This document outlines 7 tests for an effective leadership development plan: 1. The plan is written down to commit to paper rather than just being in one's head. 2. The plan ties into deeply felt passions and motivations to ensure strong follow through. 3. The plan is well thought out by incorporating specifics like objectives, actions, milestones and progress measures. 4. The plan is simple enough to not be a burden but still a guide for improvement. 5. The plan balances shorter term and longer term goals. 6. One gets help with resources, time, encouragement and accountability for implementation. 7. The plan is visible and integrated into daily routines.

1. 7 Tests for your
Leadership Development Plan
By
Kevin D. Wilde
runwilde98@yahoo.com
© 2013

2. So putting your
intent into an
action plan is a
really good
idea

3. Yet it’s actually hard to translate a
good leadership intent into real action.

4. So here seven questions to consider in
increasing the strength of your plan.

5. 1. Is is really written down?
Parking it in your head, your temporary buffer of good
intentions will fade.
Important things are committed to paper.

6. 2. Does it mean something
important to you?
Plans must tie into deeply felt passions and
motivations. If it’s important, you’ll take action.
If not, you’ll have weak follow-through.

7. 3. Is it well thought through?
Does your plan incorporate:
• IN GENERAL:
– Who, What, When, How, Who
• SOME SPECIFICS:
• Specific objectives, signs of success?
• Specific actions, practices, ways to apply?
• Milestones and timelines?
• Signs of progress?

8. 4. And also simple enough.
Too heavy and
complex a plan will
be a burden and not
a guide for
improvement.

9. 5. Is there a balance of shorter term
improvement steps and longer term
transformational goals?

10. 6. Are you getting help?
Getting to action takes:
- Resources
- Dedicated Time
- Friends,
Encouragement
- Accountability

11. 7. Is it in front of you?
Make it visible.
Post it notes on your
computer.
On your screen saver.
Sending Text
reminders.
#myplantoday

12. Robust Plans Pass the 7 Tests
1. It’s a commitment and really written down.
2. It’s motivating and means something important to
you.
3. It’s well thought through for quality application.
4. And also simple enough to use.
5. There is a balance of short term improvement steps
and long term transformation goals.
6. You are getting help in implementation with
resources, encouragement and accountability.
7. It’s visible and integrated into your daily routines.

13. So remember …
It was character that got
us out of bed,
commitment that
moved us into action and
discipline that enabled
us to follow through.
- Zig Ziglar