Start the New Year with a Development Plan

Traditionally, each new year is a time for reflection and goal-setting for the future. You’ve done this for yourself, now do it for your company and your employees. What are your company’s goals for 2008? What training or skills would help you and your employees reach your business goals?   To get started, design a development plan that outlines the goals you have in mind for your company and your employees—after all, goals clearly direct attention and effort toward action. Here are a few ways you can set development goals for yourself or your employees:

Identify Development Needs

  • Identify what skills or behaviors are needed by you and/or your employees to achieve company goals.
  • Assess current versus desired skill sets.
  • Create development plans based on identified gaps.

Once you have identified your development needs, write your goals using the SMART method:

  • Specific – Simple and easy to describe.
  • Measurable – Concrete measurement to assess progress and goal achievement.
  • Attainable – Challenging, but not impossible to achieve.
  • Relevant – The goals have meaning to your company’s purpose.
  • Time-based – Have an end date.

Develop a skill or behavior through:

  • Coaching
  • Continuing Professional Education (CEU)
  • Programs
  • Courses
  • Job Assignments
  • Job Rotations
  • Mentoring
  • Online Training
  • Training Seminars


It’s up to you to determine what the most appropriate method is to make the transfer of learning the most successful. Oasis can help our clients by providing online training and on-site Training Seminars.