Personal and Professional Development - Assignment Sample

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1Approaches to self managed learning ...................................................................................1
1.3 Analyse the benefits of self-managed learning to the organisation and individual..............3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Evaluate current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational
objectives.....................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them.............................................5
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.......6
2.4 Prepare a personal and professional development plan based on identified skills................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement the development plan.................................8
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned...............................................9
3.3 Reflect on own learning against aims and objectives of organisation set in development
plan .............................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Update development plan as per feedback and evaluation................................................10
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Select solutions to work based problems............................................................................11
4.2 Communicate in variety of styles and appropriate manner at different levels....................11
4.3 Identify and use different time-management strategies......................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is defined as a formal manner in which a person
sets out strategies, targets, outcomes of training and learning, goals. This will benefits the person
to grow both at professional and personal level due to which a good living standard can be
earned. It is also called as continuous professional development (Cooke, 2012). This assignment
is written in context with London Bromley Central Travelodge which is a UK based hotel,
situated in Bromley Town Centre. This report will cover approaches and learning to self
managed training along with their benefits to organisation and company. Current skills and
competencies for the role of managers along with current and future needs is discussed. Beside
this, processes and activities needed to implement development plan are discussed. Reflection on
own learning against original aims and objectives are discussed. Solutions for work based
problems, different kind of communication styles and effective time management strategies are
discussed in context with organisation.
TASK 1
1.1Approaches to self managed learning
Self-managed learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge by a individual
through various ways for personal or professional development. These learnings helps the
employees of Travelodge hotel in increase their knowledge about external and internal factors
through various ways such as:
Conferences and seminars: The individuals can hear about the emerging issues by Experienced
persons speech through attending conferences and seminars conducted all across. Here people
gets the chance to interact with knowledgeable personalities in order to enhance their abilities.
Travelodge employees can attend the conferences and seminars to increase communication skills
(Floyd, 2012).
Social networks: There are many ways which help an individual to learn new ideas. Social
media is a platform with various popular sources like Facebook, twitter, Instagram these sources
are updated with new ideas and knowledge. The staff of Travelodge can accumulate the basic
information from these networking sites. Maintaining good social networking with others can
help to get the positive and negative reviews about the company.
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Internet: This mentions ample knowledge regarding each and every information. Internet can be
said as a home from where people access important information of required context. This
platform is accessible from every corner of the world, this is very easy for the employees of
Travelodge to use internet services and it is an effective tool in order to provide knowledgeable
information.
The self managed learning helps the manager and staff to gain the knowledge and information
through various sources according to the sources internet is the most suitable and best way to
enhance the knowledge. Because the seminars and conferences are conducted in different areas
and cities that is not possible for the individuals to attend all the conferences. Social networking
sometimes distract the individuals mind by inappropriate information. So the employees and
manager should go with the internet approach for self managed learning (King, 2014).
1.2 ways to encourage life long learnings.
Life long learning define continuous knowledge which determines the growth of the
individual and organizations. Travelodge encourages its staff for life long learnings by SWOT
analysis of the hotel. This analysis helps the company in evaluating the strengths, weakness,
opportunities and threat to assess the changes required to sustain in the competitive world this is
very useful for the company and staff. There are many ways by which life long learning can be
improved such as:
Personal strategy: This strategy helps to set the specific ideas to develop the skills of managers
by reading news paper and books through this the individuals can enhance and improve their
basic skills such as knowledge about new current affairs, competitive rivals, investment policies
and communication skills. this strategy can be used by the managers to increase personal growth
to undertake organizations goals.
Current needs: The current need focuses on the current growth necessity of the manager and
organizations. It includes the targets which are to be completed in the given time. It sets a clear
goal for manager which benefits the Travelodge's to execute the activities (Moon, 2013).
Future needs: It is seen as a perspective to gain something. The future needs are very essential
for every firm and manager, if they find growth opportunities in future then only they further
contribute in the activities. The future needs determines weather to work or not, the managers of
Travelodge provides training skills to the staff to full-fill the future needs of the company and
employees itself.
