IDP: the bridge between capability, performance, and career
Step 1 / 3·An IDP is not a course list
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Define an IDP and its true purpose
- Grasp the 3 inputs: capability, performance, career direction
- Draw lessons from Adobe Check-in
An IDP is not a course list
Understand the true nature of an Individual Development Plan.
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an agreement between an employee and their manager about which CAPABILITIES the employee will develop, HOW, and by WHEN, to serve both current performance and future career direction.
The most common IDP failure is when it becomes a 'list of courses signed up for the sake of it' at year-end. A good IDP starts from a real GAP (from the competency assessment/skills matrix in the Competency Framework course) and ends with specific ACTIONS, most of which are NOT courses.
The three inputs of a good IDP
| Source | Answers the question | From where |
|---|---|---|
| CAPABILITY | Which capability gap must be closed for the current role? | Competency assessment, skills matrix (Competency Framework course) |
| PERFORMANCE | Which weakness is blocking work results? | Performance reviews, manager feedback |
| CAREER | Where do you want to go next, and what capability to prepare? | Career conversation, personal aspirations |
Key takeaway: IDP = which capability to develop, how, and by when — from 3 sources: capability, performance, career.