Personal and Professional Development

This document discusses the importance of personal and professional development, the planning process involved, the self development process, and various theories and models related to personality development. It provides insights into the relationship between personal development and personal empowerment, as well as the impact of personality development on professional growth. The document also introduces the VARK questionnaire and its components.

Personal and Professional
development
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Main Body.......................................................................................................................................3
Personal and Professional Development (PPD)..........................................................................3
PPD Planning Process.................................................................................................................5
Self development process............................................................................................................6
Theories and models...................................................................................................................8
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
References......................................................................................................................................10
Appendix........................................................................................................................................11
Results VARK Questionnaire...................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Personal development means improving skills and knowledge to maximise one's
effectiveness. It is a continuous life long process of nurturing and honing one's talents (Bukor,
2015). Personal development plan is the process designed for achieving those desired objectives.
This plan can be for short term, medium or long term targets. One must meticulously plan based
on one's strengths and weaknesses. Also, opportunities and threats shall not be ignored.
Whatever a person learns out of the process of personal and professional development plan, is
reflective learning. It involves thinking about learning experiences and imbibing those learnings
into one's own personality. These learning outcomes help develop a personal vision. In this
report, relation between personal development and personal empowerment is discussed.
Personality development planning is also introduced and steps to plan are briefly discussed.
Multiple theories and approaches related to learning and personality development are also
explained. In later part of report, a brief introduction about VARK questionnaire and its main
components is provided.
Main Body
Personal and Professional Development (PPD)
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Illustration 1: Personal and Professional
Development, 2020

Personal and professional development is the process in which individual meet the
challenges and achieve the targets by effective learning. It helps to improve skills that are
beneficial for growth in professional and personal capacity. It should be a continuous process of
learning to be followed by every person to increase their ability to face difficulties. With the help
of various trainings, a person can learn fast and ensure to grow continue through out their life. It
improves motivation level and develop confidence. Therefore, management arranges for various
trainings to up skill their staff and improve their performance. Personality development does not
necessarily imply upward movement in one's skill set rather, it includes upward movement in
confidence and experience to tackle any situation (Olsen, 2015).
Personality is not just something with which a child is born with. It is a continuous
process all throughout life to evolve, learn and grow. A child learns in two ways – consciously
and sub-consciously. Whenever children are told about something, concept of good and bad,
acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, etc., they develop a conscious understanding and
morality in their personal traits. Whatever children observe from the happening around them,
develops new traits in their personality subconsciously. It is often observed that subconsciously
acquired traits have more profound impact on conscience of children. But the process of learning
and observing does not stop with childhood. There are many learning activities which can help
development of an adult. They can be both theoretical and practical methods of learning.
Classroom teaching, lectures and videos, etc. form part of theoretical training while methods
such as on-the-job learning, training and workshops, volunteering, etc. form part of practical
training. Professional growth is all about gaining new skills and experiences and personal
development and professional development are interrelated processes (Lee and Choi, 2015).
Eliminating one's personal shortcomings helps to progress in professional life as well. For
example, when somebody who is weak in communication, learns effective communication skills,
he/she can have better opportunities at work. Some skills like good communication, maintaining
balanced interpersonal relationships, self confidence, integrity, leadership, etc. not only help
people develop in their personal life but also progress in their professional life. That's why
people are advised to work on their personality development first in order to excel at their
professional space. One can follow various measures to develop personally such as overcome
one's fears, read and write well, be open to learn new things, observe others, ask for feedback,
develop effective network, meditate, etc.
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Personality development process makes a person happier and empowered. There is a
considerable improvement in relationship with one's own self as well as others. It inspires to
learn new things, which not only broadens thought process but makes one better at handling and
adapt to any kind of change and challenge. This process helps people become healthier in
thoughts which increases their ability to make better decisions and solve problems in a more
effective manner. Sometimes, people see a shift in their targets and objectives in life when they
are able to discover their passion. Their life course changes yet they feel good and happier than
earlier. It inspires others. Thus, it can be said that development process of a single person affects
many people around that person and can be a life changing process for all of them.