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1.3 Analyse the benefits of self-managed learning to the organisation and individual
Self manage learning is defined as the manner by which learning process of a person
processes itself. It is a procedure in which objectives and goals are decided by an individual. Its
benefits in context with individual and organisation are mentioned below:
Benefits of Self managed learning for Assistant Manager
 Enhanced skills level: Self managed learning will help the Assistant manager in
Travelodge to improve their skills so that they can perform well even in difficult
circumstances. Knowledge and confidence of Assistant manager will increase by learning
new skills and implementing them into practice. For example, learning new technological
skills will help Assistant manager in sharing information with subordinates and superiors
in more efficient manner (Pallisera and et. al., 2013).
 Improved capability: Due to self learning, Assistant manager in Travelodge can
increase its capabilities to work within and outside organisation. Due to this, confidence
level of person will increase, this will enable the assistant manager to take decisions in a
quick and timely manner. For example, improved capability will bring high career
opportunities for Assistant manager.
Benefits of Self managed Learning for Organization
 Increased motivation: The workforce in Travelodge adopting self managed learning are
capable to work in an efficient and timely manner. For example, due to increased
motivation, company will be able to perform well in difficult situations and it will
became easy for Travelodge to gain competitive advantage over rival companies.
 Skilled employees with better performance: Major advantage to Travelodge because of
self learning is that they will have a highly skilled workforce which will be responsible
and dedicated towards the organisational goals. For instance, due to enhanced skills of
workforce company will be able to earn high revenues, market shares and profitability
without facing any setbacks (Roeser and et. al., 2012).
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TASK 2
2.1 Evaluate current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational
objectives
Professional standards are referred to those set of principles which are ethical and legal
practice codes against organisational circumstances. These codes of practice benefits an
individual to perform responsibilities and roles in a proper manner. Every business organisation
has set up a standard so that activities can be performed in a proper manner. To achieve desired
outcomes and objectives, Travelodge has also set some professional standards like behaving
politely and nicely with guests, wearing a proper dress, resolving queries of customers in less
time etc.
Organisational objectives associated with Travelodge Hotel are:
 Minimise complaints and issues of guests from 100 to 40
 To offer high quality food and standardised accommodation
As assistant manager in Travelodge, I need to have effective skills and competencies so
that workers working under me can be motivated and guided in a proper manner. In this context,
my skills and competences are defined below:
Skills and Competencies Score Score from others Difference
Effective communication skills 9 9 0
Leadership and negotiation skills 7 8 1
Problem solving Skills 9 10 2
Confidence and trust 9 7 -2
Time management skills 8 5 -2
With the help of above mentioned skills and competencies, my weaknesses and strengths
can be easily identified in a proper manner: Strengths: As per my personal skill audit, my strengths are effective communication and
problem solving skills. Beside this my leadership and negotiation skills are also my
strengths that will benefits me in contributing towards the success of company (Van Driel
and Berry, 2012).
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 Weaknesses: According to the personal skill audit, I lacks in confidence and trust
worthiness. Beside this, my time management skills are weak due to which I can face
barriers while performing business operations at Travelodge.
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them
I have to develop myself to meet the need and activities in an organisation. This can be
developed by analysing my weaknesses from personal skill audit. For surviving in organisation I
should learn more skill against organisational standards set for objectives.
Requirements Personal
Audit
Rating
(Scale 0-10)
GAP/ Development
needs
Remedial Actions/
Activities to meet
needs
Deadline
for
remedial
actions
Confidence
and trust
7 During my learning
sessions, I do not give
my entire focus on
lectures that can improve
my skills to perform
work in a considerable
manner. This is the
reason I faces issues
related with trust
worthiness and
confidence in myself.
I am required to
communicate with
different people so that I
can interact with them
and overcome the fear
related with confidence.
By self analysing I can
incorporate trust and
confidence is myself so
that other people can
also have faith and
confidence in me.
2 Months
Time
management
5 While performing
business activities, I do
not prepare a proper
time schedule due to
which I faces issues like
mismanagement of work
I am required to prepare
a proper time schedule
according to the priority
of work. By this,
activities within priority
will be performed early
1 Months
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and completion of work
after allotted deadlines.
Due to this, my company
has to face grievances of
clients.
and all work will be
accomplished in a
timely manner.
