Personal and Professional Development Plan

This document discusses the importance of personal and professional development and its benefits for individuals and organizations. It covers topics such as evaluating approaches of self-managed learning, lifelong learning process, benefits of self-managed learning, evaluating skills and competencies against professional standards, identifying development needs and activities, and development opportunities to meet current and future needs. The document is based on a case study of Travelodge hotel.

Personal and
Professional
Development plan

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................2
1.1 Evaluate approaches of self managed learning.....................................................................2
1.2 Lifelong learning process in personal and professional context..........................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to the individuals and organisation................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluating skills and competencies against professional standards and organisation
objectives.....................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Identifying development needs and activities to meet organisation objectives....................6
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs..............................................8
2.4 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Process and activities required in implementing development plan....................................9
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned.............................................10
3.3 Reflect critically on your own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan. ....................................................................................................................12
3.4Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation........................................12
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Select solutions to work based problems............................................................................14
4.2- Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels..................15
4.3- Evaluate and use effective time-management strategies...................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development refers to the gaining of skills and knowledge by
the individual in order to enhance career development opportunities. It is a formal way by which
an individual sets strategies for the outcome of learning and training (Cooke, 2012). It also
improves job performance of employees within organisation by assigning to them high duties
and responsibilities. Continuous professional development is important for maintaining ongoing
progress of employees which makes them competent in its profession. Present assignment will
be based on Travelodge hotel. It is a private company operating in the hotels and hospitality
industry in United Kingdom. The report will going to analyse the various approaches of self
learning for life long development as well as evaluates current skills and competencies against
professional standards. Moreover it also determines personal development portfolio such as
processes and activities required to implement development plan.
1

TASK 1
1.1 Evaluate approaches of self managed learning
Self managed learning is a continuous and gradual process in which individual takes
initiative to analyse their learning needs, formulates learning goals and implement appropriate
learning strategies accordingly. This helps the individuals to enhance their self development. It
is also known as learning by motivation. Their are different approaches of leaning which are
discussed as follows-
Seminars and conferences- Seminars and conferences are regarded as an effective tool for
self managed learning. When the employee or the individual attend the seminars it provides
opportunity to learn new and different things. It makes the employee to share ideas and self
experience which creates a dynamic business environment and allows them to improve their
presentation and communication skills. While sharing of knowledge and ideas it creates
confidence of speaking in public. This type of learning benefits both the organisational and
individual in performing work (Dixon and et. al., 2014).
Internet- Internet is the source of large amount of data. Learners can access journals,
articles, online books , google scholar top gather relevant information over different topics.
such which the learners can access in order to gain and enhance their knowledge. It will be
helpful both in personal and professional development of learners to gain high information
about the topic which ultimately helps them to succeed in their business performance.
Social networks- These are very important in self managed learning processes. Their are
various social networks such as twitter, Facebook and many more which helps learner to gather
different information from sites and can improve their communication skills. Information
gathered can be applied to their own performance which helps in succeeding of career.
From the above mentioned approaches of self learning, seminars and conferences will
definitely help the employees of Travelodge to improve their learning process and self
development of individuals which would benefit the respective organisation in efficient
performance of work (Floyd, 2012).
1.2 Lifelong learning process in personal and professional context.
Life long process is a type of learning activity undertaken by individuals through out their
life with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competencies. Managers of Travelodge
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are using various ways for life long learning process of its employees which would increase
their knowledge and it would be beneficial for the employees as well as the organisation. Their
are various life long learning process adopted by the managers of Travelodge which are
described below-
Continuous professional development- It is life long and systematic process to develop
and enhance skills and abilities of individuals. In general it refers to the process of tracking and
documenting the skills and knowledge required for life long learning. It helps the manager
within the respective organisation to properly manage and develop individual skills and
knowledge which helps them to perform their job task properly.
Further learning- In an organisation if the managers of the respective company allow
their employees in continuing their education to enhance their knowledge which would
produce highly skilled and knowledgable workforce. It will provide an opportunity to the
individuals to enhance their career opportunities and increase their quality and standard of life.
Apprenticeship- This is the most successful method of learning for employees as it
provides an opportunity to employees to learn continuously during their job. Employees are
provided on the job training which enhances their capabilities of performing task effectively. It
is very useful for employees and organisation to attain their objectives (Hildebrand, 2018).
Self directed learning- It is life long learning process in which individuals selects and
manages their own learning activities which can be pursued at any time irrespective of age. It
benefits the individuals to meet their career goals as they can increase their knowledge which
enables them to achieve organisational goals.
By this way manager of Travelodge can encourage life long learning process among its
employees for the betterment of individuals as well as organisation.
3

