Benchmark Learning's Blog

A leadership or management assessment is only valuable if you take steps to improve your performance based on the results of the assessment.

We urge those being assessed to develop an action plan that they will follow to address specific steps to be taken to improve.  But, an action plan must be SMART.

S = Specific.  The steps you identify in an action plan must be specific to a behavioral change.  For example, rather than state that you will improve your communication skills, describe the specific steps you will take to improve the skills (such as practicing eye contact with someone you are listening to).

M = Measurable.  Try to identify how you will measure your success in a specific behavioral change or action you will take.  Define the success factors.  How will you know when you have improved? 

A = Attainable.  Let's look at this attribute on two levels.  First, your desired actions must be actions that you can achieve.  They must be within your abilities.  Second, in developing the action plan, be sure that you only include enough actions that you can handle at one time.  Being successful with five actions is much better than giving up because you cannot achieve fifty actions.  After achieving one success, replace it with another action you need to take to improve.

R = Relevant.  Focus on actions that are most relevant to improving your performance.  Your assessment report should prioritize which behaviors should be changed first and which can be ignored (at least in the beginning). 

T = Timely.  Set a schedule for achieving each action in your plan.  For example, "I will develop my listening skills by improving my eye contact within the next 30 days."  Setting timely actions puts a little pressure on you to focus on the actions in your day-to-day life.

The action plan is the most critical part of the assessment process.  Take it seriously, develop it wisely, and use it as your tool for success.