Performance management is an important part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s strategic planning and accountability process. At the heart of performance management is individual work planning. Work plans are a tool that helps align individual performance goals with broader organizational objectives; so you know exactly how your work fits into the bigger picture.
Individual work planning involves developing your own work, competency and learning objectives, and aligning them with the goals of your branch/division, your ministry, and the government. This alignment helps you focus on the priority areas of your role that are essential for your branch and ministry to achieve their goals. Work planning is also helpful because it encourages everyone to reflect on the competencies you use frequently, those you use less often and your career aspirations.
While your work plan is important to the success of our organization, it's also benefits you in these ways:
- Ensures you know what is expected;
- Helps you understand the direction your ministry is headed;
- Shows how and what you do contribute to your ministry and government-wide success; and
- Provides an opportunity to discuss your career aspirations and develop skills for success.
The following tips can help you get the most out of the work planning process:
- Learn as much as you can about the strategic direction of your division/branch and your ministry;
- Understand the difference between work, competency, values and learning objectives; and
- Use your work plan year-round to support ongoing discussions with your supervisor.
How can you grow your career?
One way to grow your career is by building on your competencies (knowledge, skills and abilities) through various learning and development opportunities. This requires understanding the direction our organization is heading and the competencies needed to support that direction. Your growth and development should balance focusing on the skillsets needed by your branch, ministry or government with your individual needs and interests.
What does this look like?
- Watching online webinars, videos, and tutorials;
- Reading articles;
- Listening to podcasts;
- Joining the Corporate Mentorship Program;
- Offering to collaborate on projects outside normal daily duties; or
- Completing any free training available in the My Learning App in PSC Client.
Tools and Resources
For creating a work plan:
- Work Planning
- Employee's Guide to Developing Work Plans.
- Planning for Success Guide (out-of-scope).
To include in work plans:
- Competencies – in-scope and leadership and management competencies.
- Corporate Learning – find the Learning and Development Catalogue, info on e-learning and classroom training, Manager Development Program, Johnson Shoyama Policy workshops, etc.
- Corporate Mentorship Program – info on what the program is and how to participate.
- Employee Networks
- Review the mandatory learning and learning paths for new employee and managers (e.g., Manager Development Program, recognition, disability awareness, positive spaces, etc.)
Don't forget that your supervisor or manager is available to support you through the process.