Crafting Innovative Ideas for Building a Successful Enterprise

The assignment content focuses on personal and professional development, highlighting the importance of enhancing personality and professionalism to tackle challenges in both personal and professional life. It emphasizes the need for lifelong learning, self-awareness, and effective time management to achieve individual and organizational goals. The content also touches upon innovative skills, brainstorming sessions, and meeting experienced business professionals to influence people.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning and evaluation of their suitability and different
learning styles..............................................................................................................................3
1.2 Identification of learning and development method and recommending other people for it.4
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning.........................................................................................5
4.1 Identification of work-based problem....................................................................................6
4.2 Implementation of learning style to overcome the problem..................................................6
4.3 Time-management strategies.................................................................................................7
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against the professional standards and organizational
objectives.....................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Identification of own development needs and required activities to meet the needs...........10
2.3 Development opportunities required to meet current and future needs...............................10
2.4 Personal Development Plan.................................................................................................11
3.1 Short-term and long-term objectives...................................................................................12
3.2 Own learning against the aims and objective of a PDP.......................................................12
3.3 Updated PDP........................................................................................................................12
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................15
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INDEX OF TABLES
Table 1: Personal SWOT Analysis..................................................................................................8
Table 2: Table 2: Curriculum Vitae.................................................................................................9
Table 3: Developmental Needs......................................................................................................11
Table 4: PDP Plan..........................................................................................................................12
Table 5: Updated PDP Plan...........................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
Personal development means developing one's own personality and bringing
improvement in the personal knowledge and skills. Whereas professional development means
enhancing the level of current performance and career development. Personal and professional
development go hand in hand because if person develops their professional performance than
he/she will start experiencing in its own personal life also (Brown, 2014). The present report is
focused on the enhancement of personal and professional development of an individual. Further,
discussion has been made on the enhancement of life long development through self-managed
learning and ability to take responsibility for own personal and professional development.
Moreover, it has been discussed about the ability of an individual to implement and continually
review one's own development plan and also its ability to demonstrate acquired interpersonal and
transferred skills.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning and evaluation of their suitability and different learning
styles
There are many ways through which self-managed learning can be done that are seminar
and conferences. With the help of these ways, I can learn many new skills by own. Seminars
and conferences are the effective approaches which provide good opportunity for developing
new skills and abilities (Butt, 2014). Further, I can learn from internet such as various websites
and blogs that contain good articles on self-managed learning and this improves various skills of
me. Interacting and meeting with experienced people in organization also proves to be a good
source of self-managed learning. By watching videos on several skills, improvements can also be
brought (Moog, 2014).
There are various learning styles which have been created by famous psychologist and
professors that can be adopted in order to analyze my own learning needs and enhance the level
of learning in the respect of me. Some of the learning styles are VARK Learning Style which is
developed by Neil Fleming which is an acronym for Visual, Aural, Read/write and Kinesthetic.
In visual, learning is done by watching videos, charts, diagrams, etc. In aural, learning is done
through listening of audios and guest lectures (Cassidy-Rice, 2014). Thirdly, through reading
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articles and books along with making text formats and notes, learning can be done. Lastly
kinesthetic includes learning by performing work practically, solving case studies, etc
Second style is Kolb's Learning Style which works on four stage cycle of learning and
four separate learning styles. It is mainly concerned with the learner's internal cognitive process.
Experiential learning style includes concrete experience, reflection observation, abstract
conceptualization and active experimentation. These four stages include experience, reflection,
conceptualization and test.
And the last is Honey-Mumford Style which has four learning approaches which
individuals usually prefer and the psychologist recommend that in order to maximize one's own
personal learning, every learner should understand their learning style and seek the opportunities
in learning by using these styles. Four approaches or styles are activist, theorist, pragmatist and
reflector.
If all types of learning styles are adopted than it will be highly beneficial for an individual
to gain lifelong learning (Cooke, 2012). Individual can identify their own learning needs and get
learning through using the preferred style. This can be done by filling the questionnaire of
VARK and Honey-Mumford which helps individual to know that which is the most preferred
learning style in case of him or her. Those questions are highly essential because it helps
individual to know about the most preferred learning style.
