(PDF) Personal and Professional Development Assignment

Personal and Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning..............................................................................1
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning in personal and professional context......................................2
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to organisation and individual...................................2
3.1 Processes and activities to implement development plan.................................................3
3.2 Undertaking development activities as planned...............................................................5
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against aims and objectives set in development plan.6
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback and evaluation..........................................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Current skills and competencies against organisational objectives..................................9
2.2 Identify own development needs and activities to meet them........................................11
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs........................................11
2.4 Personal and professional development plan based on identified needs........................12
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................14
Covered in PPT.....................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Professional and personal development can be described as collaborative, intensive stage
in which learning is done to attend conferences and coursework. It can be considered as array of
any specialized training, advanced professional learning which improves knowledge, skill sets,
competency and entire effectiveness in the professional world (Asongu and Nwachukwu, 2016).
Personal development improves talent and develop potential that facilitate employability and
enhance quality of life. It can include developing other individuals by providing training,
consulting and coaching. In this report there is description about the approaches of self-managed
learning, development plans and competencies required to meet organisational objectives.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning
In order to learn efficiently, the best way to self-manage is to observe the present
business and examine the problems systematically. There should be a research done on business
environment to learn effectively. Following are some approaches for self-managed learning:
1. Seminars and conferences: Attending seminars and conferences are the best way for self-
managed learning because in these sessions people share their ideas, views and experiences
which help them in personality development and improving their skills (Bennett, 2017). It helps
in gaining confidence to speak in public which is very important for the firm. These seminars
provide an opportunity to individuals to develop their own personality and represent themselves
publically.
2. Social Networks: this another way through which individuals can communicate and get
socialize easily (Botelho and et.al., 2018). It can be virtual or local community like Twitter,
Facebook or Instagram. Nowadays, people spend hours and share their views on these social
sites and chat with their friends. They learn new skills and thereby improved personality.
3. Internet: Internet is a home of huge amount of data. People can browse and search for
management related theories, practices and use Google Scholar for accessing academic journals
and articles (Boahin and Hofman, 2014). They can get information written by various authors on
the subjects like management studies, risk management and business concepts. Individuals can
obtain experience on wide range of divergent topics that can enable personal development to
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happen in both professional and private contexts. They could also communicate and share their
views with co-workers at their workplace.
Thus, these are some approaches which should be adopted by individuals for their
personal as well as professional development in an organisation.
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning in personal and professional context
Lifelong learning is about self-evaluation through continuous learning, effective
leadership and good communication.
1. Self-evaluation: Individuals must evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats. Good learning skill should be developed and friendly behaviour with other employees
and persons can be included in their strengths. They should remain away from stress and
improve their bad habits. Enhancement of talent, better environment must be adopted at every
stage (Cheung and Hew, 2015). These opportunities help them to develop their managerial
power and enable them to learn new skills. Some of Threats could be recession of money,
entrance of fresh talents and some health issues.
2. Continuous Learning: Continuous learning is not constant. It changes after long terms and
brings new understanding, knowledge and skills. At an individual level, this can be considered as
a behaviour and developing own knowledge and talents in order to handle new and expanding
situation which further requires time, efforts and their interest to learn more.
3. Effective Leadership: Effective leadership is relevant to interpersonal dynamics and is all
about process of influence. It is also a part of lifelong learning in which leadership puts direct
affect to bring all diverse culture and individuals together to do particular work (Davis, Taylor
and Reyes, 2014). Like this, they learn to handle situations and find alternatives of the problem.
Effective leadership empowers team of members to attain their goals.
4. Good communication and relationships: In order to learn communication skills and
facilitate lifelong learning, managers need to devote effective time by communicating with their
colleagues. In today’s world most of the companies are multi cultured, so it is difficult to tackle
different types of people for planning, organizing and controlling.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to organisation and individual
There are many positive impacts of self-managed learning to the organisation as well as
individual. It helps in acquiring decisional making skills through earlier professional and
personal experiences. Individuals can learn from their general experience and implement it in
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organisation and see advantages afterwards. They are able to learn and build following skills
with self-managed learning:
1. Team work skills: By attending conferences and seminars persons are able to work in team.
They become more familiar with their team members and every successful organisation has team
unity so that success can be achieved success (Flecha, Salas and Merrill, 2017). It requires a
good team work which works with full dedication and passion.
