An Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlines career goals within the context of organizational objectives. It is a developmental "action" plan to move employees from where they are to where they would like to be or need to be. It provides systematic steps to improve performance and build on strengths related to one’s current job, and to meet one’s career goals. The goals of an IDP are developed by the employee with input from the supervisor. The IDP links the individual's career interests and needs to organizational priorities. IDPs are used to help employees:
- Learn new skills to improve current job performance;
- Maximize current performance in support of organizational requirements;
- Increase interest, challenges, and satisfaction in current position; and
- Obtain competencies that can help lead to career changes.