Enhancing Skills and Knowledge through Personal and Professional Development

The provided content emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for both individuals and organizations. It highlights the significance of having a well-structured plan, such as a development plan, to understand the needs and wants of an organization and fulfill them in order to achieve goals and objectives. The content also stresses the need for effective time management strategies, such as avoiding procrastination and scheduling tasks, to manage activities within defined time periods and resources. Furthermore, it discusses the role of self-managed learning and Kolb's learning circle in personal development, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and improvement for career growth.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................
LO1............................................................................................................................................................
1.1 Evaluate the Approaches to self-managed learning....................................................................
1.2 Methods of encouraging the lifelong learning............................................................................
1.3 Assessment of learning to the individual and organization.........................................................
LO2............................................................................................................................................................
2.1 Evaluate the Skills and Competencies.........................................................................................
2.2 Identifying own development needs............................................................................................
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current needs and future defined needs..............................
2.4 Own development needs.............................................................................................................
LO3............................................................................................................................................................
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement the development plan.......................................
3.2 Document development activity as planned..............................................................................
LO4..........................................................................................................................................................
4.1 Learning against the original aims and objective set in the development plan.........................
4.2 Update the development plan based on the feedback and evaluation.......................................
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................................

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional development is all about how an individual can improve
himself in order to perform the specific job or task in an organization. In this report includes
about the learning's on an individual it can be self-managed or by the help of others in the
organization. In the first part this report consist of how self managed learning can be enhanced
and how it can be used for lifelong development, various learning styles, approaches and
assessments are discussed for the development of the individual. In second part report highlights
about the responsibility for own personal and professional development, in which self appraisal
and various development plans are being discussed (Wright, 2009). In the third and last part
report will discuss about the reviewing of the measure taken by the manager and how the
organization will change their strategies in order to sustain in the targeted market.
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LO1
1.1Evaluate the Approaches to self-managed learning
Self managed learning is the method of improving our own skills with or without the help
of others. This method of learning allows me to learn about the thoughts and the insights of our
self (Bennett, 2006). It encourages me to review my learning’s of past performance which assist
me to take charge of my learning's and help me to realize the learning strategies which suit my
personal needs for future career growth. There are different approaches to evaluate the self-
managed learning such as: Always being ready to learn, setting personal learning goals, engaging
in the learning process, and evaluating learning (Siebert and Costley, 2013).
 Always being ready to learn – This is the basic approach of learning, as an individual I
always try to learn new things improve my skills and ability. Learning is the process
which can never be completed according to the age it goes on increasing.
 Setting learning goals – For achieving the overall goals as an individual I have set the
short term goals which assist me to achieve my long term goals effectively and
efficiently (Beausaert and et.al. 2013). Setting the learning goals always help us to
make decisions without much trouble.
 Engaging in the learning process – As a team leader I always have to make my team
engaged in the learning process because if they will learn more they will perform better
and for doing that they have to understand their basic needs and wants, and then
according to that they can perform their task to achieve the target.
 Evaluating Learning – Evaluating learning is a process of looking at the efforts which
we have made to perform the particular task (Throop and Castellucci, 2010). In self-
evaluation things which an individual can understand are what I have learned, am I
able to adapt and implement the knowledge.
Individual can process their learning according to their needs and wants and it can be done
in Kolb’s learning cycle. In which it suggested that every individual first should experience
about work task he/she going to perform, observing the various methods of performing that task
and while performing individual should reflects to the work they have performed and according
to that they can improve their skills and ability, after improving they can develop new innovative
ideas for performing task more effectively and efficiently, testing ideas in practice refers to the
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planning and observing what has been done and in order to try what an individual have learned
(Cottrell, 2010).
Figure 1: Kolb's learning cycle
(Source: Kolb’s learning cycle, 2013)
1.2Methods of encouraging the lifelong learning
There are various methods through which an individual can learn. As a manager I
propose various methods like learning through research, learning from mentoring, coaching,
seminars, internet, social networks, and news groups. Whenever there is new task, especially
during a non-formal learning event manager tend to starts researching the topic. By researching a
subject it assists the learner to come across the various facts about the topic and helps them to
adapt easily (Vloeberghs and Berghman, 2003). Secondly, the basic methods through which a
fresher can understand about the task is by attaining the training, mentoring, and seminars
sections. This provides an individual to improve their knowledge and skills before attempting to
perform that task. According to approaches discussed above an individual can improve his/her
lifelong learning such as learning through research or internet or social networks, or news groups
help an individual to understand the self directed learning (Teare and et.al. 2011). And secondly,
it has been discussed about the training sessions and from mentoring, coaching an individual can
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improve his or her further education or in apprenticeship, or which assist in continues
professional development. This approaches and the lifelong learning gives motivation to an
employee to perform the task in a better way for individual success as well as organizational
success. As a manager I always help my team members to understand the job or the specific task
they are or will in future going to perform, it will help them to indulge in the work which will
create interest for performing the task because without interest an individual cannot perform task
effectively and efficiently (Brine and feather, 2003).
