Personal Skills Development Action Plan

This document outlines a personal skills development action plan focusing on areas needing improvement such as communication, listening, influencing others, and providing/receiving feedback. The plan utilizes self-diagnostic tools and feedback mechanisms to identify strengths and weaknesses. It proposes concrete actions like participating in university courses and workshops to enhance these skills within a 2-3 month timeframe.

Reflective Practices

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
Diagnose and reflection..............................................................................................................1
Major Communication during professional interactions in past 12 months...........................2
Literature Review.......................................................................................................................3
Action Plan.................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................9

Introduction
Communication is a process by which one can exchange their emotions, ideas, express
thought, feeling and share experiences etc (Moon, 2013). The role of communication is very
important in day to day life because it is a way sharing information in both verbal and
nonverbal form. Effective communication is more above than just exchanging information, as
it also includes perceptive the feeling and intentions behind the information (Hopkinson,
2014). The current report is all about thoughtful practices on my communication skills;
consequently, I identified areas of improvement which is lacking in me for the effective
communication, therefore, I used various diagnostic tools and feedback. Moreover, this
report also concludes the results of various self-diagnostic tests and analyses of key
communication issues which I went through during my professional interactions in past 12
months. Lastly, an action created including some of the key actions and tricks for coming
next 6 months to get hold of the knowledge, skills in mybehaviours while interacting with
people.
Diagnose and reflection
Communication skills play a very crucial role in transforming students into professionals. As
a student, in my classroom session, I used to give presentations, take part in extempore and
surely in that effective communication gives me the different level of confidence. Self-
analysis is important to know individuals teamwork qualities, listening abilities and how
good I am at convincing people (Hill, et.al, 2016).
Communication style questionnaire
Good at talking in a classroom 2
I get nervous when to speak people 3
I am quick to offer people advice 1
I use effective words in my communication to attract other 2
Based on my personal skill analysis, I came to know that I am weak at communication when
it comes to talking in a classroom. Self-analysis on the basis of just taking feedback from the
co-students can limit the area of improvement. So for the better result, I took the help of
various self-diagnostic exercises which support me in improving interpersonal skills
communication. In the series of self-diagnosis exercise I performed a self-analysis test, for
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that I analyzed my communication skills while interacting with new people or new groups.
By this, I found that my verbal communication and effective speaking skills are below
average.
Johari window
When I introduced myself to a new group I felt I am interested in knowing new people, but
contrary sometimes, I also feel stressed and hesitation. It is a mixed kind of emotions. Also,
through this, I analyzed my verbal communication and speaking skills and I found that I
failed to express my idea and do not speak frequently in the group of new people. I noticed
that I may get panic or tense while interacting in a group because my confidence level is
average. For that, I am actually ready to help people and offer them my help and advice. But,
generally, when the thing is about interacting with unknown ones I found myself nervous and
less confident. So I have to put my lots of efforts in making people understand my views and
opinion to make the communication effective otherwise it is very difficult for somebody to
understand what I am trying to say.
Assertiveness Questionnaires (emotional balance)
Good at understanding the view of different opinions 2
Making people understand my views 3
Convincing people 1
Maintain balance upon my emotions my behaviour. 3
Try that my feelings do not affect 2
1 – Best
2 – Better
3 – Good
4 – Worst
For the self-diagnosis test, I prepared a questionnaire that helps in identifying my emotional
control, thoughts, and understanding of people sentiments and emotions. With that self-
analysis, I realized that I am good at understanding the view of different opinions. I usually
avoid tough conversation and confrontation but I find myself good at making people
understand my views. I am a kind of person who is good at convincing people. But yes
Sometimes, I find difficulties in dealing with new people and get easily irritated but the
somehow I used to maintain balance upon my emotions and try that my feelings do not affect
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my behaviour. This skill of me helps me to avoid the situation of egoism and conflicts with
others.
Questionnaire for listening skills
I avoid eye contact 2
I avoid group situation whenever possible 1
Getting bored during conversation 2
Nod my head or acknowledge showing
gestures and facial expressions
4
Sitting positions are appropriate 3
1 − very much
2 − slightly
3 − reasonably
4 – not at all
Before analyzing the session I was in a view that my listening skills are below average but
after performing the task I found my skills to be average. I actually do not nod my head or
acknowledge showing gestures and facial expressions to the speaker to reflect my interest in
communication. I often sit in a wrong posture like folded arms and hands which shows my
lack of interest in a conversation. So by all these, I found myself, the average listener.
DISCO model of diagnosis
From the analysis, I came up with the conclusion that I should enhance the intensity of
expressive intellect so that I can make a good interaction with the people during social
contacts, to be more satisfied and successful in my career and relationships. Secondly, in the
self-diagnostic exercise, I took the help of my classroom sessions. In that, I have gone
through inter-group communications, listening skills, verbal communication & effective
speaking and communication in groups. Although I am confident with my existing skills,
there are few movements when I feel that I should work on my skills over and over so that I
can interact more efficiently and I am willing to learn new skills and competencies. I am
frequently self-critical of myself and always try to learn from my mistakes.
