Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
Read Chapter 3, “Skills for Developing Yourself as a Leader,” and also review Chapters 1 and 2 in our textbook. Considering the information in Chapters 1 through 3, think of the elements of developing a personal leadership plan.
Review Figures 3.2 and 3.3 in our textbook.
Develop your own GAPS analysis:
Follow the format of the GAPS analysis when you create your own personal development plan for this assignment.
Provide a detailed explanation that demonstrates clear, insightful critical thinking. Please note that the GAPS analysis is not submitted for a grade. Only the development plan is to be submitted.
In the Goals section, clearly discuss what your career goals are and what steps (strategies) you feel you need to take in order to achieve those goals.
In the Abilities section, give an honest assessment of your current strengths that will assist you in reaching your career goals as well as an assessment of what developmental needs (weaknesses) you have.
In the Perceptions section, consider how others perceive you. Get feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors to critically assess how others see you.
In the Standards section, list expectations that must be met in order for you to achieve your career goals.
Up to this point, you have only done the preliminary work for developing a development plan. Nothing that you have done thus far will be turned in.
You are now ready to write your development plan, which will be submitted for a grade.
Clearly address Steps 1–7 toward the end of the section “Development Planning” in Chapter 3.
A paragraph or two is required for each of Steps 1–6. If you can reflect with a partner (Step 7), that would make your plan more likely to succeed, but it is not a requirement for this assignment. If you would like to use a partner, you may reach out to classmates via email or through the Course Cafe Forum.
Your writing for each of Steps 1–7 should provide a detailed explanation that demonstrates clear, insightful critical thinking. Be sure to use correct spelling, grammar, and APA format. The overall plan should be at least 1,000 words in length.
For questions on APA style, go to the APA Style Guide.
When you have completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself and submit a copy to your instructor by the end of the workshop.
You may want to review your progress every six months toward completing your goals or revise your plan as your situation changes.
