Personal and Professional Development

This assignment provides a detailed plan for personal and professional development. It begins with an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) to identify areas for improvement. The next section outlines learning outcomes, including improvements in communication skills and leadership abilities. A timeline is provided to achieve these goals, with specific activities and time scales outlined in Appendices 1-3. This plan is essential for students seeking to enhance their personal and professional growth.

Personal and Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches of self managed learning ..................................................................................1
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning......................................................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning programmes....................................................................2
4.1 Select solutions for work based problems.............................................................................3
4.2 Communication styles at different levels .............................................................................4
4.3 Different time management strategies..................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluate own current skills and competencies......................................................................5
2.2 Determine personal and professional needs..........................................................................6
2.3 Identification of current and future needs.............................................................................6
2.4 Personal and professional development plan on diverse needs............................................7
3.1 Process and activities required in development plan............................................................7
3.2 Documentation of planned activities ....................................................................................8
3.3 Reflection of own learning ...................................................................................................8
3.4 Update the development plan................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................10
APPENDIX 1: ...............................................................................................................................11
APPENDIX 2: ...............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The core concept of personal and professional development is concerned to get
knowledge for career advancement. It encompasses all types of formal and informal learning
opportunities in order to improve the skills in a specific field. Managers of various business
organisations conduct personal and professional plan so as to enhance the efficiency and
productivity of all employees in an effective manner (Avalos, 2011). Hotel Marriott is the chosen
organisation in this present assignment; it is a multinational brand of hospitality services and
hotels. The firm has 570 hotels and resorts which are located in all over the world. Apart from
this, the report will describe different approaches of self-managed learning. Significance of
lifelong learning in individuals' life will be also defined later. Furthermore, solutions of work
based problems will be explained along with use of effective time management strategies.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches of self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is a systematic approach which aids managers to control the
content as well as procedure of their personal learning. It initiates individuals to examine their
own learning requirements; if learning needs are determined then people have to set goals and
find out sources through which they can learn. Along with this, every person has its own way to
learn therefore there is described certain approaches of self-managed learning that are stated as
under: - Internet – Internet is a wide term and provides vast amount of information. It is the way
through which people can easily learn anything what they want. There are a lot of videos
are available on internet through which an individual get knowledge about anything
(Brody and Hadar, 2011). He or she can improve their skills and achieve higher success. Social media – In this modern era, people are connected with different social media
portals, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc. Here they meet a variety of personalities and
analyse their behaviour. People can also share different links and information through
which an individual get knowledge. Social media platform is also helpful in interacting
people from various cultural and values.
 Seminars and workshops – Many multinational organisations, like Hotel Marriott
organise different workshops and seminars in order to improve the knowledge of their
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employees. It involves training and development programmes which are conducted by
managers for specific purpose. Beside this, conferences and group meetings are also a
good way of self-managed learning.
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning
Lifelong learning refers as continuous learning; it is done for accomplishing long as well
as short term goals. It motivates people to get edge over their potentials and skills. In this
competitive environment, the scope of lifelong learning is enhancing day by day (Cooke, 2012).
In Hotel Marriott, managers also forces their employees towards lifelong learning as they can
always acquire something new and innovative. Hence, it assists a company to attain its vision
and mission in a certain time period. Below mentioned are different methods of lifelong learning: Further education – It is the best way of self-managed learning. With the assistance of
further or distance education individuals can easily learn and acquire more knowledge.
Now these days, business organisations also provides higher education facility to its staff
members in order to improve their skills and competencies. It can helpful in career
advancement and growth of people. Apprenticeship – This method helps people to improve their performance level and
productivity in an adequate manner. In addition, apprenticeship is crucial in organising
training and development programmes which renders accurate information towards any
particular field.
 Recognition of prior learning – The methods examine as well as monitor all tasks and
activities which are performed by people and then provide feedbacks on the same.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning programmes
Self-managed learning programmes plays a crucial role in individual life. It helps people
as well as organisation to achieve their goals and objectives.
Benefits to the organisation -
In context of business organisations, self-managed learning aids employees' as they can
easily handle all activities and tasks in an effective manner. In hospitality industry, due to the
dynamic nature of workers they can learn impressive skills and competencies (Desimone, 2011).