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Major Communication during professional interactions in past 12 months
Issue 1: Classroom Sessions
While my classroom sessions, I was having doubts in the topic that was taught by my
lecturer. As I lift up my hand to get any doubts cleared I found that I was not confident
enough to speak it up clearly and loudly. That was my first experience of going on one to one
with a lecturer. In that, I felt I was very timid and really need to put a lot of efforts in order to
improve my communication skills.
Issue 2: Communication with viewers during Seminar
While back in my college seminar, I was trying to interact with the professor but because of
thelanguage issue, I could not interact with him properly and efficiently. In the seminar, I
was having a presentation too. I was having a good sense of knowledge of the topic on which
I gave my presentation. As I done with my presentation my lecturer asked certain questions
which were exactly related to my topics but I was not able to answer correctly what he was
asking and adding to that I was not able to communicate with the audience as well, though
because of the language issue. I was retting and was ashamed at I gave a good presentation
and know the answer but just because of the short of words I am not able to express what I
am trying to say. After that incident, I learned that I really need to work over my vocabularies
and have to make a good command over my English.
Literature Review
Interpersonalbehaviour a positive approach in which person tries to make an effective
relationship more strong with other people whom they are working or dealing with their
personal and professional life (Olsen, 2015). The interpersonal skill involves everything from
exchanging information that is speaking and listening skills to approach and behaviour. Good
interpersonal skills are a must for every role and in every level of work in an organization to
work effectively and delivering our thoughts and ideas. There are various types of
interpersonal behaviourAggressive, Assertive and like. Aggressive behaviour is that in which
a person put their emotions, views or thoughts in such a way that the others feel dominated
and humiliated. It is like a one-sided attack on the people rather than a healthy
communication. While assertive behaviour is that type in which a put justifiable rights,
views, and emotions in just a way that others rights are not get violated. In fact, assertive
behaviour is a very honest and healthy approach to put views, feelings, and ideas in front of
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others. Interpersonal Communication is an essence in to make a healthy relationship in
personal and professional lifestyle (Jenever, 2007). Communication is a two-way process in
which the listener and speaker get the equal chance of delivering their thoughts in an
effective manner. Influencing others is all about having the confidence which results in an
effective communication and marks good impression on the other person. For this purpose,
both verbal and non-verbal communication should be valuable enough to leave the impact on
others.In addition to that listening skills are denoted as an ability to correctly receive and
interpret messages during a communication process. As per the views of Shenton (2007)
listening skills are required in an individual so that he/ she can become an effective
communicator. In lack of an effective listening, the process of communication can effect in a
negative way.
Communication Model
There have been various theories, models, and methods related to interpersonal behaviour and
communication that could be helpful in improving skills of an individual and helps him or her
in career development. Two main types of theories are structural and functional theories,
even behavioural theories are also included in the task. The social structural theories give
significant focus on social structures, whereas, behavioural theories give a significant
attention to the psychology of people (Jones, 2014). The models are discussed in the
following sections that are quite helpful in improving interpersonal skills and overcoming
communication. On the basis of here-discussed models and theories, the style of
communication is identified so that individuals can be offered with a better treatment.
Johari Window
The Johari window model is simple in terms is the most authentic, useful and feasible
psychological tool to improve one's personal skill of communication. It is the perfect way to
get to know about self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. It is very feasible as it can
be applied in any kind of situation and environment (Halpern, 2009). There are four different
areas in the Johari window and each area has its own importance of presenting. With the help
of this model, I test my intragroup communication skills and I found that I am flexible with
other people and can cooperate with others when it comes to group task, but I cannot speak
much in the group. The reason behind my short of words is might be because I do not know
much about the behaviour of individuals. Although, with the help Johari window model, I
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developed better understanding skills and I am now able to assess thebehaviour of my group
members, which results in an effective communication between us.
SMCR Model
Another model that is specifically concerned with interpersonal communication is SMCR
model. The model is strictly designed while considering the basis model of communication
designed by Shannon and Weaver in 1948. The term SMCR includes four major sections
such as Source, Message, Channel and Receiver (Shannon and Weaver Model of
Communication, 2016). This model is significantly designed for the development of an
effective communication between the receiver and the sender of a message. The model is the
simplest model that is specifically applied to different communication theories; Furthermore,
it specifically focuses on individual or person-to-person communication; however, a less
focus is given to group communication.
As per the model designed herewith, it can be said that gender plays a significant role,
however, receiver, on the other hand, plays the secondary role. The model significantly
assumes that communication is not a one-way process; however, it is a two-way process.
