Creating an Individual Plan

An individual plan helps each person map their goals and a path to reach them, while a strategic plan does the same for the business. A simple framework for an individual plan is GROW.

  • Goals — the vision and specific, achievable goals for the individual.
  • Reality — what is realistically achievable, given resources and capability. 
  • Options — the specific options for reaching those realistic goals.
  • Way forward — a written pathway covering resources, people, costs and timeframes. 

Things to consider

  • identify and communicate openly with interested parties to agree who is involved, and to what level,
  • build the capacity to manage and resolve disputes (see Dispute resolution),
  • seek professional advice for the complex parts (see Getting help with planning), and
  • document the plan clearly and review it regularly. 
Farm scenario

The Hallyburtons are easing into retirement. Neville Hallyburton plans to keep working on the farm while he stays fit and healthy, but that hasn't stopped the family developing a succession plan for the business — one that also includes regular father-and-son fishing trips.

Common questions

What is the GROW planning framework?

Goals, Reality, Options and Way forward — a simple structure for turning a vision into a written, achievable plan with resources, people, costs and timeframes. 

Should an individual plan be written down?

Yes. A written 'way forward' covering resources, people, costs and timeframes makes the plan clear, shared and easy to track.