IDPs are individually tailored and describe objectives and activities for the employee’s career
development. IDPs can be a win/win strategy because they benefit both the employee and the
organization. Employees benefit, because implementing an IDP helps them enhance their
knowledge, skills, and experiences. Improved competencies help them achieve personal and
career goals both inside of and external to the organization. The organization benefits by
developing improved employee capabilities, work load planning, and resume needs. Competent
employee performance, plus the added bonus of improved moral, and personal job satisfaction
can make the organization more effective.
IDPs work by helping an employee and supervisor clarify things that are important to them and
plan to achieve them. In the IDP are career objectives, and the knowledge, skills and abilities
needed to achieve these objectives, as well as, activities that will provide employees the
opportunity to learn and apply the knowledge and skills.