Self-managed learning is also beneficial in improving decision making process of the firm. For
example- if all employees of Hotel Marriott have self-managed learning attitude then it will
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improves firm's capabilities and competitiveness and it becomes market leader in minimum time
of period. It can also increases innovations and inventions which helps in attaining and retaining
employees.
Benefits to the individuals
People who focused upon self-managed learning are always be a role model for other
persons. So that, the major advantage of self-managed learning is; it sets examples towards a
certain phase of life. It provides career advancement to individuals with he or she can gain high
growth in their life cycle. Their potentials and intellectual would be enhanced which aids in
improving their self-confidence. Hence, self-managed learning renders various opportunities in
future to people and minimising threats in a pervasive manner.
4.1 Solutions to work based problems
While working in a business organisations, there are various problems and issues which
are being faced by employees. It can affect their performance as well as productivity in an
adverse manner. Issues can be related with harassment, bullying, interpersonal conflicts,
discrimination and communication problems, etc. It can harm employee’s interest within
organisations and generate negative working environment (Floyd, 2012). Therefore, in order to
deal with work based problems effectively, managers of Hotel Marriott are required to develop
certain strategies and policies. The basic problem which are being by employees' is lack of
communication. Through which they cannot get proper interact with their colleagues in order to
share ideas and issues. Below described are major solutions to get over from these issues: - Brainstorming – It is best way of get rid out from all work based problems.
Brainstorming is the method in which management and employees are come together
gives their ideas and view points towards a specific topic. Afterwards, the best one idea is
selected which suits or befitted in overall organisation. Brainstorming sessions are also
conducted in order to change mentality of cultural people. Delegation – Every people at workplace has its own responsibilities. Therefore, it is
essential for individuals to give respect to each other's work and position (17 Essential
time management skills, 2017). Respecting job responsibilities will be accessible in
making efficient working activities or operations and maximise overall team
development.
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 Evaluation – Managers also have to monitor employees' performance on monthly basis.
It would aids in improving productivity and reduces conflicts at workplace.
4.2 Communication styles at different levels
Strong communication is the foundation of all relations; it is easier but hard in practice.
By having good communication skills managers can easily interact with their employees and
share any ideas or concepts (Forte and Flores, 2014). In Hotel Marriott, decision makers have to
implement free flow of communication at workplace so as to make pervasive decisions or
judgement. Communication is required at every level which is described as under: - Strategic level – Strategic formulation needs analysation of company's standards and
where it wants to go in future. At strategic level, communication is essential in
competitors, macro and micro environment analysis, self-evaluation, etc. Operation level – In order to operate in target market, managers have to regular
communicate with their customers. It would also aids them to know needs and wants of
people in an effective manner.
 Tactical level – Business strategies involves different tactics and tools which gives
strengthen to personal and professional development plan.
There are various communication styles that are being adopted by managers: -
Assertive Aggressive Passive aggressive Submissive
It is the most
appropriate and
healthiest style of
communication. It
helps in protecting
own rights and give
respect of other's
rights.
In this style, the
content of message
may lost cause of
individuals are too
busy in performing
other activities.
Such kind of people
are sarcastic, devious,
unreliable, sulky etc.
In Passive aggressive
style, people are
highly involved in
their working
activities.
This style is used in
order to resolve
conflicts and avoiding
problems in effective
manner.
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4.3 Different time management strategies
Time management is crucial task for every business organisation while developing
personal and professional plan. It is beneficial for accomplishing desired growth and success
from target market. Adoption of adequate time strategies is really assistive for a firm in order to
achieve goals and objectives (Gamrat and et. al., 2014). There is given some major time
management strategies and policies. Define realistic goals – Firstly, managers have to identify real goals and objectives which
can be achieved. Aims and targets should not be based upon any imagination. Before
setting goals for PPD plan, individuals have to analyse future market situation and further
factors which can affect learning processes. Set time for all activities – Afterwards, managers are needed to set time for all activities
and tasks which would be involved in personal and professional development plan. It
helps in completion of all operations before their time schedule and firm can easily
achieve growth from target market.