1.3Assessment of learning to the individual and organization
Self managed learning assist us to improve our skills and ability with the help or without.
It helps us to understand the past learning for performing more effective task. As an individual it
assists to set the short term goals in order to attain the overall goals of the organization. Personal
orientation can be done through attaining the training and coaching sessions which will help in
achieving the personal as well as organizational goals. Self evaluation is the process through
which an individual can determine the level of self efficiency. Self appraisal is the method in
which an employee can evaluate his/her own performance (Webster, 2009). Self appraisal
includes skills audit, evaluating self management, leadership and interpersonal skills. An
individual can learn from the feedback of others which elucidate the work which has been
performed is correct or not. In this process every manager or team leader assist their team
members through democratic leadership style which allows them to communicate with the
employees understand their problem and help them, to overcome it. Which is personally
beneficial for the manager and according to the organization it is helping them to achieve the
overall goals of the organization. Every individual can learn from their achievements and
disappointments (Siebert and Costley, 2013). As their achievement will appraise them to work
more effectively and disappointment will help in understanding of improving more skills and
ability to perform the task.
LO2
2.1Evaluate the Skills and Competencies
As a marketing manager I have to make various efforts to improve the skills and
competency level of my team. Self assessment includes the determination of the level of
efficiency of an individual (Defining personal &professional development. 2011.). Self appraisal
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is a process through an employee evaluates his/her performance and discuss with the team leader
or manager. The main advantage of this method is that it assist employee to reflect his/her
performance and reasons behind it. Self appraisal includes objects like skills audit, evaluating
self management and interpersonal skills and leadership styles (Brine and feather, 2003). As a
marketing manager the main purpose of using the SKILLS AUDIT is to understand the section
of improvement, to bring up with better planned and more focused training and development,
better placement recruitment needs, easier placement decisions. Benefits that skills audit
provides me are valid and valuable workplace skills plans, improved skills and knowledge, lower
the training and development cost etc. This essentials reason allows me to understand the needs
and wants of the employees and what measures should be taken to improve the skills of the
employees. EVALUATING SELF MANAGEMENT refers to the process in which an
individual employee can evaluate the personal performance (Bennett, 2006). A successful self-
management function will assist the individuals to perform their work independently within the
working environment. Components of self management are self monitoring, self evaluation and
self reinforcement. Self-monitoring aims at making an individual more aware of his/her own
behavior. This is the process in which an individual can evaluate himself/herself very truly. Self
monitoring can give them the best result of what they have done and what they are capable of
doing it. The main uses of self management is that it increases the motivational level of the
employee, increases the predictability and the consistency, decreases the physiological arousal,
and to improve generalization and maintenance. LEADERSHIP AND INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS, as the marketing manager the leadership skills are the most important part of the job.
As I prefer democratic style of leadership because it allow me to communicate with the team
members and help me to understand their problems. It creates better environment around the
workplace which motivates the employees to perform better (Teare and et.al. 2011). These
leadership skills assist me to provide the direction to the organization and make clear to the
employees that in which direction and which strategies to work with.
2.2Identifying own development needs
Every employee in the organization needs development as the manager there are certain
point where I need to be improved for performing my activities such as the strategies, skills and
the competency level. According to the present scenario to sustain in the market there are various
objectives that need to be achieved by the organization (Throop and Castellucci, 2010). These
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are such factors which needs to be changed according to the time and needs of the organization
such as the marketing strategies which should to changed for the growth in the industry, to
acquire the maximum knowledge about the leadership so that leading them team in such manner
that it is beneficial for the organization, to gain expertise in various departments such marketing
and production and these can be achieved with better skills and competency level, improvement
will provide effectively working and competency will assist in marketing the products and
services, lastly to gain the managerial skills so that relations with team members can be
maintained and can be done in more effective and efficient manner (Switzer and King, 2008).
