Individual Development Plan
A personalized roadmap outlining an employee's learning and career goals.
Also: IDP · PDP · personal development plan
Definition
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured document created collaboratively by an employee and their manager that outlines specific learning objectives, development activities, and timelines to enhance the employee's skills and support their career aspirations. IDPs typically include a mix of formal training, stretch assignments, mentoring, and self-directed learning. They are reviewed periodically and aligned to both individual career goals and organizational needs.
Example
“After her mid-year review, Sunita and her manager created an IDP that included a data analytics course, a cross-functional project assignment, and monthly coaching sessions.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied individual development plan best practices to improve their learning & development outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding individual development plan is essential for anyone building a career in HR & People.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Individual Development Plan' when working in Learning & Development contexts where an individual development plan (idp) is a structured document created collaboratively by an employee and their manager that outlines specific learning objectives, development activities, and timelines to enhance the employee's skills and support their career aspirations.
- ▸Applying individual development plan principles during a learning & development project or initiative
- ▸Explaining individual development plan to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with HR & People
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using individual development plan as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Individual Development Plan' derives from professional usage and entered HR & People professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of individual development plan has evolved alongside HR & People. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of learning & development in the mid-20th century. Today, individual development plan is a standard part of HR & People practice globally.
Synonyms
- personal development plan
- employee development plan
- career development plan
- growth plan