2. Presentation Skills: Individuals also develop their personality through group discussions and
share their views. They gain more knowledge their minds get more widen up related to any
research work. It helps in building confidence which results in making and presenting good
presentations in any conference or organisation (Gogunskii and et.al., 2016). This provides them
option to express their knowledge and chat frankly in front of others which is a big advantage for
any organisation.
3. Communication skills: Self-managed learning helps in developing writing and
communication skills. It is useful for both organisation as well as for individuals (Fryer, 2015).
With the help good communication, they come up with new things and work independently
which leads to growth of organisation because their ideas are further converted into reality by
higher authorities. This creates good working environment which influence organisational
development.
3.1 Processes and activities to implement development plan
Development plan
Skills Current Status Future
Expectations
Activities Time scale
1. Communication
Skill
My
communication
skill is not so
good. I face
problems while
speaking public
ally. This can
have negative
I aspire to
develop good
oral
communicatio
n skill so that
it can be an
advantage to
organisation.
I will attend
conferences and
seminars so that I
get confidence to
speak in front of
others.
4 weeks.
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impact on
organisation
2. Leadership Style I lack flexibility
in decision
making with team
members and do
not manage work
properly is there.
I would like to
improve my
leadership
style through
right direction
and focus on
all future
activities.
For this, I will
devote valuable
time with my
employees, set a
concrete goal to
strive and would
prepare a backup
plan if in case
some inevitable
occurs for any big
project.
5 weeks.
3. Time management
Skill
Currently my
work never gets
completed within
time frame. I am
not punctual and
always rush from
one appointment
to another.
In the near
future, I
would like to
stop multi-
tasking and
balance time
by using for
proper
planning and
prioritization.
In the near future,
I would like to set
some deadlines
and make proper
schedule of every
task before its
initialization.
Continuous
learning
4. Interpersonal skills In organisation as
an individual I
lack confidence
while performing
any task and too
quick in quieting
challenging
I aspire to negotiate
with team members
properly and build
confidence in my own
self in order to manage
emotions.
I would start online
training simulations
and online group
collaboration
projects.
3
week
s.
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things.
5. Decision making
skill
I have no strategic
alignment and a
bit decisive on
constantly
changing data. I
also fail to take
decisions because
of lack of
technical
knowledge.
I would aspire
to develop
some
strategies and
plans that
would help
me in decision
making
process and
would reduce
over-
dependence.
For this I would
like to have
group discussions
and their views so
that probable
solutions can be
achieved.
Continuous
Learning.
3.2 Undertaking development activities as planned
Through all possible activities which is needed for professional and personal
development, business analysis is taken into action. I would be specific for all requirements of all
activities that has to be performed within time limit. Documents have to be prepared to collect
initial thoughts and capture all data and all needed information in that document. For this, I have
to manage time and communicate properly with my colleagues about the tasks performed.
Communication can be in any form, it can be oral, written or through electronic devices. All the
documents must contain meeting notes and decisions. I have to make a list of all activities and
set a deadline for all tasks. Responsibilities have to be delegated to reliable persons so that there
is occurrence of any loophole. Multitasking have to be avoided so that minds could work in
better way. I have to develop some interpersonal skills like I have to be confident while talking
about activities to my team members and right decision has to be taken on correct time so that
desirable results could be achieved.
Outcomes of all meetings and conferences should be properly documented and
sometimes there is a requirement to capture all upcoming thoughts, concepts and notes. Finally,
it is necessary to review with other co-workers the drafted document so that some loopholes can
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be removed. This helps in improving existing process (Hallberg, Hansson and Nilsson, 2016).
This helps in development of interpersonal as well as leadership style because from professional
point of view we learn to manage all activities with our team members. Individuals also share
their ideas and opinions and become more friendly which results in good business environment.
On the other hand, it also helps to develop time management skill and we become more punctual
about activities (Hoyle, 2016). Then the document would be presented in among all members
because it will help to introduce some new and innovative ideas that would influence
professional and personal development plan.
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against aims and objectives set in development plan.
It is important to reflect and dedicate time to my professional and personal development
in order to examine working and progress in the direction of my ambitions, goals and aspirations.
Development plan helps to build up logical thinking from thoughts, experiences, ideas and
knowledge. Reflection on my personal development helps to find out how work is done and what
type of training is needed to complete tasks (King, Carson and Papatraianou, 2017). In order to
achieve aims and objectives it is necessary to expand knowledge, by developing new ideas.
