Career Development Plan (CDP)
Career Development Plan (CDP) is an important employee development tool. When the career path is well laid, it gives direction to the employees on how to grow. When the direction is clear, employees get motivated.
Components of CDP
Two important components of CDP are Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis and Likes and Dislikes Survey. Therefore, the first step is to educate yourself on how to do a SWOT analysis. Please note that the SWOT Analysis done by the Marketing Department for the organization is different from the SWOT Analysis for the career.
The second step is educating employees on how to conduct a SWOT Analysis of one's career. They should not be groping in the dark about what a career is and how to perform a SWOT Analysis.
The third step is to review the SWOT Analysis with the employee. After this, gather inputs from the Head of Department (HOD) or the employee's Manager on the SWOT Analysis conducted by the employee.
The fourth step includes considering the likes and dislikes of an employee in the CDP.
Questions to Consider
The fifth step involves asking the following questions:
a) What position does the employee wish to acquire in the next 3-5 years? This can also be referred to as setting a career goal. This career goal should align with the employee's likes and dislikes.
b) What skills are required to effectively perform the duties of this position?
c) Which skills can be self-taught? Inform the employee that basic skills like communication, listening, questioning, and interpersonal skills can be acquired independently.
d) For which skills can the company provide training programs?
e) In developing which skills can a Manager offer assistance?
Evaluating the CDP
The final step is to decide how to evaluate the CDP upon completion.
Preparing a CDP is no easy task and is a time-consuming activity. Therefore, you may follow the above procedure for your career development. Once you are familiar with it, you can start working with other employees.
All the best!
Regards, Dinesh Divekar
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]