2.3 development opportunities to meet current needs and future defined needs
As a marketing manager there is need to make constantly review and update on
marketing decisions by accessing correct and relevant information to identify and evaluate
marketing opportunities. For analyzing the market needs and wants there are need of certain
market information and trends such as market research, evaluation of data, assessments of
market, opportunity and threats analysis, customer and consumer trends etc (Whitefield and
Kloot, 2006). These are some current needs and wants which should be satisfied to fulfill the
future defined needs. By making the analysis of the market marketing manager can understand
what to offer in the market and according to that products and services are manufactured. Market
information system aims at collecting data from the targeted market such as competition, direct
markets, and channels, political, legal, economic and technological. Further, I have attended
various seminar and conferences which helped me in sharing my thoughts and perception within
the large audience. Along with this, it also provide me a platform to speak up among the large
public which indeed improves my communication skills. Similar to this, couching and mentoring
helped me in a way that leads to provide deeper insights to me about the factors due to which
conflicts occur at the workplace. By the means of this being a marketing manager I can easily
improve my conflict management skills.
2.4Own development needs
Objectives Success Factors Methods Implementation
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To acquire
knowledge
Marketing strategies
To earn growth in
the industry
Books, online
journals, online
Library
Intensive Practical and
theoretical
Knowledge
To acquire
Knowledge of
customer needs
To Sustain and add
on the past
experience
Online, seminars,
market assessment
Field research, market
analysis
To gain expertise in
skills and
competencies
To efficiently
working
Good mentor,
Workshops
Effective
implementation of
practices
To gain expertise in
managerial skills
To proficiently able
to perform in
industry
Good mentor,
Distance learning,
Virtual classes
Practical knowledge
of various aspects of
Management.
LO3
3.1Processes and activities required to implement the development plan
Every organization to earn profit and to sustain in the market needs to prepare a
development plan in which every individual employee as well as the administrative structure of
the organization is developed (Webster, 2009). There are various activities that need to be
acquired by the manager in order to perform the task effectively and efficiently. To implement
the development plan there are various activity that can be taken in order to attain such activities
such as formal learning and training, observation, mentoring, supervision, informal networks,
team members, other professionals.
 Formal learning and training – formal learning and training refers to the knowledge
provided to the fresher’s in the organization is in a systematic manner (Brine and
feather, 2003). Formal learning can be provided by the managers to the employees
which assist them know about the specific job or task they will be going to perform in
the organization. And training will help them to improve their skills and knowledge
and ability to perform the particular task which will be beneficial to both individual as
well as organization.
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 Observation, mentoring, supervision – When the organizational plan is prepared and is
in process then managers tend to observe that plan which assists them to understand
the pros and cons of the plan and they can overcome it by applying better skills and
strategies. Mentoring is done to observe an individual’s performance (Whitefield and
Kloot, 2006). New joining in the organization will need the mentor to understand the
work and the style of working.
 Team members – Team is formed to perform the particular task in specific period of
time. As the manager whenever I feel that which decisions should be taken what is
fruitful for the organization, then team members assist to make decision in an
appropriate direction.
3.2 Document development activity as planned
According to the plan implemented there were various activities which were needs to be
achieved effectively and efficiently. Main aim of preparing the development plan was to
overcome those functions which are reliable for the failure of the organization (Vloeberghs and
Berghman, 2003). There were various objectives like to acquire the knowledge about marketing
strategies, to knowledge about the customer needs and wants, to gain expertise in skills and
competencies and to gain expertise in managerial skills. These were some objectives that were to
be achieved for the beneficial of the organization. As a marketing manager according to the
needs and wants of the market company has to change their strategies, the main aim regarding
changing the strategies were to earn sustainable growth in the market, and it was possible
through only effective team working and the adaptability of the new strategies by the employees
in order to work effectively and efficiently. Various training and seminar sessions were
organized and through that employees skills and abilities were improved. Secondly, every team
leader should understand the leadership skills in order to maintain the values in the employees.
As I used democratic leadership style it provides me to involve my team members into the
managerial activity which influence them positively to work for the organization and help them
to achieve their personal objectives also. Thirdly, performing the activity and task of the
organization there is requirement of skills and knowledge, for improving the skills and
knowledge various efforts were made and due to that our company achieved the efficiency in
working. Skills of the employees can be improved by having mentor for their working and
providing workshops for improving their skills and abilities (Siebert and Costley, 2013). And
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lastly, the objective was to improve the managerial skills this step was taken to improve in the
decision making and try to bring innovation regarding the working of the organization. The main
aim was to bring proficiency in performing the task in the industry.
LO4
4.1 learning against the original aims and objective set in the development plan
The objectives which were proposed to fulfill the needs and wants of the organization,
but there were some more aspects on which company need to focus are to acquire information
and communication technology because with the strategy of information and communication
technology organization can aim to expand and to improve the efficiency (Wright, 2009).
