One of my most popular posts is one of the first ones I wrote back in 2008 called “How to Write an Individual Development Plan”. The post takes leaders and aspiring leaders through a six step process for identifying their development needs and creating a plan, based on best practice research, to improve their skills.
I often get asked by Great Leadership readers if I could provide them with an example of a completed plan. In fact, that’s a common request from managers I’ve worked with too. One on hand, I hate to provide an “example”, because I’m afraid too many of them will just copy the example and not put enough thought into it. On the other hand, I’ve found that is exactly how busy managers seem to learn the process best – by just showing them what a completed IDP looks like. They don’t have enough time and patience to walk through a reflective six step process, or even read my article. Go figure.
So for all of you terminally busy, impatient, and quick-study leaders, here are two examples of leadership development IDPs. One is for a middle manager, the other a team leader. They both contain some of the most typical development needs and methods I tend to see. These examples are not perfectly formatted, but you should be able to get the gist of how to write one in your own template.
Example #1: Middle Manager:
Name, position, function, location, manager, etc….
Time period: 4/2011 – 4/2012
Development Focus: Improved effectiveness in current role and preparation for potential senior leadership role.
Top 3 Strengths:
1. Functional and industry expertise
2. Financial acumen
3. Problem solving & decision making
Top 3 Development Needs:
1. Improve my ability to lead change
2. Strategic thinking
3. Cross-functional expertise
Development Actions:
Note: Some like to include development actions for each development need. I’ve found that in practice, well written development actions tend to leverage strengths and address multiple development needs.
1. Speak to my manager about my desire to lead a high level, cross-functional process improvement team. This would leverage some of my existing strengths and allow me to gain experience in leading change and strategic thinking, as well as learn about other company functions.
Timing: next week, for potential 2nd quarter project
Cost: none, just my time, others, project costs
2. Set up monthly, one hour phone calls with Joe Schmo and Jen Lopez. They’ve both had experience leading projects like this and achieved outstanding results.
Timing: start next week, schedule for rest of year
Cost: none, just my time
3. Take a course in leading strategic change. Check 3-4 university based, 3-5 day programs.
Timing: This quarter.
Cost: approximately $8-12K
4. Read the following books:
- Leading Change
- Blue Ocean Strategy
Timing: one book per month
Cost: approx. $20 each, less for e-book.
5. Take a 360 leadership assessment for further insight into my development needs. Incorporate new insights into my IDP.
Timing: complete by 6/1
Cost: $100
Example #2: Team Leader:
Name, position, function, location, manager, etc….
Time period: 4/2011 – 4/2012
Development Focus: Newly promoted, development in brand new role
Top 3 Strengths:
1. Project management
2. Influence
3. Ability to drive for results
Top 3 Development Needs:
1. Coaching and developing my team
2. Handing conflict
3. Listening skills
Development Actions:
1. Work with each of my team members to create IDPs. Be sure to use a coaching approach, asking for than telling.
Timing: Start next week, one per week.
Cost: none, just my time and team members
2. Work with my manager and _____ from HR on my own IDP; get assistance in working with my employees. Subscribe to Great Leadership blog. (-:
Timing: this week, and as needed.
Cost: none, just my time
3. Take online courses in listening skills, conflict management, and coaching.
Timing: Start this week; take one course every two weeks
Cost: Provided through company learning portal; 90 minutes each
4. Take in-house Supervisor’s Essential course
Timing: next time it is offered this year.
Cost: approximately $500, 3 days
5. Read Crucial Conversations
Timing: next 3 months.
Cost: $20 for book, my time.
Of course, there are infinite scenarios for leadership development IDPs. I hope these examples (and the six step process) will give you what they need to get started. No copying though. (-:
9 comments:
Great post Dan, thanks!
I love how your examples combine elements from education, experience, and relationships.
(sometimes we have to battle the notion that "leadership development" equals training classes).
Hi Dan
The topic of leadership development is one that I have had trouble getting my head around but I like how you laid everything out line by line. The development options and sticking to them is an especially important part I think.
Carl
Thanks for sharing these examples Dan! I have included your post in my Rainmaker 'Fab Five' picks of the week (http://www.maximizepossibility.com/employee_retention/2011/05/the-rainmaker-fab-five-blog-picks-of-the-week.html) to help my readers in creating their own individual leadership development plan.
Be well!
Great examples. I'm currently in school for leadership and seeing these really helps to understand some of the things that I'm learning. Thanks!
Tim -
Thanks!
Carl -
Thanks, sometimes a focused IDP can help dymystify it.
Chris -
Wow, thanks! I love the fab 5!
MOSIL -
Good for you. Thanks.
Great leaders are only seen once. Is it because most of them are always being blinded by power?
"plumbing" -
Hmmm..., I'm not sure how to answer that.
Hi Dan,
I was doing some research for a client on development plans and found your post. It is probably the most succinct and beneficial one I have read. Thanks!
Beth-
Thanks!
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