The Importance of Personal & Professional Development

This assignment delves into the crucial concepts of personal and professional development. It examines how individuals can enhance their skills, knowledge, and well-being through various strategies and initiatives. The text explores the impact of personal reflection, mentorship, and ongoing learning on professional growth. Furthermore, it highlights the interconnectedness of personal and professional development, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to success.

Personal and professional development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
TASK 1......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning..............................................................................1
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning impersonal and professional contexts could be
encouraged..............................................................................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation.............................3
TASK 2......................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational
objectives................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them........................................5
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.............................6
2.4 Personal and professional development plan on the basis of identified needs.................7
TASK 3......................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Processes and activities required for developing and implementing plan:.......................8
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned...........................................8
3.4 Update the development plan based on evaluation and feedback..................................10
TASK 4....................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems regarding employee turnover and customer
care at Paramount Travel Hotel............................................................................................10
4.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels on how to
improve customer care at Paramount Travel Hotel..............................................................11
4.3 Evaluate and use effective time management strategies to reduce employee turnover
and improve customer care at Paramount Travel Hotel.......................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The concept of self managed learning is known as the process in which individuals
portray various techniques of learning in an organisation or it could also relate to the long
term development in career. It is even about preplanning goals with the process of evaluating
the main aim of learning and then coming to a process for achieving those aims. A person
learns these things by using various ways that can be altered through culture, behaviour,
personality and perceptions (Vetere and et.al., 2016). The paper below is giving a brief
discussion on the various methods to self managed learning for increasing development by
assessing various approaches of its learning and how it is advantageous to the individual as
well as the organisation. The organisation which has been adopted to discuss this concept is
known as Travelodge.
This paper explains my own personal skills and the competencies of Travelodge and its
standards and objectives. Personal development needs have also been determined in this
paper. Lastly, the report also gives solutions that occur at the organisation as well as the
suitable channels of communication for having an interaction with people at a different level.
It also discusses the importance of time management and its strategies.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning
Individual can learn through research that they carry out either as part of their work or
studies. Also, there are various techniques individuals can learn for doing the research. Some
are as follows:
 Conferences and Seminars – Attending seminars and conferences is one of the best
sources of learning. As the ideas and thoughts are shared among different people it helps
an individual to develop their personality and communication skills which is very helpful
for an organisation. A person after gaining knowledge from the seminars and conferences
attended can make required changes at the workplace for the coming time. This provides
attendees with the change to the present thoughts that end up with the new things. Also,
such seminars and conferences help enhancing the ability of an individual to speak in
public and develop their presentation skills which is highly required in corporate world
(Busse, Aboneh and Tefera, 2014). For the staff of Travelodge hotel this would be the best
source of learning and it is very effective to learn as the experts train in the seminars face
to face and also feedback is taken from the learners through which any improvement if
needed in the learning process can be done.
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 Social network – The other way to self learning is to socialize. There are many different
social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, My year book, My Space etc where people
text and share various things by spending an increasing portion or their time. This is
particularly the case if people share the knowledge and thoughts through bulletin boards
and forums (Nicholls, 2014). Survey says that people spend more than two hours on
texting and communicating with different people on social networking sites sharing new
things and ideas and learning new skills. By applying the knowledge gained from other
people to their own lives individual may succeed in their careers.
 Internet – Internet is the most common source of gaining knowledge these days. Specialist
search sites such as Google Scholars are helpful in accessing the academic journals are
articles written by well known authors and even subject wise such as management studies,
business and risk management (Calderhead, 2012). At general Google search also people
can find relevant data to be used for their business purposes or for any of the required
purpose. Through such surfing on the internet people can acquire knowledge they require
to be successful at their work place. As a future section note learning through internet has
enabled personal development to occur both in professional as well as personal context.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning impersonal and professional contexts could be
encouraged
Lifelong learning is a course of action of continuous learning for personal development
which adds value to professional growth simultaneously. There are numerous ways of
inspiring and motivating individual to get involved into learning for gaining updated
knowledge and skills. A person can learn many things like effective communication, self-
discipline, being autonomous and many more. Moreover, this process comprises self
evaluation as treats, strengths, weakness and opportunities (Cox, Bachkirova and Clutterbuck,
eds., 2014). Further, the process decides a sequence of learning through its completion
deadline. Once a person is satisfied and has achieved target then he is inspired for further
learning in coming future time because learning is a continuous process. Manager of
Travelodge is required to develop a personal development plan for designing the methods to
analyse needed skills.
