You will prepare a Skills Development Paper that describes your efforts to improve the skill for which you created development contract. It is very important that you keep a weekly record of your efforts/progress to develop each of the skill. (In many instances, it is desirable to include this record, or examples from it, in an appendix to this paper.)
This paper should follow the following format:
Describe the steps you took and the activities you engaged in to improve your skill in this area. You do not need to show that you improved your skill; but you must describe the efforts you made to do so.
Describe your skill level at the end of the semester relative to your skill at the beginning of the semester. It is not enough to state, “My presentation was much better received than my previous presentations.” Instead, describe precisely what you did differently. Offer examples of specific feedback you received on different occasions. For example, if your goal was to increase the frequency with which you provide informal, positive recognition to your direct reports, then you might keep a daily log or tally concerning your behavior in this area. (Remember that your grade is NOT affected by the amount of progress you made toward your goal, so there is no need to exaggerate your successes or minimize your frustrations with skill development.)
Present a long-term (e.g., one-year) plan to continue to improve your skill. This should include specific activities and situations in which the skill will be practiced. You should identify any obstacles or circumstances that may make it difficult to improve your skill. Also include specific guidelines and time frames for evaluating your progress.b
Below is an example of a previous skills development papaer.(see file below)
