Individual Growth Plans

Unless you are among the very few that has had a professional “calling” from an early age, then you likely struggled with the question “What do I want to do when I grow up?” followed by “Now what do I do?”.  I recommend creating an individual growth plan.  Developing an individual growth plan (IGP) is a very valuable tool to establish professional goals, identify the resources needed and hold yourself accountable to achieve.  Below I want to outline the items to consider when developing an IGP, the steps to take, and how to collaborate with your company.

• Identify your professional goals – What motivates you?  What opportunities do you want?  What do you want to learn?  How does that align with your current role?
• Identify your Strengths and Opportunities – What are your talents?  What is your passion?  Where do I need to do better?
• Plan – Where do I focus my development?  Will my IGP include building capabilities or preparing for new opportunities?  Does the IGP use my talents and help strengthen my weaknesses?
• Meet with your leader – Schedule 1 hour with you leader to get his feedback.  Ask him/her to review your IGP and gain a good-faith commitment to help provide opportunities, training, and educational resources. 
• Finalize your goals – Create a 1-year and a 5-year goal in SMART format (do a quick internet search for SMART Goal if you are unfamiliar).
• ACT – Follow through with your identified action items.  Meet at an agreed upon cadence with your leader to talk about your IGP and check your progress.

Although applicable across any career, the IGP is a very useful tool in the Healthcare Technology Management.  Do I want to specialize in a modality?  Do I want to go into leadership?  What certifications should I try to achieve?  What degree(s) do I pursue?  In-house, OEM, or ISO?  Do I like to travel, or do I like to sleep in my own bed?  These are a few questions among many that you should ask yourself as you figure out “What do I want to do when I grow up?”.