As professionals, personal growth and development remain paramount to our long-term success. This is why many individuals work with their managers to create a personal development plan (PDP) to help them achieve their career goals. However, agreeing on a PDP with your manager can be challenging, given differences in perspectives and priorities. In this article, we will discuss how to successfully come to an agreement on a PDP with your manager.
1. Start by Clearly Defining Your Goals
Before you even initiate the conversation with your manager, you need to be clear on what you want to achieve. Define both your long-term career objective and the short-term goals you need to meet to get there. Start by conducting a self-assessment. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate where you need to improve to achieve your goals. This will give you a solid starting point for discussing your PDP with your manager.
2. Schedule a Meeting with Your Manager
Once you have identified your goals, book a meeting with your manager to discuss your PDP. It’s important to choose an appropriate time and place. Schedule the meeting well in advance to give your manager enough time to prepare. Choose a private location, free from distractions, where you can freely discuss your PDP.
3. Discuss Your Goals and Concerns
During the meeting, present your goals and concerns to your manager. Share your self-assessment and ask for feedback. Listen to your manager’s perspective, and work together to identify development opportunities that align with your goals.
4. Agree on Specific Objectives
Once you’ve discussed your goals and concerns, the next step is to agree on specific objectives. This is where specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals come in. These SMART goals will keep you focused and help you track your progress.
5. Identify Resources and Create a Plan
After you’ve agreed on your goals, the next step is to identify resources that can help you achieve them. This may include training programs, mentoring, stretch assignments, or on-the-job learning opportunities. Once you’ve identified these resources, work with your manager to create a clear plan of action that outlines how you will achieve your objectives.
Conclusion
Creating a PDP is a great way to take control of your career development journey. However, it can be difficult to agree with your manager on specific goals and objectives. By setting clear goals, scheduling a meeting, understanding your manager’s perspective, agreeing on specific objectives, and identifying resources and creating a plan, you can create a PDP that is both meaningful and achievable. Remember, PDPs are not set in stone and can be adjusted as needed. Keep an open mind, stay engaged, and take full advantage of development opportunities that arise.