These have to share with other members and a plan has to made for achieving goals. I learned to
be more specific about my activities and took sessions with other members to develop the plan.
In order to develop managerial skill, it is necessary to be a good leader, accept challenging tasks
and identify major loopholes of projects. It is necessary to review development plan for which
some points have to be kept in mind:
Initial meeting preparation: At professional and personal level aims and objectives should be
decided beforehand. Goals should be known by each and every team member so that they move
forward in the same direction (Madsen, 2018). Leader and team members should have same
expectation and task get completed within time frame.
Previous experiences and knowledge: Past knowledge helps to find out negative things in an
individual. I have learned many things from my experiences and have gathered huge knowledge
which would further help me in my future activities. This knowledge can be used at right place to
achieve goals.
Motivations and expectations: It is important to know the expectations to achieve professional
and personal development plan. I must know what type of skills are needed to be developed in
research and planning and different types of aims and objectives required to achieve in coming
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years. For this, it is important to streamline the work, keep reviewing the plan and methods
required for research work.
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback and evaluation
Development plan
Skills Current Status Future
Expectations
Feedbacks Time scale
1. Communication
Skill
I could not
communicate
properly in public.
So I need to
improve myself in
the future.
I aspire to
develop good
oral
communicatio
n skill so that
it can be an
advantage to
organisation.
I would like to
attend more
conferences and
group discussions
for better
communication.
This includes
written and verbal
communication.
4 weeks.
2. Leadership Style I lack efficiency
in leadership
style.
I would like to
improve my
leadership
style through
right direction
and focus on
all future
activities.
After setting a
concrete goal, my
leadership style
has been
improved as
compared to last
experiences on
professional
basis.
3 weeks.
3. IT Skill I lack some skills
in Information
technology and
not efficient in
operating
electronic devices
In the near
future, I
would like to
employ some
talented and
IT
In the near future,
I would take
classes online
related to IT and
make my
knowledge strong
4 weeks.
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professionals
at professional
level. This
would help
me in
increasing my
knowledge in
digital
technology.
so that no
problem raises on
online working.
4. Interpersonal skills In organisation as
an individual I
lack confidence
while performing
any task and too
quick in quieting
challenging
things.
I aspire to
improve my
confidence in
various areas
so that my
running and
upcoming
projects could
be achieved.
I would to
enhance my
interpersonal
skills like
confidence, self-
conceptualization
etc.
3 weeks.
5. Skills related to
decision making.
I have no strategic
alignment and a
bit decisive on
constantly
changing data. I
also fail to take
decisions because
of lack of
technical depth.
I would aspire
to develop
some
strategies and
plans that
would help
me in decision
making
process and
would reduce
over-
dependency
My interaction
with group
members have
improved and this
has led to
emergence of
now new ideas
which has
improved the
business
environment
Continuous
Learning.
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on others.
TASK 2
2.1 Current skills and competencies against organisational objectives
Professional Skills Current Level
5=strong
1=weak
Best Current Example Ways to Improve
Communication skill 1 For Example, I there
was with some
colleagues and was
unable to present my
current business
activities.
I should think before
speaking and maintain
a positive attitude
Listening Skill 5 For example, in an
event I answered all
questions of the
audience well.
I can maintain the
same pace with
confidence.
Planning and
organisation
5 For example, I manage
all my routine work
properly and finish it
on time.
I can improve it with
self-discipline and
being more punctual.
Problem Solving 1 For example, there
was a dispute among
team members and I
was unable to resolve.
I should apply some
problem solving
techniques like Six
step methodology.
Professional
Knowledge
5 For example, I can
treat all members
I should my
knowledge to other
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equally and carry
interpersonal skills
members in order to
improve my business
environment and gain
other's knowledge.
Self-management 5 For example, I can
manage all my
meetings properly
without any kind of
delay.
This can be improved
by applying time
management skill.
Team work 5 For example, I
organize group
sessions and promote
team work for any
project.
This can be improved
by rewarding co-
workers so that their
enthusiasm towards
wok should increase.
Technology skill. 1 For example, I don't
have knowledge
regarding latest mobile
applications,
This can be improved
through learning
digital technology.
Time management 5 For example, I am
good in planning and
organising my things
at right time, this
means that my time
management is
perfect.