1.2 Identification of learning and development method and recommending other people for it
For identifying of learning and development method, I can use three easy steps so that
identification and determination can be done in an accurate manner. These three steps are
follows:
First Step - Skills which are required
Firstly I will assess the needs, skills and knowledge which are required to do my job in a
well manner. For this purpose, I will ask my seniors, more experienced people, etc. who can
provide the clear guide to me (Delen, Liew and Willson, 2014).
Second Step – Skills which I possess
After assessing the required skills I will then analyze the needs, skills which I already
possess. This can be analyzed by doing personal SWOT analysis and by taking feedback from
my coworkers and family members.
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Third Step – Analysis of variation and development of skills
After assessing of both type of skills, variations can be analyzed and if actual skills are
not matching with the required skills than variations occur and those variations are known as the
development needs that needs to be included in my personal development plan (Dougherty,
Cheung and Florea, 2008). Through these steps I can analyze my learning needs effectively.
I should recommend it to other people that they can also identify and develop their own
learning needs by following these three simple steps. Through this, development of personal and
professional life will be enhanced and they will also learn new things by adopting these steps.
They should also focused on some more methods of identification of learning needs and discuss
it with me so that knowledge of some methods will get broaden.
Ways of encouraging life long learning
Lifelong learning is a continuous and voluntary process for the pursuit of both personal
and professional reasons. It is a fact that learning is a lifelong process and it is not limited till the
school or college life. It can be enhanced by making the daily habit of reading newspaper, books,
journals and articles related to my job profile or to my personal life (Guo, 2014). By self-
evaluation I can also analyze my existing knowledge and develop the learning needs accordingly.
Furthermore, by continuous learning about PPD, I can also enhance my lifelong learning.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning
Self-managed learning has range of benefits linked with itself. Self-managed learning is
beneficial for both the individual and organization as well. If self-managed learning is done than
I would be able to develop self-confidence and self-motivation as well as this also encourages
me for enhancing new skills and knowledge (Meager and McLachlan, 2014). Along with that,
self-managed learning helps in enhancing my personality by developing a habit of reading books
and articles on personality development which will ultimately sustain my professional reputation
at workplace.
Self-managed learning also benefits the organization because if person if self-managing
themselves than company has to spent less time in providing training to that particular
individual. Along with this, those people will not resist to change who are doing learning through
self-management and they would give better performance than others which will ultimately help
organization to achieve their goals and maximize profitability.
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4.1 Identification of work-based problem
While doing a job in an organization problems may arise in every aspect whether related
to the current job or future requirements. It is necessary to tackle those problems with a
confidence in order to reduce its effect on the performance. I work in an organization and my job
is of assistant sales manager (Teare and et.al., 2011). After some time my promotion will done
for a post of sales manager. But the problem is that I lack in presentation skills, I could not speak
confidently in front of group of people. As a part of my job I have to give presentation at one or
the other course of time. I hesitate while public speaking and this indicates that I don't have the
skill of presenting. There are few possible solutions available which can help out me in
improving this skill prior to my promotion so that this should not hinder my success. I can either
take training and development session which will act as a guidance for me or else I can acquire
knowledge through online courses available for improving presentation skills.
4.2 Implementation of learning style to overcome the problem
In a former question several learning style have been developed such as VARK, Honey-
Mumford, etc. which shows that individual could learn either by visual, by listening, by
reading/writing and by doing the things practically. After filling the given questionnaire it was
assessed that my learning style is kinesthetic & visual in case of VARK and in case of Honey-
Mumford the preferred style of mine is pragmatist and activists. Thus, I will see the videos of
best presentations and then I will try to ape them which will eventually help me to overcome my
problem and also by doing practically I will try to develop this skill.
The solution of this problem should be communicated to all the levels of an organization
such as at strategic, middle and lower level. I would communicate it with the top management in
an assertive style so that good impression can be created and I will seek permission from them
for the release of 2 hours from the work and they should provide me separate training session for
the enhancement of my presentation skills (Johns, 2012). I can communicate by doing emails or
by meeting them personally. Further, I will communicate this problem to middle management
through emails or by call in an assertive style to provide more solution for work-based problem
and also insist them to provide a good training session and allow me a chance to present a report
in front of them. I will also communicate this with lower manager in a meeting for giving a
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chance to present a power point presentation and lower my workload so that I could find some
more time for improving this skill.