PPD Planning Process
Planning helps people in achieving their goals in an organised manner. Personal and
professional development planning process is a systematic approach that helps a person to
concentrate on achievable goals by using available resource in an efficient manner (Ahmed,
2018). Professional development plan involves skills, strategies, policies and education that are
required to be successful in career. Acquiring professional knowledge helps in developing
expertise. With the help of necessary training, one can easily develop skills like communication,
leadership, integrity, self confidence, etc. There are many ways in which a development plan can
be developed. One such plan is discussed below:
Selecting the key areas of development: Foremost thing necessary before developing a
plan is to understand the area where there is need for improvement (Webb, Diamond-Wells and
Jeffs, 2017). Goals and objectives are set in accordance and a plan is to developed accordingly.
One must be aware about current situation and future potential, before zeroing the areas that
require development.
Objectives must be set in advance: On the basis of key areas of development,
objectives must be set. One should be specific about the objectives. Objectives shall not be
passive and active as such that it can form basis to draw a plan. The objective must be specific,
measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. After considering various factors like
availability of resource, time, money etc. goals can be set for short term as well as long term.
Objectives and goals shall be flexible and must be reviewed from time to time according to the
changes in circumstances.
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Action should be performed to achieve targets: After setting series of SMART goals, a
comprehensive plan shall be developed with actionable strategies. Various ways to carry out
action plans should be developed. By performing different task such as classroom learning, on-
job experience, community and networking environment etc., set targets can be achieved. This
process shall be accompanied by monitoring these activity time to time.
Record progress on a personal development plan: Performance appraisal is to be
perform time to time and it must be noted in the document in which alteration is to done at
regular interval of time according to change in the performance. Positive appraisal helps to
increase confidence level and motivates person to put in more hard work (Prestridge, 2017).
Dates, outcomes, and future goals must be recorded in a document.
Sustain the development: Final stage of planning process is to review the tasks
performed and learnings made. One should also identify future areas of development. Evaluation
plays an important role in self development cycle.
Self development process
A good plan provides focus and opens door to path of success, growth and empowerment
(Todd, 2020). Planning with objectives of developing one's own personality is very important as
it not only includes planning for academic and career based objectives but also targets of
personal life. Below mentioned is my five-years planning for my development objectives:
Setting goals - For starting planning process, first and foremost thing that I need to do is,
to set goals and objectives for planning process. I aspire to see myself postgraduate in
management from one of the top universities of world and having developed my own successful
business venture in providing IT services, five years from now. It is a huge goal and I naturally
feel overwhelmed thinking about it. But, only if you dream big, you work harder to achieve it.
Prioritising goals - Little steps add up to make big changes. So, next thing in order is to
make short term goals to achieve my ultimate objectives. In priority, first thing is to know about
admission process in different top universities of world for management courses. Then, I will
have to sort universities according to my choices. Factors affecting choices are reputation,
location, tuition fees, other living cost, support for business start-ups, etc. Once, the choices are
sorted, I have to apply in those universities and side by side, I have to look for sources to finance
my course. I want to start a business along side my course. My academic learning will help me
deal with real life issues a business faces and my practical experience will help enrich my
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theoretical academic knowledge. Thus, I have to develop a business model as well which I would
want to start. I shall also provide myself deadlines to achieve every above noted target so that my
whole plan does not turn out to be my day-dream. Moreover, deadlines are also a good
motivating factor.
SWOT analysis – Its important to do self SWOT analysis to ascertain my own strength
and weaknesses and also to identify possible threats and opportunities. As for my strength, I
believe that my belief in myself is my biggest strength. I believe that I'm stronger than I imagine
myself to be but as strong as I believe myself to be. This belief motivates me to achieve anything
and everything I wish for. As for my weakness, I often find myself sluggish and then sometimes,
I procrastinate things and other times, I feel myself incompetent enough to succeed.
This is such a good time for starting a new business. People are accepting new ideas and
governments are encouraging and subsidising innovations (Körkkö, Kyrö-Ämmälä and Turunen,
2016). Many business schools are also providing technical and financial assistance to unique
business models through their business incubator schemes. This is the biggest opportunity I have
while planning to start my business during college. The biggest threat is also related to it only.
Only unique plans are supported which have been explained to them in a comprehensive manner
while my business idea is just a vague thought in my mind. Also, it would be a new place and its
business and market conditions would be stranger for me.
Developing plan – On the basis of above SWOT analysis, it is ensured that if I am able
to trump my weakness with my strength, I will be able to successfully complete my plans on
before deadlines. Thus, I need to develop a plan to work on my personality shortcomings before I
appear for my college interview or any business meeting. I need to develop a comprehensive
business-model for my business-idea so that I can present it before authorities to have technical
and financial help from them. They can help me deal with stranger environment. I also, need to
plan how would I continue my business post college as to location and medium of operations.
