How do you share your personal development plan with your mentor or network?

For me, choosing the format of a client's plan is based around their learning type. Whether it is visual (Often I use a presentation), Audio (I've done video a lot here for audio but have read one before too) and sometimes I've even printed it out and posted them to the client. We work out what content works best based on their values and where they are on their journey. I use a combination of monthly, and quarterly plans with many of my clients, especially with newer clients who aren't used to regular personal development work, or those who have very low self esteem/self worth.

Selecting the most suitable format to present your Personal Development Plan (PDP) allows you to showcase your unique strengths, cater to your learning style, and effectively communicate your progress and aspirations, ultimately maximizing the impact of your personal growth journey. Tailoring your PDP presentation to your individuality and goals enhances engagement and understanding

Before choosing the format, get very clear about who you are sharing this with and why. The answers to these questions will inform HOW you share.

Key strategies: 1. Establish Trust and Rapport: Open communication 2. Clarify Your Goals and Objectives: 3. Choose the Right Platform:1-1 meeting/formal ppt/written document - ensure it allows for interactive discussions and encourages feedback. Tailor your approach to the preferences and communication style of your mentor or network - this ensures that your plan is effectively conveyed and understood. 4. Communicate with Clarity and Purpose: Clearly outline your goals, the steps you intend to take, and the timeline you envision. 5. Seek Feedback and Perspective: Be open to constructive criticism and alternative viewpoints. 6. Establish Accountability Mechanisms: Establish regular check-ins and progress reviews.

Thoroughly preparing and practicing your PDP presentation, complete with well-defined goals, actionable steps, and a comprehensive feedback loop, ensures that you confidently convey your vision, demonstrate your commitment to growth, and effectively inspire others with your strategic roadmap for personal development.

I have found the best way to do this is to dedicate a day for quarterly or annual plans; or 1/2 a day when it's monthly or quarterly. I look back at what I have/haven't achieved; usually tracked in a spreadsheet on Google which I can share with all relevant people (My business partners/accountability partners or my clients). I use SMART goals to make the goals juicy for the longer-term plan, (EG annual) and the steps attainable (The shorter-term plan, such as quarterly). This helps me keep focus throughout the year but also allows me to speed up or decelerate as the situation demands. This helps clients which were over ambitious or had a situation that dramatically shifting their goal to not get overwhelmed by the change.

Tailoring your PDP sharing to your audience and context ensures effective communication, builds stronger relationships, and maximizes the potential for support and guidance. By considering their role, interests, and your desired outcomes, you can convey your message with the right tone, formality, and confidence, while inviting their insights and assistance to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

I find that straight forward face to face conversation is essential when ensuring that colleagues are comfortable with the resources and material they are delivering. Some staff just need to know that their approach is right. A 5 - 10 min conversation to encourage, check awareness and knowledge are generally enough. And of course, be on hand for any tricky questions.

By actively engaging your listener, sharing compelling stories, seeking feedback, and expressing gratitude, you create a collaborative and meaningful PDP experience that not only showcases your growth but also fosters a supportive and enriching relationship with your mentor or network

By diligently following up with updates, expressing gratitude, showcasing progress, and seeking ongoing guidance, you nurture a fruitful relationship with your mentor or network, demonstrating your commitment to growth, and fostering continued support for your personal development journey.

The power of the follow-up is key. I offer as part of all my programs an accountability service which checks in with clients as often as daily to check they have completed what they need to. This can be for something as vital as remembering to take life saving medication, through to reminding them to fill in the weeks tasks on their own to do lists. I make this a part of all services and offer it as a continuation service to all clients who complete their plans. I also whenever I find things I feel would benefit the client, I share them with them. I do similar with myself, checking in weekly through meditation, and planning the week ahead every Friday at 5PM/17:00.

I share openly and with vulnerability why our personal development is necessary for us to deal with the stressors in life and also why it’s needed to grow and succeed and find fulfillment. I give examples of what I do every day, how we don’t have to have a lot of time or resources to give ourselves some daily learnings. I also encourage folks to learn from each other and to start this process, we must understand our weaknesses and opportunities. I didn’t ask enough questions in the classroom growing up and I regret not proactively learning for myself instead of worrying about what I sounded like. Fight for yourself today and share it with others along the way!

You also need to be very clear about what you are asking for in sharing. Are you asking for resources? Are you asking for mentorship? What about accountability? Personal Development Plans will be meaningless (even if presented nicely) if you and your "audience" are not very clear around expectations and timing of outcomes.

Personal development plans require clear intent and authenticity. I had an executive that truly cared about each of his direct report’s personal development plans and we would meet often to discuss them, our progress, and how he could help us to achieve the goals.