How To Train & Develop Your Team By Creating An Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Summary

Chandler Bolt discusses the importance of creating Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for team growth in fast-paced companies. He emphasizes the necessity for employees to grow at the same rate as the company to remain relevant in their roles. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to develop an IDP, including identifying strengths and developmental areas, setting short-term and long-term career goals, and planning supportive activities and training. Bolt encourages leaders to facilitate this process and hold their teams accountable for their growth and development.

Takeaways

• 📈 Growth is a necessity in a fast-growing company, not just a suggestion.
• 🌱 The concept of 'Bloom where you're planted' emphasizes focusing on current role development.
• 📋 An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured approach to guide personal and professional growth.
• 🤝 Leaders should take accountability for facilitating and guiding the IDP process for their team members.
• 🔍 IDPs should include a review of current strengths and developmental areas, informed by past evaluations.
• 🎯 Setting clear, prioritized goals for both current job development and personal career aspirations is crucial.
• 📆 Time-bound action items and a timeline are essential for tracking progress within the IDP.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Combining developmental activities with supportive training ensures practical application and theoretical learning.
• 🖋 Both the employee and manager should sign the IDP to signify a mutual commitment to the development plan.
• 🤔 Reflective self-assessment and proactive engagement in the IDP process are key for individuals to take ownership of their growth.

Q & A

What is an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured approach to help individuals identify their current strengths, developmental areas, and set goals for their professional growth within a specific time frame.

Why is it important to grow at the same rate as a fast-growing company?

In a fast-growing company, it's crucial to grow at the same rate or risk becoming less qualified for your current role. Growth is expected and is the standard; without it, you may find yourself out of the company.

What role do leaders play in the IDP process?

Leaders facilitate and help their team members identify how they want to develop and grow. They take accountability for the growth and development process and guide their team through the IDP creation.

How does the IDP template help in personal development?

The IDP template helps by providing a structured format to assess current job performance, set personal career goals, and outline developmental objectives with supporting activities and training.

What is the significance of linking the IDP to a job scorecard or last evaluation?

Linking the IDP to a job scorecard or last evaluation provides a benchmark for current performance and helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the IDP is aligned with the individual's job performance.

Why is it important to have both activities and training in the IDP?

Activities provide practical opportunities for individuals to apply and practice new skills, while training offers theoretical knowledge and tools to enhance those skills. Both are essential for comprehensive development.

How does the IDP process help in managing up?

The IDP process helps in managing up by allowing individuals to reflect on their growth, prepare for discussions with their leaders, and be intentional about their development, which in turn helps leaders support their growth more effectively.

What is the 'bloom where you're planted' concept mentioned in the script?

The 'bloom where you're planted' concept encourages individuals to focus on excelling in their current roles and positions before looking for the next opportunity, emphasizing the importance of growth within one's present context.

How can personal career goals be integrated into the IDP?

Personal career goals are integrated into the IDP by discussing short-term and long-term aspirations, and then aligning developmental objectives and activities to help achieve those goals.

What is the significance of having both the individual and the manager sign the IDP?

Signing the IDP by both the individual and the manager signifies a mutual commitment to the development plan, ensuring that both parties are accountable and invested in the growth process.

How can the IDP process be made more effective?

The IDP process can be made more effective by starting with open conversations, providing initial guidance, ensuring individuals take time for self-reflection, and holding regular check-ins to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.