4.3 Time-management strategies
Time-management skill should be developed among a person in order to tackle every
situation in a life whether related to organization or personal life. For this purpose, an individual
should follow these strategies such as firstly doing the prioritization of their task according to the
importance of each task to be performed (Moog, 2014). Secondly they should organize their
prioritized task so that it can be performed in an effective manner. Thirdly the person should take
care that multi-tasking is not performed else it will impact the efficiency of their performance
because while doing multi-task a person will not be able to do single task in an appropriate
manner (Delen, Liew and Willson, 2014). Lastly, a person should assigned a time limit to all the
task so that each task get completed in a given time.
To become time-effective various techniques can be applied such as Critical path Method
(CPM), PERT, etc. this would help in completing the given task within a given time slots and
thus, time-management can be done in an effective manner.
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against the professional standards and organizational
objectives
The organization where I work has an objective to maximize their sales by 20%. As an
assistant ales manager I had to analyze my own skills which aligns with the objectives of an
organization. For this purpose I will do my personal SWOT analysis.
Table 1: Personal SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses I possess excellent communication
skills. I have good management skills. Influencing people can be best done by
me. Good interpersonal skill.
 I lack in presentation skills.
 Time-management skills are not really
good.
 I do not come up instantly with an
excellent idea and solutions.
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 I can easily delegate my work. Time-flexibility. Dedicated towards work. Analytical skill is perfect.
Opportunities Threats
 I have an opportunity to enhance my
learning going under continuous
training and development (Rose, 2008).
 I can overcome my weakness by
regularly practicing them.
 I lack interest in taking part in various
activities.
 Due to lack of time I could be deprived
of learning new skills.
Table 2: Table 2: Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae
Jenny Brown
12 A Vartry Road , Stamford Hill
London , NT7 64T
Mob: [phone]
Email: brownjenny.72gmail.com
Personal Profile
An excellent skill of commercial approach possessed by me for developing the business.
For increasing company profitability, complete commercial awareness for driving sales, manage
profit and loss. I am looking for a position in a ambitious and exciting company where I can
best utilize my skills and competencies and challenged by them so as to push myself further.
Skills
 Excellent communication skills
 Good managerial skills
 Good interpersonal skill
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 Influencing skill
 Time-flexibility in working hours and days.
 Perfect analytical skill.
Other Skills
Fluency in English, Bulgarian, German, French
Education & Qualification
2015 – till date Regent College Higher Education
HND Business Level 5 – contains all aspect of business and commerce
2008 Regalis Security Limited
EDI Level 2 Award in Door Supervision (SIA licence for Door
Supervisor also obtained)
2005 CSCS card
Construction site operative
1998 – 2002 City of London School (secondary special school)
Technician – technologist in electronics (Electronic technology)
1990 – 1998 “Emilian Stanev” village of Ryahovtsite,Bulgaria
Grade school (primary education)
Work Experience
September 2011 – till now
ING Ltd. London – Assistant Sales manager
September 2010 – August 2011
“Spotless UK” Ltd, Newport, Isle of Wight - Housekeeping Hotels
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July 2008 – September 2010
“Era – elit 3” Ltd, Sevlievo,Bulgaria - Warehouse Manager, Food Industry
March 2006 – June 2008
Night clubs “Bobruisk” and “Malibu”, Sevlievo, Bulgaria – Security(DS)
Marital Status
Married
2.2 Identification of own development needs and required activities to meet the needs
Table 3: Developmental Needs
Development Needs Required Activities
Time-Management Skills  Practically prioritizing the work.
 Taking session for the development of
skills.
Presentation Skills  Watching various videos.
 Reading the guidelines (Skerritt, and
Ortrun, 2013).
Innovative Skills  Solving case studies.
 Developing various ideas through
brainstorming.
2.3 Development opportunities required to meet current and future needs
The current and future needs which are required to meet the professional standard are
already being discussed in above mentioned questions. Those needs can be meet by analyzing
the opportunities such as seminar and conferences, training and counseling session, online
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courses, etc. By assessing own learning style I can learn and develop my future skills and current
skills (Throop and Castellucci, 2010). I can also get the opportunity to present a monthly report
in a form of PPT which may improve my presentation skills and also by managing employees I
get a chance to develop my time-management skills. It is necessary to grab those opportunities in
order to meet my current and future needs.
2.4 Personal Development Plan
Table 4: PDP Plan
Development
Needs
Actions Success Criteria Application
Time-
Management
Skills
 Studying
theories on
time-
managemen
t
 taking
training
session.
