Individual Development Planning Procedures
Increasing Importance of Development Planning
The continuous improvement of job skills is critical. The challenges we face on the job, as well as in the general business environment, are constantly changing. In addition, fundamental changes in the technical industry will continue to accelerate. It does not take long for skills and knowledge to become outdated in this fast-changing world.
“Finishing” one’s education is no longer realistic.

One effective technique for focusing these development efforts is the use of Individual
Development Planning, IDPs.
What is development planning?
Development planning is an ongoing, evolutionary process rather than a single event.
In brief, development planning involves supervisors and employees discussing the work they are doing and documenting strategies to help the employee develop and grow.
Achieving this goal requires a team effort.
A Shared Commitment
Development planning is a responsibility to be shared by the employee and the supervisor. Effective development requires mutual commitment, support, and cooperation from each of these parties. Employees are accountable for showing initiative and actively pursing development options. Supervisors are accountable for establishing the learning environment.
Commitment of Employees
The most important ingredient in successful skill development is the employee’s own personal accountability. Employees are expected to continuously strive for selfimprovement by assertively taking advantage of opportunities for growth. If an

employee will receive department resources for his/her development activities, an IDP is required. Employees are accountable for planning and managing their own developmental progress. However, employees should recognize development is not always an
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