There is a need to develop personal work and learning environment once several tools
to admit sources of learning are comprised. In the process of self managed learning the role
of facilitator is very significant for encouraging the learners to create basic concept for
learning. This can be done by motivating them and providing opportunity to receive
knowledge of different new things by taking timely feedback, determining the weakness of
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learners and improving it, and asking questions to each other. One such another approach
with the manager of Travelodge to encourage is to organise a system of reward and
appreciation which create an enthusiasm in an individual for self learning. This is possible by
facilitating business specific sources of learning in addition of supporting them to develop in
present level of skills and knowledge (Brody and Hadar, 2015).
In order to encourage staff members mentoring as a way of self-managed learning
promotion can be used in Travelodge at the time they require guidance. In this condition
support of management is very important as the failure of employees to concern self-
managed learning an improvement method in their knowledge and skills may lose their
attentiveness and presence in it.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation
There are many benefits of self managed learning to the individual learner and an
organisation as well. This process increases individual’s personal awareness, knowledge and
confidence as well as motivate an individual to develop the ability for attaining long term
goals. It also helps individual to acquire decision making skills through their past personal as
well as professional experiences. Generally, individual learner can learn from their personal
experience which could be beneficial for an organisation in a professional manner. In current
scenario, there is an increasing pressure worldwide to improve the results from less available
people hence companies like Travelodge are required to invest more in workplace learning
and development procedure (Galvin, 2014). The issue that comes up here is the difference
between the expenditure of development and training and the pay off for individual and
companies both. However, the learning of individual is different and it doesn’t incorporate
with the needs of business. Still it is important to motivate and encourage the employees so
that they take the responsibilities on their own. The main requirement here is to create an
environment where learning is supported by the management, owned by individual and
meanwhile it should be integrated with the business needs which are facilitated by self-
managed learning.
In recent times, self managed learning has moved from boundary to the mainstream of
business development and management. Generally, most of the development programs
include in their structure, self-managed one or the other element of learning. Organisational
attraction on this process of learning is that:
 Self-managed learning program can be undertaken daily in business day to day
operation.
 Increases the retention and lessen the fall of learning ability.
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 Encourage employees to take responsibility and take initiative on their own of learning
and developing their personality.
At Travelodge, through the self-managed learning I can get the benefit to learn managing
varied roles and activities at the workplace. Further, it enhances the culture of teamwork in a
Travelodge by allowing the staff members to snatch communication skills for serving their
customers in the best possible manner. This also enhances person’s ability to make
productive decisions at the workplace (Hicks and et.al., 2014). Through self-managed
learning an individual also learns the ability to solve problems arising at the operating place.
Hence, company should consider encouraging self-directed learning of their employees and
support in attainment of long term organisational goals with the help of their improved
personal and professional skills.
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational
objectives
The below are some of the objectives of business identified by me before starting the process
of auditing:
 Reaching the growth
 Increasing efficiency of the employees
 Driving top line
For reaching the above determined objectives of the company, below are my strengths, treats,
weaknesses and available opportunities:
Strengths I am a patient person and listen to others before taking any step I have a creative and innovative thinking I am very attentive in various seminars and training program organised by company and
experts I posses good interpersonal skills I am capable of adding input in achieving business objectives I am a fast learner as I can cope up fast
Weaknesses
 I concentrate on one work at one time
 I require frequent motivation time to time
 I complete my work at last time and postpone till then
 I am not bold enough to handle all kind of persons at single point of time
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 I cannot solve problems instantly as I require some time to think about properly
 I cannot work in a team effectively as I do individually
Opportunities
 I can reach the high level of growth in my profession at Travelodge
 Continuous learning can make me motivate
 I can increase my efficiency while continuous working
 I can get advanced knowledge of IT
 I can get knowledge of different other related fields
Threats
 My nature of delaying the work may slow down the career growth
 Family can be distraction in my career
 Time management is not proper to balance the spare time between university and job
 Competitors can be a hindrance
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them
There are some of the improvement areas where I need to develop my personality. For that I
have to adopt some personal strategies in my personal as well professional life. In this
context, I have to read books, newspapers, telegraph etc to expand my knowledge and
vocabulary skills. This also requires doing analysis of external environment like Political,
Economical, Social, and Technological analysis. My further development requirements with
an action to improve and meet them successfully are as follows:
Development requirements Actions to be taken
Presentation proficiency Attend different seminars and training
programmes. Present the notes and
documents with proper gesture and
posture. Enhance communication skills by
speaking more in public.
