Back to School

September always reminds me of going back to school. I think about getting the kids ready for new classes and conducting annual staff appraisals since many new staff members start work on October 1—the date for new government fiscal year contracts. One of the most important parts of the annual appraisal process is the Annual Development Plan (ADP).

ADPs specify the plan and schedule for developing an employee’s skills and career. Throughout the year, I gave my staff members feedback on their performance so that I could focus on their ADPs during their annual appraisals. Table 1 lists the steps I used to create ADPs tailored to developing bid and proposal professionals. It also contains useful links to resources for improving your skill set.

Table 1: Seven steps for creating meaningful ADPs for proposal professionals

Conclusion

By investing time and effort into crafting your ADP, you take charge of your professional growth. It not only enhances your skills and knowledge but also positions you for a fulfilling and successful career in proposal management. As proposal professionals, we thrive on adaptability and continuous learning, so let your ADP be your compass in this journey.

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.