Staff professional development (PD) needs are best identified through a formal performance management and evaluation process.
I recommend owners/managers sit down with their staff members once every 12 months, as part of their annual performance review process, and develop a PD plan jointly, with each individual.
This review process will identify where already skilled employees need information to support their growth to gain more advanced knowledge, and further develop their own business and leadership skills.
You can create plans from scratch, or download our free Professional Development Plan template to get you started.
Below is an example Professional Development Plan we have filled in to give you an idea of how it can be used in your business (just click on the image to view the full-sized document).
What about staff training plans?
Staff training and professional development are slightly different concepts:
- Training is about ensuring your employees have the required skills and expertise to carry out the tasks for which they are responsible.
- Professional development is a more long-term concept and is about helping your employees prepare to perform additional duties in future roles.
Again, the best time to identify staff training needs is during the formal performance review process. This process will identify knowledge and skill gaps for individual employees, showing where training is required.
Download our free Staff Training Plan template to get started. Below is an example Staff Training Plan we have filled in (just click on the image to view the full-sized document).
We all want competent, confident staff who feel fulfilled and motivated by their work – as we've discussed in previous blogs, it's a win-win that provides benefits for both the employer and employee.
Training and professional development is key to staff developing that competence and confidence.
If you would like to discuss implementing professional development or staff training plans for your business, contact the team at JPAbusiness on 02 6360 0360 or 02 9893 1803 for a confidential, obligation-free discussion.