Writing expertise Keep on practicing to write in a proper
format as well as readable and
understandable idiom.
Problem solving ability Before taking any decision first listen to
others plus discuss the problem with other
persons also so that many solutions to a
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single given problem can be received
(Bilderbeek, Schaap, Hummel and
Kirschner, 2016). After that articulate the
best solution selected to the team. Being
robust and autonomous at the workplace
improves the problem solving skill of an
individual.
Team work Create the formal as well informal group
according to the capability and behaviour
of members towards each other. Allow the
member to freely communicate with the
other person helps in completing the
project on deadline effectively and
efficiently.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
In my outlook, setting organisational objective would be the core development
opportunity in Travelodge. Initially, I will keep in mind the skills required to be attained from
different resources like group activities, group discussion, attending various courses and
shadowing opportunities. Also, there is a requirement to lay down smart objectives and goals
based on my skills (Nicholls, 2014). In order to enhance writing proficiency, I would prefer
going to adopt various courses for learning and improving writing skills. With the help of this
course I can learn writing in a proper format and structure as laid down and writing in a
language which is easily understandable and readable format. Focus should be on the margin
area to be left for the matter to be fixed on the given format. Through this course, I can take
the opportunity of communicating and create networking with the people from different
region and industry with different skills and knowledge. I would suggest taking feedback and
review each other’s work so that I can be referred in future.
In addition to this, for improving my presentation proficiency I would attend general
management and communication skills courses where presenting yourself is taught. Also, I
would speak more in front of my friends and public and ask them a feedback so that if any
improvement is required it can be done on time effectively (Moon, 2013). Also, I would self
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practice and research various tools and techniques and tactics required for improving the
presentation skills. However, for improving problem solving skills I would read more of the
general case studies, newspapers, and articles regarding real problems and the ways to
resolve it. Also, I would take use of “Mind Tool” application in my cell phone which helps in
improving the decision making skills. Moreover, I would become robust which will self-
develop my skills to solve problems.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan on the basis of identified needs
Below are the actions to be taken for personal and professional development:
Required skills Activities to be
taken
Resources
required
Time frame
Specialisation in
presentation
skills
Give more
speeches and
presentation in
public and ask
them for a
feedback and
suggestions.
Gadgets
required for the
presentation like
laptop, screens.
Cooperative
members for
group
discussion
2 months
Enhancement in
writing
proficiency
Attending different
language speaking
classes and
improving
vocabulary.
Institution and
experts.
5-6 months
Ability to solve
problem arising
at the workplace
Read yellow pages,
real corporate
cases, reading all
scandals etc.
Experts who can
train for either
structured or
unstructured
problem solving
techniques.
2 months
Ability to work
in a team
Group issues and
discussion
Autonomous
person who can
suggest and
improve all the
1-2 months.
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loopholes
effectively.
TASK 3
3.1 Processes and activities required for developing and implementing plan:
The following are the steps to be taken for successful implementation and
developing the plan:
 The first and foremost important step is creating a direction. Here,
the purpose and need has to be found for the development in the
industry.
 Once the needs are developed, identifying the needs by using
different tools like benchmarking and balanced scorecards etc. has
to be implemented.
 Identifying the gaps between the required skills and the skill I
posses is another important step after, where the loopholes need to
be filled to match the requirement.
 Formation of action plan arrives at this stage where the objective
has to be set which are realistic and shall be achieved in the given
period of time in order to bridge the gap determined above.
 Once the plan is formulated, the process comes into existence by
undertaking the required actions (Fullan, 2014).
 Now the documentation process needs to be started the results are
well organised with appropriate date and time as in when the
objectives are set.
 The final step is to evaluate and review the results in order to
classify the worthiness of the process.
