Implementation and Use of Individual Development Plans (IDP)

United States Department of the Interior 
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 
Alaska State Office 
222 West Seventh Avenue, #13 
Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7504
http://www.blm.gov 

In Reply Refer To: 
1400-430 (950) P 

September 24, 2012 

Instruction Memorandum No. 2012-023 
Expires: 09/30/2013 

To: All Supervisors and Managers 

From: Alaska State Director 

Subject: Implementation and Use of Individual Development Plans (IDP) 

Program Area: Performance Management 

Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) delineates the requirement for all BLM-Alaska supervisors and managers to implement Individual Development Plans (IDP) and to update that plan annually. 

Policy/Action: In accordance with DOI Personnel Bulletin No. 06-04(412) dated November 9, 2005, the BLM-Alaska will require the completion of an IDP by all supervisors and managers beginning October 1, 2012. The use of an IDP by all other employees is encouraged. The Workforce Development and Training Specialist and/or the Human Resource Office will make the IDP form available to all supervisors and managers with the annual notification of the new performance appraisal cycle. An electronic version of this form can also be found at the following link: http://www.blm.gov/ntc/st/en/ntc_information/00.html 

The Workforce Development and Training Specialist and Human Resource Office will provide training to all supervisors, managers and other interested employees regarding the development of the IDP by November 30, 2012. 

At a minimum, supervisors and managers will discuss the IDP with subordinate supervisors regarding developmental and/or training needs during every performance assessment meeting. It is expected that each supervisor/manager will have different training needs and/or desires, so a one-on-one approach to the training assessment process is the preferred approach. IDPs should be initiated for new supervisors/managers when their performance standards are initially set. The IDP is a living document and may be updated at any time. Supervisors will assure that identified training supports improvement of the supervisor’s/manager’s performance and career development. All supervisors’ performance evaluations will be updated to reflect the requirement to initiate and monitor IDP’s for each of their subordinate supervisor/managers commencing with the FY 2013 performance cycle. 

Visit the Leadership Excellence Web page at http://www.ntc.blm.gov/leadership for more information on IDPs or development ideas. 

Timeframe: The IDP annual summary form will be completed by each supervisor 30 days after the performance rating period ends and sent to the next level supervisor. After the DSD/DM/AFSM has received the summary form from their subordinate supervisors the 
summary form(s) will be forwarded to the Employee Development Specialist for tracking purposes. 

Budget Impact: None 

Background: The BLM-Alaska needs qualified and highly competent supervisors and managers to successfully accomplish the mission and goals of the BLM. As outlined in Personnel Bulletin No. 06-04(412), through development of the targeted behaviors that demonstrate competency mastery, supervisors will be able to build and maintain a supportive work environment for the recruitment, hiring, and retention of highly skilled employees. 

The IDP process is a useful tool for supervisors/managers and the employee. It can be used for both formal development and keeping supervisory skills current. Career development through the use of IDP’s makes good business sense. Supervisors and Managers can improve 
employee productivity, engagement, morale and retention rates by developing and retaining supervisory competencies. Being current in supervisory/managerial skills and knowledge is directly related to how an employee performs their job and can increase their motivation and job satisfaction. The IDP process also promotes better communications through the collaborative nature of IDP development. 

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None 

Coordination: This IM was coordinated with the Alaska Leadership Team 

Contact: Elise Burtrum, Manager, Office of Civil Rights at (907) 271-3685 

Signed by:
Bud Cribley
State Director

Authenticated by: 
Joseph Lotz 
Records Manager