However, being the marketing manager I have to make better use of information and
communication technology as it improves customer services and consumer demand which is one
of the major corporate aim of the company. It is very critical for the economic success of the
organization. Every organization tries to present the best working environment for the employees
to work. Various types of communication chains used in different organization such as chain,
wheel, star, all-channel network, circle. Communication flow can be of various types, but
without communication work cannot be done effectively. As the marketing manager, there is
need for me to prepare an efficient chain of communication so that employees can easily
communicate and work properly (Cottrell, 2010). Working together for a particular goals and
objectives will lead in achieving them. The main aim of marketing department is to promote
product through social media marketing it will assist in attracting more numbers of customers.
Nowadays as everyone is connected to the social media so it is the best way to promote the
product. Providing facilities like online shopping so that customers don’t have any problem
regarding the products and services.
4.2 Update the development plan based on the feedback and evaluation
Objectives Success Factors Methods Implementation
To acquire
Information &
Communication
Technology
To expand and
improve the efficiency
Merger and
acquisition
Work efficiently
within company
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To prepare Efficient
chain of
communication
To easily work and
communicate with
colleagues
Seminar, workshops,
mentor
To communicate and
provide guidance
More focus on
advancement of social
media marketing
To attract more
customers
Web tutorials, online
books
To fulfill the needs
according to industry
4.3
Being the marketing manager of cited business enterprise it is important to manage the
activities as per the defined time period and resources so as to generate desired results and
outcomes. In this regard there are certain time management strategies that can help in achieving
the same:
 Avoid procrastination: Considering this, it is one of the major problems that marketing
manager could face while making any decisions regarding future contingency. Thus,
avoiding procrastination will help in managing time more effectively.
 Time scheduling: It is another tool with the help of which time can be managed in better
manner. This indicates that, marketing manager to develop a schedule of the work that I
have to carry out. By the means of this, manager can manage the time more effectively.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that the personal and professional
development is a necessity for an individual in order to grow in the career. Self managed
learning's assist the individual to understand about their learning process in order gain success in
future, Kolb’s learning circle has been discussed to show how an individual can learn performing
the task and improve them. Various strategies and efforts are made to improve the skills and
competency level of the employees, which shows how important to have knowledgeable and
skillful employees. Development plan are prepare to understand the needs and wants of the
organization and to fulfill them in order to attain the goals and objectives.
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REFERENCES
Journal and books
Beausaert, S., and et.al. 2013. Effect of using a personal development plan on learning and
development. Journal of workplace learning. 25(3). Pp. 145-158.
Bennett, B., 2006. Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use.
Development and Learning in Organizations. 20(6). pp.13 – 15.
Brine, A., and feather, j., 2003. Building a skills portfolio for the information professional. New
library world. 104(11). Pp. 455-463.
Cottrell, S., 2010. Skills for success: the personal development planning handbook. Palgrave
macmillan.
Eisele, L., and et.al. 2013. Employee motivation for personal development plan effectiveness.
European journal of training and development. 37(6). Pp. 527-543.
Siebert, S., and Costley, C., 2013. Conflicting values in reflection on professional practice.
Higher education, skills and work based learning. 3(3). Pp. 156-167.
Switzer, H., and King, M., 2008. The successful internship: personal, professional, and civic
development. Cengage learning.
Teare, R., and et.al. 2011. The role of action learning in personal, professional and business
development. Worldwide hospitality and tourism themes. 3(1). Pp. 60-65.
Throop, k. R., and Castellucci, m., 2010. Reaching your potential: personal and professional
development. Cengage learning.
Vloeberghs, D., and Berghman, L., 2003. Towards an effectiveness model of development
centers. Journal of managerial psychology. 18(6). Pp. 511-540.
Webster, A., 2009. Reframing Professional Development through understanding authentic
professional learning. Jstor. 79(2). pp. 702-739.
Whitefield, D. and Kloot, L., 2006. Personal and interpersonal skills: The process of prescribing
definitions in an accounting degree. Asian Review of Accounting. 14(2). pp.101 – 121.
Wright, W. A., 2009. Reframing Professional Development through understanding authentic
professional learning. Review of Educational Research. 79(2). pp.702-739.
Online
Defining personal &professional development. 2011. [Online] Available Through: <http://mary-
karpel.blogspot.in/2011/09/defining-personal-professional.html>. [Accessed on 14th April
2014].
Professional and personal development. 2013. [online] Available Through:
<http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/professional-and-personal-development/800>.
[Accessed on 14th April 2014].
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