

What can I do as a manager/supervisor to help my employees reach their goals?

  • Search for assignments that lend to the employee’s strengths, talents, and aspirations.
  • Have ongoing conversations throughout the year. Do not wait for the annual review process.
  • Track progress and coach as necessary.
  • Make sure you are clear about any refinements the employees make to their IDPs and support them.

What can I do to help reach my career goals using my IDP?

  • IDENTIFY your professional goals and motivations.
  • DETERMINE your talents/strengths and development opportunities.
  • PLAN your focused IDP objectives and action steps.
  • MEET with your manager.
  • ACT on your plan.

Review the “Short List” of potential development activities and other resources on Learn and Grow under Individual Development Plan Resources. Be sure to watch how an IDP conversation might look.

Reminders:
M&Ps – Update your Talent Profile. The talent profile in Workday is currently available to managerial staff and provides greater visibility of your background and skills to your manager/supervisor, assists in your professional development, and aids in the achievement of career aspirations. It can also help you prepare for job opportunities since careful thought about your past and present experience and skills is required. It can get you excited for all that you have achieved. Think about what is next for you.

C&Ts – Visit the C&T Training and Development website to access a Career Mobility Model created just for you to assess your skills, develop a learning plan, and select methods you will use to achieve those skills.