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned
Below are the steps that are required to be undertaken and manuscript the personal
development plan:
Step 1: The basics of professional development plan will be reassessed as: Learning growth rate of an individual and the stage of lifelong learning Alignment between organization’s requirements and the analysis of skills and
competencies of an individual
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Step 2: Outline of development plan required will be created in Travelodge
Step 3: Structured as well as unstructured decisions to be taken for achieving the
development objectives are acknowledged which helps in meeting the development needs
through skills analysis of an individual. Learning activities will be evaluated like:
 Different training programmes held by company and experts
 Reading and writing in a professional manner
 On-the-job training and development
 Work surveillance
Step 4: At this point of time, performance is evaluated by asking number of questions and
getting answer of all:
 Were the personal as well as professional development objectives set are clear?
 What are the activities required to be undertaken in order to achieve the objectives
determined above?
 What are resources and support to be utilized and how effective these resources were?
 Variance between the deadline of achieving the objectives and the actual date of
achievement
Once the step are analysed and it is undertaken it should be monitored on a timely basis and
the changes required are to be undertaken.
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan
This plan is inclusive of all the activities through which an individual is accountable in
attaining its predestined goals. Various organizations such as Travelodge rely on
improvement through the constant observation of an employee’s skills and development
because continuous knowledge is essential for growth and would help them in attaining
competitive advantage. Hence, the right amount of aspiration and skill should be promoted by
the organization to be able to achieve them. The concept of self managed development not
only provides the learners but also the employees with the firm’s desired expectations from
them and how they can be fulfilled in various ways. Travelodge has objectives and aims for
personal as well as professional growth of an individual. It is essential to reconsider the
progress of professional and personal development and whether they have been going
according to the decided goals of the organization (Zepeda, 2012).
It is important for the learners to know the required expectations of the organization so
that professional and personal plan can be implemented. The various kinds of skills,
whenever used, need to be analysed while being used in the planning. Moreover, according to
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the learner’s perspective, various professional and personal goals and objectives can be of
some use in the future which will require some identification. The long as well as short term
goals for both professional and personal development will be defined. There will be a
constant requirement to examine the necessity of improvement in knowledge, competency
and skills, whenever required.
3.4 Update the development plan based on evaluation and feedback
There is a great influence of evaluation and feedback on the developing the procedure
which is updated based on it. The areas and aspects covered are explained as following:
 Identify the variance between the standards set by the company and the actual results
found through the feedbacks received.
 Scrutinize the performance on a timely basis and assure about the effectiveness.
 There should be open discussion between the knowledge level management with the help
of whom the roles and tasks are carried out properly.
 Take feedback with suggestions on each activity performed on a regular basis.
 Evaluate the development plan required with description taking help of all the other
members.
 Amend the techniques used in operations if required.
 Add up new upcoming requirements and objectives into the personal plan developed.
Additionally, I will find more new ways and sources of information to carry out my job
effectively. Further, I will do self evaluation and find out my skills and competencies
required to perform new task. Further, I would add value to my knowledge through constant
learning and developing my own personality while being committed to my organisation.
TASK 4
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems regarding employee turnover and customer care
at Paramount Travel Hotel
An appropriate strategy of overcoming problem is required to be implemented by
Paramount Travel Hotel Park Royal Company so that any eventuality can be efficiently
handled. There may be multiple solutions to particular work based problems but what defines
the effectiveness of strategy is the procedure plus approach of identifying and implementing a
perfect solution. Following is a standard approach to solve problem in step by step manner:
 Identification of problem – First and foremost is the identification of problem. It is an
important step in which a company deals with identifying the real issues that needs
special and adequate attention and hence it is necessary to develop exact statement of
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shortlisted issues. For example, Paramount Travel Hotel Park Royal at present need to
work out on the increasing problem of absenteeism which ultimately affect company’s
operational and financial activities by increasing time and cost. Special allowances and
rewards should be provided to the employees with maximum attendance and output. It
will motivate the staff and reduce the problem of irregularity at work.
 Analysis problem – Next step is the analysis of the problem identified. In-depth
analysis is required to be done by finding out interests of shareholders in present
situation.
