personal wholeness/business success
Coach's Corner--August 11, 2008Development plans don't have to overwhelm a managerThe Client Name: JamesAge: 45 Title: Director of Marketing Time at company: 7 years Industry: Financial services Issue: Creating a development plan A. The essence of development planning is determining where you want to grow, brainstorming ideas to achieve the growth, and finding the resources to help you. The inner game Before you start, let go of feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by this. Think about all of the other planning processes that you’ve completed successfully. Only the content is different; just break down the tasks into smaller parts to make it manageable. Also, recognize that, in some companies, annual development plans are just a formality. It's up to you to use this as a process that can help you grow. Start by taking a clear look at yourself. Identify your strengths, and for each, consider how you could develop new ways to use them. Then, list areas where you could use new skills or knowledge. Prioritize them based on their potential impact on your job performance. It can be hard to see yourself clearly enough to do these steps, so feedback from others may help. Ask your boss, trusted peers and team members. Completing some assessments, including a 360-degree feedback process, may provide useful insights. Many companies offer these services through their HR departments, or they can be obtained externally. Now, revisit your strengths and areas that could use work and select several for further analysis. Be sure to select ones that are energizing and appealing; you’re much more apt to follow through if these aren’t just another “should.” Then, take this list and brainstorm ways to build your skills for each. If you’re stuck, find someone to brainstorm with you so that you can get a solid and creative list. The outer game Most of your actions will be research and planning, building in feedback along the way. First, do your research. Find out about internal resources, such as classes, workshops, or mentoring programs. Look for gaps between what your company provides and your ideas for growth. Ask about a budget to get external services to fill those gaps. Then look at external options for training, coaching, or other development services. Next, review your list of ideas and the resources you’ve identified. Drop the ideas that don’t seem feasible or that no longer interest you. Get your list down to just a few items that you’ll be able to focus on. Try presenting your lead items to a trusted colleague. Talking about them will help clarify your choices and will raise any gaps or issues in your plan. If your heart isn’t in a particular item, it’ll show, and that’ll help you make your final decision. Remember, you’ll need to be able to explain how the items will make a difference in your performance. Investigate the formal steps that your company requires, too. Collect the information that’ll be required to complete any documentation and build in enough time for any required review cycles and sign-offs. The last word By using planning skills and listening to your gut, you’ll be able to create a development plan that helps you grow, and you’ll be ready to guide your team with their plans.
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