Nonetheless, identification of noise and barriers is going to be helpful in resolving significant
issues in communication. From the analysis of my existing skills, I came to know that I need
to invest time in interpersonal skills which will further enhance and fruitful in my
professional and personal healthy relations(Olsen, 2015). Although, I used slang and
impressive words in my talks so that I can develop the interest of the listener. But I never use
difficult slang or words while interacting with others just to show my intelligence. My close
ones, my family, and friends tell me I am very much talkative.
Action Plan
Knowledge, skills,
and behaviours
Current
proficiency
Target
proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Mentor Criteria
for
judging
and
measuri
ng
success
Timelines Evidence
Listening skills My current However, I I can follow an My I can 2-3months The
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proficiencie
s are that I
am a good
listener and
I pay
attention to
others
need to
improve nu
body
language so
I can
communicat
e in an
effective
manner and
can show
that I am a
good
listener
effective
process of
effective
listening and
can give more
attention to
professional
listening skills
mentors
for this
task will
be
audience
and
lectures
compare
my
listening
skills by
taking
reviews
from
others
however,
I can
ensure
that I
have
effective
listening
skills as
compare
d to
others
improvem
ents in the
Self-
Assessme
ntTemplat
e of
Listening
skills will
be the
evidence
of my
effective
listening
Group
communication
My group
communicat
ion skills
are effective
as I can
cooperate
with others
in a group
task by
instructing
them and
through
collaborativ
e practices
The group
communicat
ion
practices
involves
how I can
learn and
can
understand
the
behaviour
of
individuals
while
working in
For improving
such skill and
to achieve
targets, I can
attend
Seminars,conf
erences, and
Group
presentations
The co-
workers,
students
team
member,
and
leaders
will be
my
mentor
The
degree o
my
confiden
ce level
when
speaking
in a
group
will be
an
evidence
2-3
months
Improvem
ents in
Self
Assessme
nt
Template:
Intra-
group
communic
ation
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a team
Communication
skills
I found
myself
effective in
face to face
communicat
ion, and I
am good at
offering
advice to
people
I keen to
learn how
can I
express my
ideas in an
effective
manner and
I want to
overcome
that I face
during
conversatio
ns,
Sometimes
my stress
reflects my
communicat
ion
The methods
to improve my
listening skills
are
presentations,
one to one
interactions
with people,
and the courses
provided by
my university
The
people to
whom I
will
commun
icate on
daily
basis,
teachers,
students
etc
I can
join
some
short-
term
courses
available
at the
universit
y
2-3
months
Improvem
ents in
Self
Assessme
nt
Template:
Intra-
group
communic
ation
Influential skills I listen to
the problem
of others
and try to
put my
views in an
effective
manner
There is an
urgent need
of
improving
body
language
and eye
contact so I
can
influence
others with
my skills
I can take part
in the regular
skill
development
classes that are
offered by
university
The
people
surround
ing me
are the
biggest
sources
of
mentorin
g my
sills
The
improve
ment of
my
behaviou
rs
towards
someone
’s
emotions
2-3
months
Feedback
and
personal
judgment
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On the basis of above action plan, I explained the areas in which I need improvements in my
existing skills. The communication and interpersonal skills are the most significant areas
where I need improvements. The action plan is designed to improve skill and explains that I
can take part in the short term courses or advanced post-graduate communication courses
offered by my university, as well as I can enrol myself in other’s institutions.
Conclusion
The above report reflects on my personal skills and explains the areas where I need
improvements. I identified various areas in which I can improve my personal capability to
increase communication effectiveness through an effective use of various diagnostic tools
and feedbacks. The application of self-diagnostic tests made me aware that I am an average
listener and communicator and need to work in significant areas. I can improve my skill and
knowledge by taking part in normal courses or advanced communication courses offered by
my university.
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REFERENCES
Halpern, H., 2009. Supervision and the Johari window: a framework for asking
questions. Education for Primary Care, 20(1), pp.10-14.
Hill, K., Wittkowski, A., Hodgkinson, E., Bell, R. & Hare, D.J., 2016. Using the repertory grid
technique to examine trainee clinical psychologists' construal of their personal and
professional development. Clinical psychology &psychotherapy, 23(5), pp.425-437.
Hopkinson, C., 2014. Personal and professional development. Becoming a Nurse: A Textbook
for Professional Practice, p.383.
Jenever, A.M., 2007. Reflection in Learning & Professional Development. Theory &Practce.
Jones, G., 2014. A communication model for dementia. Care-Giving in Dementia: Volume 1:
Research and Applications, p.77.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers' personal
histories shape their professional development. Routledge.
Shannon &Weaver Model of Communication 2016, Retrieved on 1st October 2017, from
http://communicationtheory.org/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication/
Shenton, A.K., 2007. Viewing information needs through a Johari Window. Reference Services
Review, 35(3), pp.487-496.
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