Final answer:
An action plan with SMART goals is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Measure progress regularly and align actions with career objectives. Set clear deadlines for each action to stay on track.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developing an action plan involves setting SMART goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. To establish these, one can follow the concrete example of Jane Career’s goal to become an office manager within 2-3 years, with a 10-15% salary increase, potentially within her current organization. An essential step in this process is measuring progress over time to ensure the actions align with the intended outcomes.
A SMART goal should be clearly defined with Specific details such as who is involved, what is to be accomplished, where it will take place, when it needs to be completed, and why it is important. The Measurability of a goal is determined by establishing clear criteria for what success looks like to enable tracking of progress. To ensure the goal is Achievable and Relevant, the plan should consider realistic objectives that support broader career ambitions. Lastly, goals should be Time-bound, with a specific deadline to foster a sense of urgency and focus.
Your personal action plan may include steps such as generating a list of factors influencing your career, drafting a career vision, and determining action steps consistent with that vision. Remember to set target dates for these actions to monitor your progress and refine your approach as necessary.