1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to the individuals and organisation.
Self managed learning is a process by which individual takes initiative to identify their
learning needs and sets learning goals accordingly. This learning is beneficial both for the
employees as well as the organisation as it influences individual performance effectively.
Various benefits of self learning to individuals and organisation are described below-
Benefits of self learning to individuals in Travelodge- Self managed learning is an
effective way of learning which allows the individuals to learn specific skills for performing
business task efficiently. It is flexible in nature which makes the employees comfortable to
learn and which is readily accessible to all its employees (Moon, 2013). It increases the
individual capacity to deal in complex situation, thereby increasing their work performance
which is beneficial to individuals and organisations. For example apprenticeship programmes
adopted by Travelodge provide on the job training to its employees which enhances their job
performance provides a good opportunity of self learning to its employees.
Benefits to Travelodge- Most important benefit of self managed learning to the
respective organisation is that it will hep the managers to reduce the cost of learning process of
its employees. Managers doesn't have to spend more on learning skills of its employees. It will
help organisation to get knowledgable work force which have the ability to take more
responsibilities to solve the problems as well as introduce new ideas and suggestions to perform
its work (Elliott, 2012). This will also create a healthy relationship between employees and
management. For example when Travelodge hires new employees, it becomes their duty to
provide training to their employees but when the organisation adopts practices such as
continuous professional development and further learning it will reduce the budget for training
its employees and helps the organisation in getting knowledgable workforce.
4

TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating skills and competencies against professional standards and organisation
objectives.
Skills are the self assessment of individuals own abilities and qualities which needs to be
modified according to requirement. Travelodge ensures that employees should have enhanced
skills and competencies in order to have improved performance of work. Objectives for
Travelodge is to attract large customer base by providing them services which provide
maximum satisfaction. In order to analyse one's own skills and competencies assessment of
personal audit has been conducted (Zepeda, 2013).
Personal Audit- It is a way in which individual identifies one's own strength and weakness
which needs to be developed in order to compete in healthy atmosphere. It is a very useful
method which allows people to keep themselves on career track and develop ways to remove
weakness.
Professional standards- These are the set of principles or the ethical code of conduct in order to
perform roles and responsibilities within organisation. Standards are set by every company to
perform work. Their are some professional standards set by Travelodge such as proper dress
code for staff members and as to interact politely with employees as well as customers.
Organisational objectives for Travelodge hotel to provide all the facilities to its customers and to
provide good customer care service thereby reducing the complaints of customers.
As an assistant manager of Travelodge, motivation of staff is necessary in order to
increase and improve their skills. Current skills are described below-
Skills and Competencies Score Score from others Difference
Personal and interpersonal skills 8 9 1
Leadership skills 7 6 -1
Negotiation Skills 6 8 2
Confidence and trust 7 5 -2
Time management skills 9 6 -3
From the above evaluation strengths and weakness can be easily identified.
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Strengths Weaknesses
According to personal skill audit identified
strengths are good personal and interpersonal
skills, and negotiations skills .They help me in
achieving organisational goals efficiently by
providing better services (Trede, Macklin and
Bridges, 2012).
From personal skill audit, my weaknesses
create problem in achieving goal and
objectives. I have to work on it for better
results. My weaknesses are confidence and
trust, time management as well as leadership
skills which needs to be corrected in order to
achieve personal as well as organisational
goals.
2.2 Identifying development needs and activities to meet organisation objectives
As an manager in Travelodge, it is needed to develop skills and abilities in order to meet
desired objectives of organisation. It could be developed by analysing weaknesses from personal
skills audit and learn more skills and knowledge in order to meet organisational standards.
Identified
weakness
Personal
Audit
Rating
(Scale 0-10)
GAP Remedial
Actions/Strategy to
improve skills.
Deadline for
remedial
actions
Confidence and
trust
5 I did not gave attention
when classes for
developing skills and
knowledge were
provided. As well as I
haven't work alone
with my confidence,
required guidance in
doing work. This leads
to lack in trust and
confidence in
performing work.
I should take actions
to improve my
confidence and trust
by performing work
alone rather than
taking much
guidance. I should
also start
communicating with
other employees in
order to create
confidence and trust.
2 Months
6

