An individual development plan is a significant tool for professionals and also students who want to be successful and excel in their respective areas. It employs the idea of reflection which helps one to keep track of their progress and note what they have accomplished to acquire the skills. It also assists one to know of the changes required in their life and identify their weak personal areas that they should work on improving. This plans helps in attainment and achievement of both professional and personal objectives simply because success requires good planning. Therefore, this plan is important since one can gauge themselves and know how they are progressing.
According to my Individual development plan, my goal is to acquire good social communications skills and etiquette and also build my self-confidence. I have decided to spend more time in my teacher’s office and also participate in class discussion and debates. In class, I have been able to begin answering questions and present presentations. This is the main change that I have already made. I have ensured that after class I consult with my classmates and also my instructor to make sure that is on the right track. I have discussed with my teacher who is also my mentor about my weak spots and has promised to guide me and help me overcome them.
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To begin with , time management is a major factor that I need to acquire my skills. Time is a resource that needs to be utilized very well and used to its maximization (Zenger and Folkman 2009). Therefore, to achieve my skills, I need to be time conscious and I have come up with a timetable of the things were supposed to do, the time was supposed to do them and the duration each activity should take. This will enable me to tackle all fields. The schedules have been effective since am almost able to tackle all areas but I encounter some challenges achieving all the goals. At the time I have tight lectures and am not in a position to adhere to my timetable, but I have to create time and do those activities. Time management and punctuality are one of the key points one has to keep in consideration if they want to achieve excellence in their field.
Secondly, I need to engage myself in extracurricular activities. This will assist me to improve my social interactions outside the class and even outside the institution. However, for me, it is not that easy to choose a sports activity since am not that much talent in this area. Therefore, I have decided to join the journalism and debate club. I know the importance this will impact me. When I become an active member of these clubs, it will help me attain my self-confidence. I will be able to stand in front of a big congregation and express myself without fear. I will also be able to communicate effectively with and to people.
In addition , I need to work on improving my interpersonal skills. I lack soft skills about people, and they are very important in communication. The significance here is it will help me know which group and type of people are communicating with . I have to change how I relate to people since everyone has a different personality and this will only be achieved by creating more time for interaction. This will also help me attain social development. It requires me to do more of listening and be focused in any class or event that have attended. This will help me develop my communication skills since I will have learned many things from different people and also helps me appreciate diversity.
Moreover, developing good learning habits is a requirement since life is all about constant learning (Zenger and Folkman 2009). I have to learn different cultures, at least know one new language, and understand different religions and regions. I have to be familiar with all these things. This even helps in business communication. If I am discussing business with my colleagues , I should be familiar with some of these things. The language barrier is always a challenge in many communications setting therefore if am aware of some other foreign languages I will be able to converse with people from the different region without much difficulty.
Additionally, when communicating in gatherings or events, I need to observe etiquette. If it is in meetings or even class sections, I need to put my phone in a silent mode to avoid distractions. I need to avoid multitasking while communicating I cannot be using my phone and at the same time am having a conversation with people that will sound rude. In public places when using my phone, I need to converse in a moderate tone not necessarily shout for everyone to hear. Use of appropriate language and emotion is very necessary. I should learn to control my emotions whenever am communicating.
Finally, I have to learn how to communicate using non-verbal skills. These skills include the facial expressions, personal appearance, gestures and posture, signs and touching behavior. At times you might be communicating with a group of people who are maybe hearing challenged, and you will require these skills. These skills are also necessary when communicating with people generally since they express the message quickly and makes it more understandable for example if you use signs. The physical and more so the facial movement play a big role in communication.
In conclusion, the individual development plan plays an important role in helping one monitor their development progress and steps required for their achievements. It helps people attain their set goals and objectives. Therefore, planning is very significant since it assists one know what is required of them to achieve their goals and how to do it. Therefore, to be successful, you must a have a good strategy.
Reference
Zenger, J. Folkman (2009). The inspiring leader. In Jack.Zenger, Joseph Folkman, The inspiring leader. New York: McGraw-Hill.