Very important is planning to incorporate all these developments in such a manner that it does
not hamper my education at all. Education shall be the priority during college time. We all live in
a society where we are helped by many people around us such as our family, friends, colleagues,
teachers, acquaintances, etc. I shall prepare a list of such people whose help I can take for
various purposes and then talk with them to sort out all matters.
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Measure progress – Monitoring and controlling is as important as planning itself is
(Bond and Blevins, 2020). Every task achieved is not just a milestone achieved but also a good
motivating factor to successfully complete rest of the plan. Many a times, things take different
course than what we had expected and wanted. It demotivate us. Sometimes, we feel sad,
frustrated and angry as well. But then we should move on. Those setbacks shall serve as
learnings not regrets. These learnings are experiences that help in long run to achieve greater
objectives.
Theories and models
Theories form the basis of practical learning. It enhances and make application of
knowledge more effective. Personality involves some inborn traits such as temperament and
other traits are acquired over life (Brooks, 2019). Thus, it can be said that personality evolves
with time and experiences throughout life. There are various theories and models which helps in
identifying various personality types and approaches to their development.
Transformative Learning Theory – This theory was developed by Jack Mezirow and
involves deep constructive learning. It says that process of learning transcends simple book
learning. It offers practical and real ways for learning that can give meaning to life (Zanchetta
and et.al., 2017). It leads to a deep change in the feelings, thoughts, perspective and behaviour of
a person. It helps people discover their passion and hidden talents. The theory describes two
types of learning – instrumental and communicative. Instrumental learning is aimed at learning
through solving problem oriented assignments and learning from their cause effect relationships.
Communicative learning aims at imparting learning through communication with various people
about their emotions and desire.
This theory helps in making personality more socially amiable. Communication skills are
improved and so does learning skills. Learnings made out of dealing with certain simulated
problems helps ascertaining cause-effect relationships of problems faced in real life.
Freud's Structural Model of personality – This theory was developed by Sigmund
Freud. He developed this framework to analyse the overall structure of a personality. He believed
that basic driving force of personality and behaviour is called as libido (Mitchell and Black,
2016). Libidinal energy then inspires three components that can make or break any personality:
the id, the ego and the superego. The id is that traits of personality which are inborn. It is the
main driving force behind the way people decide their basic needs and ways to fulfil them. The
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ego is called that aspect of personality which controls the desires of the id and urges it to behave
in particular way. Superego is the final aspect of development of personality. It contains all
values, principles and morals one imbibe from family and society. It makes ego behave
according to these values.
These aspects help learn about one's values, the id, ego and superego. One can then
moderate between the needs and wants of the id, ego , idealistic standards laid down by superego
and finally reality.
Constructivist Approach - This theory is based on 'learn by analysis' method. In this
approach, people build knowledge base on the prior experiences and active learning and
memorization process. It is based on guided discovery, discussions on thoughts, ideas and
activities. It develops a sense of right and wrong among people. Every person analyses same
situation according to their own learning process. Thus, everyone develops distinct personality.
This theory may develop sense of low confidence if someone is not able to construct their own
view point or is not able to relate to others' view (Zehetmeier and et.al., 2015). Then, this theory
can turn into destructive.
This theory helps holistic development of personality. It helps in evolution of one's
thinking and gradual broadening of understanding of wider concepts. It teaches one to respect
others' viewpoint and maintain an equilibrium in two thoughts.
Conclusion
Personality development is a continuous process throughout life. Development in
personality helps grow both in personal life and professional life. Professional development
helps people assess their present skill set and decide and plan their future targets. It helps a
person to realise their maximum potential. Improvement in one's skill set not only raises
confidence and quality of life but also enhances employability prospects (Althauser, 2015).
Planning helps making relevant, positive and effective life choices Early life development takes
place in childhood to enable them as a responsible adult. Above report concluded that there are
many methods to identify areas in personality that require improvement and then, one can make
plan, with those missing traits as objectives of personality development plan. This planning
process helps in personality empowerment which not only increases employability prospects but
also helps in development of holistic personality of an individual.
