Your End of Year Development Plan - Part Two

Notes From Randi’s Desk

In Part One, I spoke about why September is the perfect time to revisit your yearly goals and personal development plan. I received some questions about the topic and wanted to take this space to answer them. These questions may have come up for you too, as you reviewed your goals. 

Q. How can I make time for my own development?

A. The answer to this question isn’t complicated, but I do understand that it’s easier said than done. You just have to choose to make time for it. You have to know you deserve it. I would argue that you don’t have the time not to work on your development plan. 

Think about this. If someone you lead, who has high potential, approached you and said they had no time to think about their development and goals, you would most likely tell them to make the time. You may even help them schedule the time to do so. Give yourself the same permission. 

Q. What can I do if I don’t have support from leadership?

A. Don’t let it stop you. When it comes to your goals and development plan, you have to take ownership. 

Craft your plan in a way that makes it easy for your leadership to engage, and then take it to them. When you’ve laid out each step in your plan, it’s easier for them to assist you. 

In a graceful way, don’t take no for an answer.

Q. What do I do if I don’t know what I want anymore?

A. If you don’t know what you want next, it can feel like a risky thing to talk to someone about it. There’s a fear your boss may think you are not invested or are disinterested in striving for better. And your boss may not be the best person to talk to about this, so you may want to choose someone else with whom to explore it.  And it may be easier to talk to someone once you have done some soul searching. 

Take a look at who you are today, your interests, and take a fresh inventory of your skill set. Find out what lights you up. Then, it’s time to talk it out. 

Approaching your leaders in this way will show initiative. It will also show that you are invested in yourself and the company. 

Q. I haven’t seen results from my plan. What can I do now?

A. You need to look both outward and inward to answer this question. When you look outward, consider: 

• Is there an out-of-my-control systemic change to my company or the market that is making advancement difficult? 

When it’s out of your control, it’s possible that all you can do is re-evaluate your goal or change your situation by seeking a new job. 

While looking inward, get some feedback. Sometimes there is something you need to hear that no one is telling you. Asking for candid feedback may be painful, but it’s better knowing than not knowing. 

Ask your boss about what you need to do and why you haven’t met your goals. See what they have to offer you in way of advice. 

Then, go inward. What does it mean for you that you haven’t seen results? Is this a situation you want to stay in and continue to work towards, or do you need to make a bigger change? Answer these questions honestly. 

Q. I’m clear on my goal, but how do I craft an action plan?
A. Make a list of what you need to reach your goal and then pressure test it. Is everything on the list really necessary? Make an action plan for each individual item that makes the cut. Break down everything on your list into the smallest steps that you can.

Your action plan should include the ways in which you will hold yourself accountable. Think about what has worked for you in the past. Maybe it’s as simple as putting your action plan steps on your calendar. It could also help to tell your plan to someone who will hold you to it. 

If you’re not completing your action items, check in on your accountability and what you need to do to reset. Try something else. 

I also encourage clients to think about how they will celebrate once they’ve achieved their goals. Picturing the finish line can be a powerful driving factor. 

Most importantly, don’t worry about perfection,  just get going. 

If the idea of accountability from a coach connects with you, I offer a complimentary session with no obligation beyond 30-45 minutes of our time. We discuss my coaching and your goals to see if we're a good fit to work together. Get in touch, I’d love to chat.