[TEMPLATE] - Career Development Plan (CDP)
Most career development plans are written for the organisation.
They track what the company needs from you, measure whether you are delivering it, and sit in a folder that gets opened twice a year at your probation review and your annual one-to-one.
This one is different. Not because the structure is different the six sections are standard. But because it starts from a different question.
Not: what does the organisation need from you. But: where are you actually going, and does the role you are in right now fit that direction.
The most useful thing you can do before filling in any section is sit with that question honestly. If the answer surprises you, that is information. Write it down anyway.
Bring your questions to the Q&A. Especially if your honest answer does not match what is on your current job description.
About the Author
Tino Almeida is a tech leader, coach, and writer reshaping how we think about leadership in a burnout-driven world. With over 20 years at the intersection of engineering, DevOps, and team culture, he helps humans lead consciously from the inside out. When he’s not challenging outdated norms, he’s plotting how to make work more human, one verb at a time.
I’d love your input.
I believe that the best systems aren't built in isolation they are refined through shared leadership and collective insight. This template is a starting point, but I want it to be a living document.
Is there a 'deal-breaker' question you’ve faced in a pitch that isn't covered here?