Women Focus – Why It’s Important to Update Your Individual Development Plan

At the kickoff of a four-session women’s leadership program, we surveyed the participants by asking key career questions/statements. One of the statements was “I routinely update my Individual Development Plan.”  Fifty percent of the participants said they do not update their IDPs. In fact, our own research shows that 1 in 3 don’t even have one! Why is the IDP so important?

1. Be ready – you never know when that call and/or ask will come where you need to have your career story up to date.

2. Keep track as you go – We recommend that clients keep track regularly of their successes and/or challenges on a regular basis. Identify the situation, describe the actions taken and capture the results. These answers can then be included in the updated IDP.

3. Update resources – Resources can be keeping track of individuals on your list who can serve as mentors, advocates and sponsors. This list is constantly changing and including them on your IDP is a great way to refresh your list.

4. Manage the process – don’t wait for the meeting. The IDP document is organic and fluid and driven by the individual. If quarterly meetings aren’t regularly scheduled, ask for the meetings yourself.

We have created a Women’s Leadership program, Stand Up, Speak Up, Step Up, and Wake Up to Your Leadership Potential that is dedicated to supporting women throughout this process.

Check in with your IDP process by addressing the following statements:

  • I feel confident in my ability to design an individual development plan

  • I can clearly articulate my career goals

  • I think strategically about my career

  • I can align my current role to my passions or strengths

  • I have formally shared my career goals with my manager

  • My manager and I often talk about my career goals and how to achieve them

  • I have the ability to stay motivated and engaged in my current role

  • Independent of my job title, I am a leader in my organization

  • I seek out leadership opportunities (either at work or outside of work)

  • I actively pursue learning and professional growth opportunities

  • I routinely update my Individual Development Plan

If you’ve attended one of our workshops on creating an IDP or you’ve been a participant in the Women’s Leadership Program, share a comment on how you’ve benefited from the process. For more information on our Women’s Leadership Program, download our 2020 curriculum.

 

 

Leadership, Women, Self AwarenessLaura ButlerComment