Time
management
6 I am unable to
complete my work
within the set time
frame, because of
handling multiple
work at a single time
I am unable to manage
work in the
organisation because of
poor management
skills.
I should be able to
complete task within
the set time frame
work by allotting
time to every activity
of the job which
needs to be
completed within the
definite period.
1 Month
Leadership skills 6 Due to lack of
confidence and trust I
am not able to guide
their employees
effectively.
I can increase my
leadership skills by
having a clear vision
towards the company
as well as set goals
timely and execute
them in proper
manner and by
utilizing my
strengths in a proper
manner
(ForteandFlores,
2014).
3 Months
Skills need to be improved Ways to improve skills
Confidence and trust I should be able to handle multiple task at a time which build
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confidence and trust on me.
Time management I need to allot time to every task and understand the value of
time.
Leadership skills I should understand clear vision of the company and makes
plans to guide other employees in a proper manner.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future needs
Their are various opportunities in the market which needs to be grabbed by the company
in order to meet current and future needs. Development is an ongoing process which enhances
employees contribution in achieving organisational objectives. Organisation should capture
maximum opportunities for their survival and sustainability (Reeves, 2012). Current as well as
future needs are discussed below-
Current needs-Their is a current need and requirement of skills such as personal and
interpersonal skills as well as well as leadership skills to perform business activities properly.
Travelodge should be able to grab the opportunities in order to develop themselves.
Future needs- When there is a need to develop skill for future time, they are referred to
as future needs. Travelodge should focus on improving the skills of their employee for the
achievement of results effectively and efficiently.
Their are various development opportunities available in order to improve the skill development
needs which are described below-
Increased duties and responsibilities- When employees are given higher authority and
responsibility for performing work , it increases their skills and knowledge in performing work.
It will enhance current as well as future needs which will help to increase leadership skills and
creates high confidence and trust in performing work.
Mentoring and coaching- Proper coaching and mentoring should be provided to the
employees in order to enhance their skills and knowledge and the identified weakness such as
time management and personal and inter personal skills can be converted into strengths which
helps in the proper employee growth and development.
These are the identified opportunities which are present inside the hotel and helps in the
development of current and future needs (Blandford, 2012).
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2.4 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs
Personal and professional development plan is essential to identify skills and their
strengths and weaknesses. With the help of this plan it helps in overcoming the weaker areas.
S.
No.
Learning
target
Present
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria for
Judging
Attainment
Time
Scale
1 Learning
skill
9 10 It can improve their
learning skills by
handling multiple
task efficiently which
helps to develop
onfidence and trust
on themselves as
well in guiding other
member
Supervisor and
co- employees.
40 days
2 Time
manageme
nt skill
8 10 Improve
Management skills of
time by alloting time
to each activity in
performing work
efficiently (VanDriel
andBerry, 2012).
Leader,
manager
30 days
3 Leadership
skill
8 10 Resolving conflicts,
motivate to
employees, delegate
their roles,
responsiblities.
Moreover setting
goals and making
plans to achieve
Managers and
supervisors.
70 days
9

