Conduct a Career Discussion Assignment

Manager/ Employee Discussion Guide

Input: The employee's competency assessment and the Development Plan form.

Attendees: Employee and Manager

Objective: To identify developmental needs and set goals for the professional growth of the employee in order to provide direction and input into the employees' Development Plan and Career Path.

Agenda	What Is To Be Discussed
Open the Discussion	Welcome them and explain the Objective of the meeting (see above). Explain that you've reviewed their Career Interest Profile, IDP, and the Assessment, and would like to discuss them with them and help them create some goals and action items.
Clarify	Explain roles: They are responsible for their own career development, but that you are here to support, coach, and provide feedback on their developmental progress. Explain that performance goals and career development are critical to their current role. This discussion is to plan their career development goals. Ask the employee if they have any questions about this meeting.
Review Career Profile	Review the employee's completed Career Profile, paying specific attention to: Positions held Specific roles and responsibilities of the positions listed. Education, Certifications, and current enrollment in degree programs. Significant Professional Accomplishments. Ask question to clarify their background, education, etc.
Introduce Development Plan	Explain how it will be used: Working document
Discuss Leadership or Competency Assessment Results	Review/Discuss: Overall rating Strengths and provide examples based on your observations Development needs and provide examples based on your observations Agree on areas requiring development
Identify Future Growth/ Develop-mint Opportunities	Review/discuss future Career Interests based on what the employee has entered on the form and the boss' input. Some considerations include: a. Refer back to Career Profile /Development Plan see what the employee is interested in. Ask questions regarding their career interests; why they are interested in this area, field, gaining this credential, and if they know what is needed to develop in this area. b. Provide your input on the growth opportunities you see for this employee that they have not identified c. Provide your input on the growth opportunities the employee has identified, but may not be a good fit d. Identify Degrees or Certifications required for career goals or you think may be a good fit for them. The outcome of this discussion will provide input and guidance toward identifying Development Goals (Step 7)
Identify Develop-mint Goals (no more than 2-3)	Based on Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6, discuss potential areas of development. Help the employee draft Development Goals (no more than 2-3. Give them some suggestions on how they can build the specific knowledge, skills, and experiences. Ask them what help they need from you? Note: The Next Step in the process is for the employee to draft a Development Plan. Then, obtain final approval from the boss.
Summarize and Close	Review what was discussed. Explain that you will provide coaching and feedback. Set a time for the next follow up discussion to review the draft of the Development Plan. Gain agreement. Express confidence in their ability and offer your support/help. End the discussion on a positive note.

Please add the assignment lessons learned below:

What was the high point of this discussion?

Where did you seem to struggle (either in the role of the manager having this discussion or in the role of the employee having this discussion with your manager?

What will you do differently the next time?