 Develop short term wins – In order to attain long term goals, decision makers have to
make certain short term wins which are related with vision and mission of the firm
(Glogowska and et. al., 2011). It can increases the chances of getting high market share
of business organisations.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating own current skills and competencies
My own current skills and competencies helps me to provide better future opportunities.
As the HR manager of Hotel Marriott, I have good communication and technical skills. It is
useful in effective completion of working activities an imperative manner. In order to improve
more skills; my managers gave me training assistance. It will beneficial for me so as to get
higher position in the future.
CV
CURRICULUM VIATE
Name – Mauricio Bock
Address – 36/7 East London.
Email -
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Phone No. -
Career objectives –
An organised and confident person; able to work with various stakeholders to ensure
timely and efficient recruitment process in HR department. Good communication skills and
adaptive in nature.
Academic Skills: -
 Master in business administration (MBA) Passed in 2011-12
(Specialisation in HR and Finance) B.Com Passed in 2009-11
Professional skills: -
 Good communication skills
 Having an experience of 5+ years in HR field.
 Experience in department start-ups, high growth operations and restricting.
 Having a knowledge of information technology. Well-familiar with Microsoft office.
HR skills -
 Prohibition and performance management
 Labour laws and employee relations
 Organising and rolling out staff training initiatives Processing payroll information
Declaration – I hereby that all the above mentioned information is based upon true facts.
2.2 Determining personal and professional needs
While creating a personal and professional development I have to determine my strength
and weaknesses, future opportunities and threats. It will aids in developing an effective PPD plan
which can improves my learning process. In this context, I have to conduct a SWOT analysis; it
provides me those area in which should be improved. Strength – My major strength is I have good knowledge of outside environment through
which can easily learn new things or concepts. Another strength of mine is good
communication skills, it would help me to interact with people in an effective manner.
My imperative problem solving skills could provide me better opportunities in future.
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 Weaknesses – My anger is my biggest weaknesses. This can affect my relation within
other colleagues at workplace. Due of lack of efficiency in working, I cannot perform
adequately at workplace; this can harm my performance level. I feel bored in minimum
time period. Opportunities – I have great experience of human resource. It would be good opportunity
for me to work in multinational companies. Due to my adaptive and flexible nature, I can
become a strong team leader in forthcoming period.
 Threats – As low income opportunities in HR field would be a biggest threat for me.
Family restriction and high competitive can also affect my career.
2.3 Identification of current and future needs
Current needs Future needs
As the HR manager of Hotel Marriott, I need
to manage all working activities and operation
in order to gain high customer satisfaction
level. In this context, I need to focus on certain
areas. Firstly, I have to improve my
communication skills so as to effectively deal
with various cultural people. My future needs
are based on my current needs: through which
I can easily achieve career goals and
objectives. Apart from this, I also have to
improve my leadership skills in order to
become the leader of HR department in
hospitality industry. This achievement would
opened several doors of success for me and
renders great opportunities in future.
My future needs are linked with weaknesses; I
need to boost up my knowledge in different
field so as to achieve high growth and success.
Firstly, I need to controlled on my short
temperature; for this I have to keep clam and
try to not to react initially on any situation.
Apart from this, I also need to work on my
communication skills and learn more
languages in order to deal with different
cultural people. Knowledge of various
languages will be also give me a chance to get
placed in multinational companies. If I would
improve all these skills, then become an
effective HR manager of largest business
organisations.
Future needs –
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2.4 Devising the personal and professional development plan
In order to get success and growth in different areas of HR, I have to make a personal and
professional development plan. I should have adopted an effective learning process which helps
me to achieve career objectives. Development plan for above organisation is devised as under.
 Communication improvement plan : I have to improve my communication skills; I would
help me to manage effective relations at workplace. Having strong communication skills,
I can easily greet with foreign visitor who comes into hotel and recognise their needs
easily. In order to achieve this criteria, I have developed a plan for 30 days. Effective
communication skills also provides me an opportunities to communicate with all
employees and identify their needs and wants.
