Personal Development Plan (PDP)

With an understanding of where you are today and where you want to go in the future, you are ready to create a personal development plan.

Based on your performance appraisal, you understand your development goals for the coming year. Now you need an action plan – a personal development plan – that will clarify how you will achieve those goals.

Approaches

There are two directions your PDP goals can take.

1. To improve your performance in your current role:

• Determine the specific skills or competencies you need to perform at a higher level in your current role.
• Then list what actions you will take to build or expand your skills and expertise.
• Set objectives for the upcoming year.

Time frame: Typically this is a six-month to one-year plan. back to top

2. To advance your career by preparing for your next role:

• Use your Career Path to identify positions that interest you at the next level in the organization.
• Review the skills and competencies needed for these positions. Determine the gaps that exist between the knowledge you have today and the knowledge you will need for your next role.
• Identify the training or specific educational requirements you will need to perform in this role.

Time frame: Typically this is a 12- to 18-month plan. back to top

Process

Here are the steps to take to create your plan:

• Review your performance appraisal
• Determine if you are focusing on your current role or your next role
• Identify any gaps or development needs you have
• Draft a PDP that focuses on these areas
• Share your plan with your manager and ask for feedback
• Revise your plan and then enter it in the online performance appraisal system
• Periodically review your plan and update the status of your development activities

Resources

CareerPower® - Managing Your Career Checkpoint 360™