objective helps to
improve this skill.
TASK 3
3.1 Process and activities required in implementing development plan
Travelodge develops different activities and processes which enables them to implement
development plan in effective way. It should be implemented with appropriate strategy in order
to gain high success and business growth. Here are the some mentioned activities which helps to
implement proper development plan-
Define goals- First step is to define clear goals for personal development so that plans can be
formulated accordingly in order to achieve goals according to future prospects. For
implementing the plan, goals should be correctly stated which would help in future growth.
Understand your strengths- Individual should understand strengths on their personal level and
identifies weaknesses which needs to converted into strengths. In development plan individual
should mention those skills according to organisation demand (Macià and García, 2016).
Arrange training- In order to improve weak areas training should be provided for the
development of individuals within the organisation. These are provided to the employees who
want to develop heir skills and capabilities and fulfils organisational demand.
Set a clear deadline-Development plan needed to be implemented within the set deadline. All
the activities should be executed within specified time period. Identified weakness in the
development plan should be mentioned and according to time period like 3 months, 6 months
which motivates individual to learn skills on time (Reeves, 2012).
Clearly defines objectives of plan- For implementing the development plan there is a need to set
clear objectives of plan. With the help of his plan it enables to achieve stated objectives while
helping to develop personal and professional skills. These objectives are mainly related to short
term or long term.
These processes and activities will help in proper implementation of plan within the
definite time period. It also allows managers of the respective company to work according to the
plan and accomplishes objectives within the set time period.
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3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned
All the documental activities and the plans according to the time period are mentioned
below-
Time Period Action Interpreted What is learn till
now
What is required
to do next
Estimated time
4 months For enhancing
development of
individuals and
employees, manager
select those
activities and skills
that related to
effective leadership
which influences
their performance I
a better way.
It will help in
taking appropriate
decision which will
be beneficial for
the organisation in
achieving high
success.
This will more
beneficial in
attending more
training classes
and participating
in various
seminars and
conferences
sessions which
will improve their
skills.
4-5 months
5 months There is a need for
the manager adopt
new skills and
techniques for
providing
impressive goods
and services which
provide high
satisfaction to the
consumers(St‐Jean,
2012).
This is help to
maintain quality
standards
according to
demand of
customers.
The managers of
the company focus
in human resource
management for
providing training
and development
to their employees
5-7 months
3 months The manager
acquire and
develops new
It will help to set
business structure
according to
All specific
strategy are
implementing for
3-5 months
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policies and
practices for
development of
business and set
short term goals
according to time
period.
market and
implement policies
and programmes
helps to achieve
required goals and
objectives within
the time period.
short time period
and monitor to
those employees
who are new in
this field. Proper
measuring and
monitoring of
activities helps in
achieving goals
within definite
time period.
3.3 Reflect critically on your own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan.
Before the implementation of development plan manager need to monitor and supervise
the performance of its employees and workers continuously which will definitely helps in proper
growth and development of plan. Their are certain methods of learning against original aims and
objectives which are discussed below-
Proper knowledge and experience- It is the responsibility of the managers to properly
evaluate the skills and knowledge of each and every employee within the organisation in order to
provide training for developing those skills. Manager should evaluate the past knowledge and
experiences of employees in order to take action for improving the weak areas. This would
enable employees to gain proper knowledge which would be beneficial for themselves as well as
for organisation. It will help the employees within the Travelodge to gain knowledge in
performing their roles and responsibilities which encourages them to perform task within the set
time frame (Little, 2012).
Motivation- It plays a important role in respective company as mangers need to motivate
the employees in order to perform their work which helps in achieving goals and targets within
the specific time period. They should provide motivation to individuals in the form of extra
incentives and rewards which enables them to complete task according to the guidelines. This
also helps in developing the learning skills such as time management skills, leadership skills
and perform their roles and responsibilities in a better way.
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The above mentioned points will help managers to properly implement the development
plan which will allow to achieve organisational goals and objectives.
3.4Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation
Basis Objectives Evaluation
Advancements in process and
technologies
Adopting recent technologies
and methods helps in
increasing productivity and
growth.
There is need to focus on more
evaluation and monitoring
process and focusing on data
management by using several
method and processes.
Leadership and problem
solving skills.
There is necessary for a
mangers to improve leadership
and problem solving skills in
an organisation to work
efficiently.
There is improve to leadership
and problem solving skills
need to attend classes,
conferences and meetings.
Moreover interacting with
people is also helpful.
Achieving target of travel
lodge
There is need to set particular
targets of for various
departments which should be
achieved within specific time
period (Brody and Hada,
2015).
Targets sets should me
monitored and evaluated
within specific time intervals
which helps in achieving goals
of Travelodge.
Updated action plan development
Plan Objectives Why objective was
not achievable
What are
requirement to
undertake in
achieving objectives
Time period for
completion
Increasing or
enhancing
It was not achievable
because of lack of
For this mangers need
to adopt recent
It needs approximately
4 months.
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management strategies resources and tools. technology methods
and applying new
strategies
Improving leadership
skills
Lack of proper
supervision and
guidance.
For improve skills
need to attend
seminars, and proper
training classes.
On regular time period
for management
Improving target
strategy
Lack of effective
strategy and policies
according to the work
situations.
Apply those policies
and strategy that are
relating to short time
period and long time
period.
It needs around 3
months.
TASK 4
4.1 Select solutions to work based problems
Travelodge faces many problem at their work place which needed to carried out to find
appropriate solutions with proper adoption of strategies. There are some methods or steps which
enables managers to identify organisational problems and provide solutions to them. They are as
follows-
Identification of issues- First step to identify the problem is to identify the cause or the
issue behind the problem. Travelodge faces problem regarding employee turnover and customer
care because of excessive work loads as well as low staff morale and motivation among the
employees within the respective company.
Provide training- For reducing the issues of employees within the respective company
they should be provided with proper training in order to increase their morale and motivation to
perform effectively and increase their performance. Training is provided in order to order to
increase the skills of employees as well as develop their weak areas.
Clear the roles and responsibilities- Manager within the respective company should
clearly delegate roles and responsibility to its employees. Responsibility of performing work
should be given to staff members according to their skills and knowledge. As when he
14