 Plan of building leadership skills :- Apart from this, I also need to emphasis on boost up
my leadership skills. It would aids me to become a good leader in future. By having
effective leadership skills, I can easily manage all of my team members and influence
them to work in an effective manner.
3.1 Process and activities required in development plan
 There are various activities and procedures are needed in personal and professional
development plan. In this case, managers firstly have to identify the effectiveness of all
activities which would be involved in it. They need to analysis all essential factors which
will affect learning process. Systematic planning of tasks have to be done in
implementation of plan. Managers have to align all roles and responsibilities among
employees and set individual goals. They have to set a time frame work so as to get better
outcomes; it would aids in completion of working tasks before their given time period.
Development plans Short term objectives Long term objextives
Communication improvement
plan
 Communication helps
the main and sub
departments to
consider orders and
instruction on time. It
helps to reduce the
processing time to
defining the roles and
 Organisation able to
met its desired targets
and employees
satisfaction which
require for long term
benefits. Better
communication clear
the barriers in defining
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responsibilities to
perform the task.
 Groups meetings are
the best way to identify
problems and issues at
workplace.
 It aids in reducing
conflicts or disputes
create positive working
environment.
the future visions and
make strong
sustainability of the
organisation in near
future.
 Apart from this, in
order to improve
communication skills
of employees a session
should be introduce in
which they get more
knowledge about
different languages. It
takes long time to learn
new languages and
better communication
reduce the time.
Plan of building Leadership
skills
 Leadership skills helps
to sort out the plan and
strategies before given
timeline. An
organisation would
able to utilise that time
for other departments
and operations.
 Training and
development assistance
should be provided to
employees. For this,
managers have to hire a
 Effective leadership
plan support and build
the confidence to take
long term targets and
projects.
 These plans have to be
regulated in teams or
group therefore
employees can
cooperate to each other
and learn more
effectively.
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training specialist





3.2 Documentation of planned activities
As per above described activities and tasks that I planned for my own concern. I need to
perform them effectively in order to get better results in future. I have to decide various activities
as per its time schedule. These acts are very essential for getting improvement in a specific field.
According to this, foremost I have to work on my long term objectives which are linked
with short term wins. I need to watch several motivational videos and listen English news; it can
improve my communication skills. I would also have to read English newspaper for this task, it
takes 10 to 12 days at least.
Another weaknesses of mine is I feel bored in certain time period while performing in
any task. Therefore, I have to plan certain interesting activities which can attain me for long term
period.
Activities Days
Identify sources and activities 2 days
Conduct training sessions for employees 10 to 15 days
Analyse employees performance 5 days
Provide feedbacks and reviews 10 days.
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3.3 Reflection of own learning
With the guidance of proper learning styles, I set certain aims and objectives for myself
that I have to achieve as soon as possible. While developing PPD plan, I faced many issues and
problems which are related with external environment. But my managers and other subordinates
was really supportive for me. They always motivate and encourage me to do any tasks or
activity. Higher authorities organise special classes for me as I can improve my communication
skills and learned about different languages. They also offers me get higher education through
which I can easily promote on higher positions. I also learned that they are so many factors
which can harm my skills so that I need to be prepared already and work effectively. I also
acquire an individual have good decision making abilities which would help them to grab future
opportunities.
3.4 Updating the development plan
In this dynamic nature of environment, it is essential for me to make regular updations in
my personal and professional development plan. It gives strengthen to my all activities and
improve to get succeed in future. Apart from this, I also have to take regular feedbacks and
reviews from my managers and higher authorities so as to do more improvements. I also have to
attend group meetings and conferences in order to make effective decisions.
As per this plan my skills are getting improved day by day. Now I can easily interact with
each other. I have acquired as well as learned several new things and now I cannot get anger on
such little things. With the assistance of meditation classes, my stress level is getting reduced as
per the day passes. Therefore, I can perform effectively my job role at workplace. But still my
decision making skills are not improved; as I need to work more upon them. If my managers
gives me more time them I can easily improve my skill also.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be summarized that personal and development plan plays a
significant as well as imperative role in growth and advancement of an individual. In this
context, decision makers are required to focus on self-managed learning activities so as to
improve their knowledge and competencies in a specific area. The term lifelong learning helps in
achieving high career growth within a stipulated time period. While preparing personal and
professional development plan, individuals have to identify their own development needs and
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opportunities. They also have set certain standards and values for the learning process. Apart
from this, in order to deal with work based problems, managers should be focused on
brainstorming and evaluation so as to create a healthy working environment at workplace. Also,
it has been assessed that time management strategies are helpful in getting better future
outcomes.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Avalos, B., 2011. Teacher professional development in teaching and teacher education over ten
years. Teaching and teacher education. 27(1). pp.10-20.