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References
Books and journals
Ahmed, F., 2018. Leadership and management influences on personal and professional
development and group dynamics: a student’s experience. Nursing children and young
people. 30(2).
Althauser, K., 2015. Job-embedded professional development: Its impact on teacher self-efficacy
and student performance. Teacher Development. 19(2). pp.210-225.
Bond, M.A. and Blevins, S.J., 2020. Using Faculty Professional Development to Foster
Organizational Change: a Social Learning Framework. TechTrends. 64(2). pp.229-237.
Brooks, M., 2019. Planning theory for practitioners. Routledge.
Bukor, E., 2015. Exploring teacher identity from a holistic perspective: Reconstructing and
reconnecting personal and professional selves. Teachers and teaching. 21(3). pp.305-
327.
Körkkö, M., Kyrö-Ämmälä, O. and Turunen, T., 2016. Professional development through
reflection in teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education. 55. pp.198-206.
Lee, O. and Choi, E., 2015. The influence of professional development on teachers’
implementation of the teaching personal and social responsibility model. Journal of
Teaching in Physical Education. 34(4). pp.603-625.
Mitchell, S.A. and Black, M.J., 2016. Freud and beyond: A history of modern psychoanalytic
thought. Hachette UK.
Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers' personal
histories shape their professional development. Routledge.
Prestridge, S., 2017. Conceptualising self-generating online teacher professional development.
Technology, Pedagogy and Education. 26(1). pp.85-104.
Todd, F. ed., 2020. Planning continuing professional development. Routledge.
Webb, T., Diamond-Wells, T. and Jeffs, D., 2017. Career mapping for professional development
and succession planning. Journal for nurses in professional development. 33(1). pp.25-
32.
Zanchetta, M.S. and et.al., 2017. Mentors' and mentees' intellectual-partnership through the lens
of the Transformative Learning Theory. Nurse education in practice. 25. pp.111-120.
Zehetmeier, S. and et.al., 2015. Researching the impact of teacher professional development
programmes based on action research, constructivism, and systems theory. Educational
action research. 23(2). pp.162-177.
Online
The VARK Modalities.2020. [Online]. Available through:<https://vark-learn.com/introduction-
to-vark/the-vark-modalities/>
The VARK Questionnaire.2020. [Online]. Available through:<https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-
questionnaire/>
Personal and Professional Developmen.2020. [Online]. Available through:<https://www.sales-
mind.com/blog/personal-professional-development-essential-developing-self-
confidence-success-life>
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Appendix
Results VARK Questionnaire
VARK stands for Visual, Aural, Read/Write, and kinaesthetic. These are sensory
modalities that are used for learning information (The VARK Modalities, 2020). VARK
questionnaire determines the preference of a student/teacher to learn but in most of the situations,
all persons use multi-modes. Such, results are multimodal. For example,
Visual Score Aural Score Read/Write Kinaesthetic
11 14 13 13
Lets learn about all modals of VARK questionnaire:
Visual (V) – People with visual preference prefer graphic presentation of information in
maps, diagrams, charts, graphs, etc. over explanation in plain words. It includes usage of designs,
patters, shapes, etc. rather than photographs, videos, etc. to help words in giving out information.
Aural/Auditory (A) – This mode describes the preference of people who prefer
information that they have have heard or spoken. It includes sources such as lectures, group
discussions, radio, talking through things, etc. Such kind of people also prefer talking to one's
own self to retain information better.
Read/Write (R) - Many people have strong preference for this mode. In it, preferred
form of information is reading out the displayed words. Well read professionals are also much
sought after by employers. This preference reading and writing in all text based input and output
manner such as manuals, reports, books, articles, etc.
Kinaesthetic – This modality is based on the perceptual preference. It includes usage of
practical experiences (simulated or real). This modality invoke other modes indirectly as well.
Such people connect to those experiences with their personal experiences to check reality.
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Illustration 2: The VARK Questionnaire,
2020

There are very few people who have single learning preference in all kinds of situations.
Mostly people are of multimodal. There are two types of multimodal people:
VARK Type One – Such people have flexible preferences and switch from one mode to
another depending on the context. So, they can be said context specific. For example, if they
have to deal with legalities, they prefer read/write.
VARK Type Two – Some people like to include all types of input before reaching some
conclusion. They take longer to assess any information and may come as procrastinators. But
they are often more knowledgeable out of all for they have a deeper and broader understanding
of topics.
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