 Producing probable solutions – After identifying and analysing the problem, the
company can now look for producing best solution. Several tools like conducting
brainstorming sessions of staff for producing distinct range of solutions to solve
specific problems is one of the way. Also involving employees in the decision making
or just taking their ideas help company overcome the problems.
 Solution analysis – Now it’s time to analyse the individual solutions by collecting all
the information received in above stages by applying cost benefit analysis tools for
getting thorough and proper evaluation (Orlinsky, 2013).
 Best solution selection – After all the analysis done, the best solution which is
practically possible and can be applied easily should be chosen. Not to mention, it
should be acceptable by all so as to get fast results.
 Agreement documentation – All the research and findings are now made in written
form.
 Agree on monitoring, evaluation and contingencies.
4.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels on how to
improve customer care at Paramount Travel Hotel
Individuals in an organisation coordinate their efforts and work in a team for attainment
of common goals through effective communication thereby enhancing working relations at
the workplace. Companies tend to form corporate structure to avoid punctures and overlaps in
working system which is facilitated by effectual communication. The better and clear the
corporate structure is, the productive is the working outcomes in the company. Also, this
structure not only widen place of all but also builds a hierarchy of communication making the
lines more clear. Such hierarchy sets on creating connections in the structure. These
connections direct the formal communication channels. The communication process at
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Paramount Travel Hotel is normally a two way procedure and is functional sideways, upward
and downward directions in underlining levels:
Middle Level – This level is responsible for executing the decisions and plans made at top
level and involve arranging of all necessary resources to successfully implement it. Upward
communication comes into place whilst giving feedback to senior supervisory team,
horizontal communication when group discussions with managers is required and downward
to coach managers at operational level. Some of the communication types under this level are
departmental orders, presentations, and meetings.
Strategic level – Here, the decisions are taken by top managerial staff, i.e. chief executives,
board of directors and departmental heads by mutually discussing on various topics. It also
involves the downward communication by directing workforce at middle level for further
execution of the plans or processes (Ruddy, Thomas-Hemak and Meade, 2016). At this level,
most commonly used modes of communication are memos, team meetings, etc.
Operational level – At the lower or operational level, all the strategic plans and decisions
taken at top level are actually put into practice. Basically, the functional activities including
production, finance, HRM, marketing, sales and promotion forms the part of this level.
4.3 Evaluate and use effective time management strategies to reduce employee turnover and
improve customer care at Paramount Travel Hotel
Time management clearly defines the varied skills and techniques that can assist
individuals to make use of the available time in the most effective manner as well as to
accomplish tasks, activities, projects and reach targets within the defined period. The time
management skills vary from individual to individual and are not confined to planning,
organizing, prioritizing tasks, scheduling and allocation of functions. But it also comprises of
the overall analysis time spent for distinct activities along with close monitoring that assists
people improve his/her time management abilities. An individual that make use of several
techniques of time management can widely enhance their productivity thereby facilitating
folks to complete more tasks within stipulated time. Furthermore, time management skills
allows individuals to properly manage personal and professional life and also helps in
learning what is required and needs to be done and what not. Also it helps in defining the
objectives and targets that are to be achieved on routine basis. Adequate and systematic time
management can prove to be real benefit for employees of Paramount Travel Hotel as it will
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allow them to meet projects deadlines without any operational delays. Below are some
techniques that can be employed by the company to effectively utilize their employee’s time:
Organization – It is believed to be the omega and alpha of time management as it supports a
person in getting the complete overview of their current day plan and activities required to be
finished. Being organized helps employees in avoiding all kinds of delays and
procrastination.
Prioritization – It supports individual in pondering on high priority tasks and duties.
Elimination – The above prioritization assists to spot time intensive and infertile tasks as well
as eases in eliminating less essential projects.
Monitoring – It supports in determining total amount of time spend in accomplishing
particular tasks.
CONCLUSION
This report concludes that self managed learning indeed plays a very essential role in
the current corporate world. Through this learning, one can make a progress in their
professional as well as personal traits and will be able to outlook the weakness. This paper
also suggests that it is essential to give some time in professional and personal development
so that achievement and progress in a workplace can be attained. It also helps in attaining
aspirations in an organisation. With reflecting on this kind of development, an individual can
plan on their experience, knowledge, thoughts, experiences, ideas and understanding very
easily.
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