Developing Myself in My Current Role

Working on the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to succeed now

Looking to excel in your current role or prepare for a change within it?

Start your journey with a personal development plan. Whether through your Personal Development Review or your own initiative, follow the steps below to craft your path forward.

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To create your personal development plan, begin by assessing your current status using the SWIM method: Strengths, Weaknesses, Interests, and My Values.

  • Strengths: Refer to the selection criteria for your role, seek feedback from colleagues and managers, and reflect on previous PDRs to identify areas of strength and contribution.
  • Weaknesses: Pinpoint areas for improvement by recognising challenges and desired skill enhancements.
  • Interests: Compile a list of professional and personal inspirations to uncover motivational patterns.
  • My Values: Define your core values and consider their impact on your career trajectory.

Utilise Oxford’s Career Weaver for comprehensive exercises that help you explore your values, strengths, skills, and motivations at work.

Be clear about your objectives and ensure you define what success entails. Aim for SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic, and Time-based.

Follow the steps below, tailoring your approach based on your learning needs:

Learning a Skill or Improving Existing Skills:

  • Identify the skill you wish to learn or improve, related to your current role.
  • Define success criteria. What changes do you seek in your performance or abilities?
  • Specify how success will be measured, such as feedback from colleagues or task completion time.

Preparing for Change in Your Current Role:

  • Understand the requirements of the change and how they differ from your current responsibilities.
  • Identify new knowledge or skills needed.
  • Consider adjustments to your work approach and interactions.
  • Define desired outcomes, such as improved budget management or enhanced delegation skills.
  • Specify data for measuring success, such as positive feedback or completion metrics.

Development opportunities are everywhere and come in various forms, from insightful conversations over coffee to volunteering roles and structured training courses.

According to Eichinger and Lombardo’s 70:20:10 principle, 70% of impactful learning occurs on the job, 20% through social interaction, and 10% via classroom-style activities. Recognising the value of on-the-job learning is crucial.

Identifying Your Options:

Be creative and open-minded when looking for learning opportunities. There are many resources available that you might not be aware of. Here are some ideas:

  • Seeking expertise from your network
  • Trying out new activities
  • Engaging in reflection
  • Shadowing experts
  • Volunteering outside of work
  • One-to-one coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Reading and research
  • Online and classroom learning

Choosing the Best Solution:

  • Consider your learning preferences and past successful experiences.
  • Leverage your strengths, such as analytical skills or networking abilities.
  • Discuss ideas with your manager and during your PDR.
  • Learn from others' development journeys.
  • Assess your motivation and practical considerations for follow-through.
  • Evaluate the potential impact of an activity on your learning goal.
  • Seek assistance from your manager, colleagues, mentors, or wider network contacts.

Now, it's time to translate your ideas into a written, achievable action plan. Putting our actions into writing increases the likelihood of achieving them.

Your action plan may include:

  • Development goals
  • Concrete actions and milestones
  • Timeframes
  • Required resources
  • Practical considerations like time off and funding

Follow these steps to draft your development plan:

1. Work Out Your Development Goal
  • Consider your overarching objective. What defines success for you?
2. Identify Specific Areas for Development
  • Think about particular skills you need to develop, like report writing or assertive communication. Also, consider behavioural shifts, such as fostering collaboration or handling conflicts better.
3. Find Your Best-Fit Learning Solution
  • Adhere to the 70:20:10 model for learning distribution.
  • Evaluate the learning options and potential providers.
  • Explore funding opportunities and assess the need for time off from work.
4. Identify the Actions You Will Take
  • Break down your developmental journey into tangible steps and achievable milestones.
5. Work Out Who Can Help You
  • Engage in constructive conversations with your manager, whether during a one-to-one setting or during a PDR.
  • Seek support from your professional network, mentor, or a trusted confidant.
6. Specify Your Timescale
  • Establish a timeline that pushes your boundaries while remaining realistic.
7. Decide How You Will Keep Track of Your Progress
  • Explore various methods for monitoring success. Will you solicit feedback, undergo formal reviews, or engage in personal reflection?
 

Many of us will spend more time in a year planning a holiday than we do planning our development.

Here are some tips to help you put your plan into action:

  • Take the First Step: Choose your initial action, set a timeline, and allocate dedicated time for execution

  • Stay Accountable: Regularly monitor your progress against set goals by scheduling time in your diary

  • Team Up for Success: Consider collaborative planning sessions with peers, friends, or mentors for added accountability and insights

  • Reflect and Apply: Assess your learning, and ensure its application in your daily practices

  • Track Your Growth: Monitor changes in various areas, like confidence, proficiency, and relationship dynamics.

  • Adapt Your Plan: Be open to refining your plan based on evolving insights and needs for better alignment.

  • Continual Evaluation: Reassess your development journey as you enhance skills and deepen knowledge.

  • Seek Feedback: Solicit feedback on your progress to gain valuable insights and refine your approach.

Documents

Download a copy of the Personal Development plan

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