Able to manage
personal work in a
given time limit.
To manage time between
personal life and professional
life.
Presentation
Skills
 Watching
videos and
aping from
them.
 Practically
presenting a
report.
Able to represent
myself in front of others
in a confident manner
(Zepeda, 2013).
At the time of giving
presentation to the
subordinates.
Innovative
Skills
 Attending
brainstormi
ng session.
 Reading
Able to bring
innovative ideas for
future development.
While starting own business in
future.
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about great
innovations
3.1 Short-term and long-term objectives
After making a PDP plan I analyzed my short-term objective and long-term objective.
Short-term objective is to perform my current job in an effective manner so that I could get
promotion soon (Delen, Liew and Willson, 2014). But for that purpose I require to develop a
skill of presentation as it is lacking in me. This can be developed by giving presentation in
organization and watching videos and adopting their style by following guidelines. My long-term
objective is to come with my own business in future which should be unique and new for
everyone for that purpose I need innovative skill so that competitive advantage can be gained
and innovative product could be developed (Personal and Professional Development, 2015). I
should carry out a brainstorming session to develop this skill and also reading inspiring stories
which can help in developing ideas. To fulfill this objective I had to develop the skill of time-
management also so as to manage my personal life and professional life.
3.2 Own learning against the aims and objective of a PDP
I have analyzed the aims and objectives of mine in former question that is to perform well
in a current job and get promotion and long term aim is to become an entrepreneur. For which I
possess lesser skills that is communication skill, managerial skills, interpersonal skill,
Influencing skill, time-flexibility in working hours and days and perfect analytical skill. To fulfill
my aims and objectives I require self-motivation skills, conflict handling skills, self-management
skills, daily reading skills to stay up do date for the current scenario, etc.
3.3 Updated PDP
Table 5: Updated PDP Plan
Development
Needs
Actions Success Criteria Application Deadline
Time-
Management
Skills
 Studying
theories
and blogs
Lifelong quality
can be developed.
Applicable in
personal as well
as professional
8-10 weeks.
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on time-
manageme
nt
 taking
internation
al training
session.
life.
Presentation
Skills
 Watching
videos and
aping
from them
(Moog,
2014).
 Practically
presenting
a report.
 Always
presenting
in front of
staff
member.
Able to do public
speaking.
In various concert
organized by an
organization
(PROFESSIONA
L & PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENT
, 2015).
5-6 weeks.
Innovative Skills  Attending
brainstorm
ing
session.
 Reading
about
great
innovation
Come up with
unique idea for
building an
enterprise.
In new business
this can be
applied and for
present job
unique ideas to
influence people.
4-5 months
14

s.
 Meeting
experience
d
businessm
an and
entreprene
ur.
CONCLUSION
After preparing the project report on personal and professional development plan it can
be concluded that it is very important to enhance the personality and professionalism in order to
tackle any challenges in personal life and professional life as well. It will help in achieving the
organizational and individual aims and objective and it will make the person better. As this
development will help an individual to acquire intense knowledge, various skills, abilities, etc.
While doing personal SWOT analysis one could come to know about own current skills and
knowledge and where the person stand. Also it help in gaining more knowledge in order to
enhance the career development. Further, a person will be able to manage its time and become a
successful person in both personal as well as professional life. Therefore, it will also help an
individual in knowing about their own learning style and through that style a person could
enhance their lifelong learning which will help in making a person wise because by taking deep
knowledge and experience wisdom power of individual can be increased.
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REFERENCES
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Books
Johns, H., 2012. Personal Development in Counsellor Training. SAGE.
Moog, R., 2014. Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning. Washington University Libraries.
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Rose, C., 2008. The Personal Development Group: The Students' Guide. Karnac Books.
Skerritt, Z. and Ortrun, L., 2013. Professional Development in Higher Education: A Theoretical
Framework for Action Research. Routledge.
Throop, K. R. and Castellucci, M., 2010. Reaching Your Potential: Personal and Professional
Development. Cengage Learning.
Zepeda, J. S., 2013. Professional Development: What Works. Routledge.
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Personal and Professional Development. 2015. [Online]. Available through
<http://www.ppd.admin.cam.ac.uk/>. [Accessed on 27 November 2015].
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. 2015. [Online]. Available through
<https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/professional-personal-development>.
[Accessed on 27 November 2015].
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