Brody, D. and Hadar, L., 2011. “I speak prose and I now know it.” Personal development
trajectories among teacher educators in a professional development community. Teaching
and Teacher Education. 27(8). pp.1223-1234.
Cooke, N. A., 2012. Professional development 2.0 for librarians: Developing an online personal
learning network (PLN). Library Hi Tech News. 29(3). pp.1-9.
Desimone, L. M., 2011. A primer on effective professional development. Phi delta kappan.
92(6). pp.68-71.
Floyd, A., 2012. ‘Turning Points’ The Personal and Professional Circumstances That Lead
Academics to Become Middle Managers. Educational Management Administration &
Leadership. 40(2). pp.272-284.
Forte, A. M. and Flores, M. A., 2014. Teacher collaboration and professional development in the
workplace: A study of Portuguese teachers. European Journal of Teacher Education.
37(1). pp.91-105.
Gamrat, C. and et. al., 2014. Personalized workplace learning: An exploratory study on digital
badging within a teacher professional development program. British Journal of
Educational Technology. 45(6). pp.1136-1148.
Glogowska, M., and et. al., 2011. How ‘blended’is blended learning?: Students' perceptions of
issues around the integration of online and face-to-face learning in a continuing
professional development (CPD) health care context. Nurse education today. 31(8).
pp.887-891.
Hadar, L. L. and Brody, D. L., 2013. The interaction between group processes and personal
professional trajectories in a professional development community for teacher educators.
Journal of Teacher Education. 64(2). pp.145-161.
López‐Pastor, V. M., Monjas, R. and Manrique, J. C., 2011. Fifteen years of action research as
professional development: Seeking more collaborative, useful and democratic systems for
teachers. Educational Action Research. 19(2). pp.153-170.
Lumpe, A. et. al., 2012. Beliefs about teaching science: The relationship between elementary
teachers’ participation in professional development and student achievement.
International Journal of Science Education. 34(2). pp.153-166.
Moon, J. A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Mwalongo, A., 2011. Teachers' perceptions about ICT for teaching, professional development,
administration and personal use. International Journal of Education and development
using information and communication Technology. 7(3). p.36.
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Online
17 Essential time management skills, 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.coachingpositiveperformance.com/17-essential-time-management-skills/>.
[Accessed on 13th November 2017].
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APPENDIX 1
STRENGTH WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
Good communications
helps me to interact
with people in an
effective manner.
Due to my short
temperature, I get
easily angry on
people; it would my
relationship with other
colleagues and
subordinates.
Having great
experience, i.e. 5+ in
HR.
Lack of income
resources.
Due to my adaptive
and flexible nature I
can easily establish
good relations with
public.
Lack of effectiveness
and efficiency in work.
Opportunity to be a
team leader of overall
HR department.
Family restrictions.
Effective problem
solving skills.
Getting fed up in short
time of span.
Will get a chance to
work in multinational
companies.
Wide range of
competitors.
APPENDIX 2
Learning
outcomes
Current
proficiency
Target
opportunities
Development
opportunities
Time scale
Improvement in
communication
skills
I have good
communication
skills but
sometimes I feel
hesitated while
talking with
strangers.
To build a
strength through
which I can
become a good
communicator
With this
assistance, I can
easily interact
with anyone and
provide them
necessary
information.
30 days
Leadership skills Due to lack of To become a Good leadership 15 days
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experience in HR,
my leadership
skills are not so
good.
person who can
easily manage a
group of people
and influence
them towards
working
activities.
skills helps me to
become a leader
of human
resource
department at my
workplace.
APPENDIX 3
Activities Days
Identify the
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