If I've understood correctly you are saying you want users to be able to create learning plans and add content without needing manager approval? This is already possible by modifying the learning plan template:

1. Click Site administration > Learning Plans > Manage Templates

2. Find the template used by your learning plans. The top one is the default (which is used by any new plans you create). Click the name.

3. Click Workflow tab

4. Select "Custom Workflow", then "Advanced Workflow Settings".

5. On this screen you can define permissions for the plan itself. To allow users to create a plan without needing approval change "Create" from "Request" to "Allow" under the learner column.

6. To allow users to add content without needing approval, you need to set the permissions for each component too - click on the sub-tab heading (courses, competencies, etc.).

7. Change "Update" from "Request" to "Approve" under the learner column and hit save.

Hope that helps!

Simon