Talent development professionals, leaders and self-directed learners often create specific development plans around gaining experience and building skills and knowledge. The “go to” option is often formal training—such as facilitator-led programs and conferences. We find it helpful in working with coachees or participants to think beyond formal training in order to create plans that have variety and tap into different modes and methods of learning.
To support these efforts, we created this quick-reference collection of 20 ways to develop skills, abilities and knowledge. Use it to introduce options that might not otherwise be considered when creating an individual development plan.
Share it with direct reports, coachees, participants and others as you create meaningful, well-rounded development plans.
Explore the cards to consider a broader mix of experience, relationships, reflection and formal learning.
Notice how priorities, customers and local practices change the way work gets done.
Build delegation, coaching and communication skills while helping someone contribute sooner.
Practice unfamiliar skills through a meaningful assignment with a clear finish line.
Turn a real performance need into focused practice and a measurable improvement.
Learn from peers outside your usual circle and bring fresh ideas back to work.
Observe decisions and behaviors in context, then reflect on what you can apply.
Organize your knowledge, explain it clearly and respond to questions from others.
Use a trusted relationship to gain perspective, guidance and candid feedback.
Ask for specific insight and translate it into a practical next action.
Use structured reflection and accountability to accelerate progress on a defined goal.
Convert experience into learning by examining what happened, why and what to try next.
Prepare focused questions to uncover useful knowledge, judgment and practical advice.
Use structured insight to identify strengths, priorities and opportunities for growth.
Build knowledge at your own pace and apply it between focused learning sessions.
Clarify what you know by documenting it in a useful form for other people.
Turn reading into development by choosing a concrete idea to test in your work.
Use a structured program to build shared language, practice skills and receive feedback.
Explore new perspectives, compare practices and build relationships across your field.
Learn from concise demonstrations and ideas, then note what you want to apply.
Develop deeper expertise through sustained study and recognized standards of practice.