This can be improved
by concentrating and
being punctual in my
activities.
2.2 Identify own development needs and activities to meet them.
After identifying my current skills and competencies I feel comfortable to cover all my
weaknesses by engaging myself in training and sessions at my work place. It would be more
useful to study through internet and gain vast knowledge which would further increase my
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knowledge regarding management, personality development and decision making process.
Sometimes I lack good communication with my employees so I would like to interact with them
in group discussions.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs
Professional development strategies sharpen employees and ensures knowledge and skills
relevant to their post. Being a leader of organisation my current needs related the organisation
are strategic planning, personal development, building relationships and future needs include
another level of understanding (Botelho and et.al., 2018). It means meeting in order to achieve
personal objectives planning and monitoring of the business activities have to be there and
limiting the possibility of major gaps in the long run (Bennett, 2017). To meet future needs good
networking should be there. Employees should be mentored in a positive way and their thoughts
must be considered.
Strengths
 Quality work should be encouraged that
includes teamwork, creativity and
collective achievement and individual's
contribution should also be recognised.
 Communication should be transparent
and in a clear manner so that all
employees move in same direction.
Weaknesses
 Being leaders I am not so perfect in
resolving disputes of team members
and maintaining team unity.
 I lack in maintaining positive
environment and don't actually
participate in the culture which
members determined to create.
Opportunities
 Leaders must talk to my future leaders
and discuss their interests and goals.
Like this, opportunities could be
captured and customized plan could be
developed.
 Talented and skilled employees should
be hired for suitable projects.
Threats
 Inability to attain my objectives in
upper management and administration
due to lack of confidence.
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2.4 Personal and professional development plan based on identified needs
Learning
Objective
Current
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Developmen
t
Opportuniti
es
Criteria for
judging
Success
Time scale Evidence
Communicat
ion Skill
Presently I
am not so
good in oral
communicat
ion and
pronunciatio
n.
I am further
intended to
improve in
this skill in
order to
present
myself in
front of
colleagues.
I can
improve by
joining
coaching
classes,
spoken
training
centres.
My success
in this can
be judged
through the
feedbacks of
my team
members.
3-4 months Evidence ca
be given
through
Presentation
Problem
solving skill
Currently, I
am unable
to resolve
disputes and
problems of
my team
members
I want to
improve this
skill in order
make my
team better
and efficient
I can learn
this by
applying
leadership
style
My success
can be
judged
through the
success of
team work
and
feedbacks of
my
superiors.
5 months. Evidence
can be given
by providing
a project to
the team for
a given time
period.
Technology
skill
I am not
good at
I must
improve in
This can be
developed
This can be
judged
2-3 months. Evidence
can be
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operating
technologica
l devices
like
advanced
electronic
devices and
software.
this area as
digital
technology
is widely
spreading at
global scale.
through
online
surveys and
classes.
through
self-
evaluation
and online
feedbacks.
provided by
operating on
advanced
software and
with
talented
employees.
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL
Name: XYZ
Page No:
1. What has been learned?
I learn to build strong relationships with my colleagues.
2. What great thoughts/realisations have occurred?
I realised that time management is necessary. Being leader of my team I learned new
leadership styles and helped team building.
3. Has progress been made?
Yes, progress has been made due to great team work.
4. Have future plans been altered?
Some future plans whose outcome were not certain were altered.
5. Next focus.
My next focus is to build up a strong team through talented and skilled employees.
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TASK 3
Covered in PPT
CONCLUSION
Finally, it is concluded that individual needs some interpersonal, leadership and other
important traits so that it benefits in its professional life too. Through this report I identified my
personal skills as well as competencies and some loopholes which can be further developed. It
describes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of leaders. According to reflective
journal it is cleared that leadership styles and interpersonal skills can be improved with time.
Strong team can be made with a good leader.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
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Boahin, P. and Hofman, W.A., 2014. Perceived effects of competency-based training on the
acquisition of professional skills. International Journal of Educational Development. 36.
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Botelho, M.G. and et.al., 2018. Evaluation of peer‐generated MCQ s to assess and support
learning in a problem‐based learning programme. European Journal of Dental Education,
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Online
Madsen, S., 2018. 7 Essential Time Management Strategies, [Online] Available
through:<https://www.liquidplanner.com/blog/7-essential-time-management-strategies/>
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