employees are not interested in the particular area, they will switch their jobs and would lead to
increase in employee turnover (Blandford, 2012).
Reduce work loads- The main issue addressed in the respective hotel is of excessive
work loads which reduces employees motivation to perform effectively. There is need fot the
company to hire knowledgable workforce which would reduce work load among employees as
well proper customer service could be provided to the customers which will enhance a good
public image 0f Travelodge in market.
Open and honest communication- There should be open and fair communication
between the employees and mangers at Travelodge. This would generate proper sharing of ideas
and suggestions and also allows managers in effective decision making and would uplift
employee morale and motivates them t perform work with great dedication.
4.2- Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels
Communication is an important part of the organisation to provide information and
resolve issues in a proper manner in order to perform business functions effectively. Managers
should communicate the plans and goals with all its employees in order to increase their
motivation in performing operational functions. Their are different types of learning styles which
will help the individuals in gaining proper knowledge and skills to perform work.
Controller style- This is a autocratic style in which individual demand of doing the work
themselves irrespective of performing the work in team. Individuals are not good at performing
work with other team members. This is the reason this style is not recognised effective in
completing the task within specified time period. Under this style, employees of the Travelodge
can learn properly but alone cannot concentrate on fulfilling goals and objectives.
Supporter style-In this type of style individuals have a low minded personality which
also praises other members within the respective organisation for not doing the effective work
and maintains low interest in their work performance. Individuals tend to be patient and happily
balanced with work performance and do not like to be involved in conflicts. This style helps the
respective organisation as the employees would not involve in conflicts and maintains friendly
relation with other individuals and help the hotel in providing efficient customer care services
(Macià and García, 2016).
Promoter style- This style mainly focuses on social and extrovert persons as they easily
make the work place comfortable for them as well for their team members. It helps in enhancing
15

growth and profitability of business in a effective way. These are the people who have a
attractive personality and are curious in performing work in a better way. This style helps the
employees to provide good customer care services and resolve issues of the Travelodge.
Analyser style- This style is considered important in the respective organisation as it
helps in managing the particular sections of hotel and increases its scope in proficient manner.
These are concerned with collecting data with relevant facts and details which helps in proper
decision making. This analyser style will help the employees of the middle level to proper gather
relevant information and analyse the problem to find immediate solutions.
4.3- Evaluate and use effective time-management strategies
Managing time and performing the work within the set time period is an essential factor
to determine the skills and capabilities of individuals in most effective manner. Their are various
factors which helps in attaining business objectives needed to consider time management tactics.
Setting inclinations or Preferences-There is a need to set inclinations in order to meet
the desired goals and objectives for the respective company. As a manger I would set goals for
each employees which is needed to be achieved at specified time period. This will reduce the
excessive work load on them as they would be clear with the goals that are needed to be
achieved. In order to improve customer care at Travelodge I would hire employees which would
work in different shifts according to heir own preference. This would manage the time of
handling customers effectively and provide them efficient services. This will allow the the
respective organisation to reduce employee turnover as well as provide proper customer services.
Proper structural set up- In organisations lot time is being wasted in communicating
with its employees. As a manger I would change structural set up and will make use of proper
hierarchical organisational structure in which there are levels of management which allow
employees to work efficiently under heir supervision (Floyd, 2012). Employees will not waste
time in performing the work as they will be guided with the higher authorities which would also
increase their motivation and morale to achieve goals within stipulated time and in strategic
manner. This will help Travelodge in providing proper services to its customers as well as also
reduces the problem of employee turnover.
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CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that personal and professional development
of employee within the organisation is an important tool for enhancing their skills and
knowledge. Self managed learning is considered to be an effective method of improving one's
own skills and and knowledge and achieves their own goals and objectives. Travelodge has
adopted seminars and conferences as an approach of self managed learning of individuals. It will
provide guidance and direction to all its staff members to perform their work. Hence individual
should conduct personal audit in order to analyse their own strengths and weaknesses and
improve it with the help of personal development plan. Hence, leadership skills as well as
personal and interpersonal skills of employees are required more in order to perform effective
work in Travelodge to achieve set goals.
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