Development Plans Are Dumb

Development plans for directs are constantly talked about. You've read about them in the business news, especially for less experienced employees. They're recommended by HR. They don't work!

One of the most commonly recommended managerial efforts is that every manager should create a development plan for each of their directs. It's especially talked about for early stage professionals. Sometimes it's recommended as a generational tool: younger professionals, like Gen Z, expect them. Unfortunately, most new professionals don't know the history of development plans. And they don't know that they are incredibly time consuming, and have no history of working.