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
In order to attain a strong position in competitive marketplace, I am required to
incorporate effective skills so that future and current needs of company can be fulfilled in a
desired manner. With the help of skills and competences, Travelodge can grab many
opportunities so that high advantage against rivals can be achieved. Development opportunities
will offer high sustainability to Travelodge in marketplace. Current and future needs related to
myself are mentioned below: Current Needs- These are the skill requirements demanded by company during current
period. My current needs are effective presentation and interaction skills so that company
can enjoy huge customer base (Visser, Evering and Barrett, 2014).
 Future Needs- When skills are required for future time period, it is called as future
needs. These needs will enable Travelodge in gaining advantage over competitors in
future time frame. I am required to improve my overall skills as an employee according
to the changing needs and requirements. .
Different developmental opportunities to attain current and future needs can attained with
the improvement of weaknesses. Advantages that will be enjoyed by Travelodge by overcoming
weaknesses are mentioned below: Confidence and trust- By Improving and attaining this skill, Company will be able to
trust their business partners and other parties in a better way. Due to this, working
together will assists in achieving better outcomes and Travelodge will attain a strong
position in marketplace.
 Time Management- This skill will assists in performing business operations and
activities in a timely manner due to which overall productivity and efficiency of
Travelodge will enhance. It will benefits the company in completing different projects in
a particular time due to which high profit margins can be attained.
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2.4 Prepare a personal and professional development plan based on identified skills
Personal and professional development plan is necessary to identify skills and their
strengths and weaknesses. With the help of this plan know about every one to their strength and
weakness and it helps to over come from weak points in effective manner.
S.
No.
Learning
target
Present
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria for
Judging
Attainment
Time
Scale
1 Communic
ation skill
9 10 Improve interacting
skills, building of
confidence, proper
coordination while
performing work due
to proper
communication
Supervisor 30 days
2 Time
manageme
nt skill
8 10 Present in every
important meeting
and seminar,
completion of
priority task in
timely manner
Leader,
manager
30 days
3 Problem
solving skill
8 10 Problem resolving
skills, reliability
towrds facts,
improvement in time
managing
procedures.
Mentor and
managers
50 days
4 Leadership
and
negotiation
skill
9 10 Resolving conflicts
and grievences of
workforce,
motivating
Managers 60 days
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employees,
delegating roles and
responsibilites,
negotiating properly
TASK 3
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement the development plan
There are different processes and activities that can be adopted by Travelodge to
implement development plan in a desired manner. Improper implementation will results in
business failure. There are some activities that will helps in implementing development plan in a
proper manner, these activities are defined below: Defining of goals – At first defining the goal for personal and professional development
is important so that plan can be formulated in desired manner. It will help in achieving
goals as per future prospects. Understand your strengths – It is essential to acknowledge need on personal level along
with improving weaknesses so that organisational demand can be satisfied in a proper
manner (Zepeda, 2013). Arrange training – To improve weak areas, training is needed. It must be given to those
workers which lacks some skills as per organisational demand. Set a deadline – The development plan is implemented to carry-out improvement in a
particular time. Those skills which are needed to improve must be mentioned and set as
per time periods like 30 days, 35 days, 50 days etc.
 Clearly define objectives of plan – For implementation of development plan, a clear
objective is needed that will assists in performing professional and personal activities in a
proper manner. These objectives are related with time period such as mid term, long term
and short term.
From above shown table, it is identified that different activities can help a person in
attaining organisational goals in either mid term, short term and long term. These terms are
associated with particular time span and benefits organisations in attainment of their desired
results (Olsen, 2015).
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3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned
Skills Date Activity undertaken Activity learnt
Communication skill 1st May to
27 May 19
There are several activities
which can be undertaken for
developing communication
skills such as Presentation,
group discussion, debate and
many more.
By implementing these
activity individual can
enhance their
communication skills
within 27 days.
Time management
skill
28th May
to 5th
June 19
Time management skills will
be developed by assigning task
to their co-workers and see
that he/she is able to complete
that on time. Then it shows
that time management skill
will get enhance.
By assigning task to co-
workers and get then it by
them within required
duration enhance time
management skills within 9
days.
Problem solving skill 6th June to
20th June
19
By handling different
situations within organisation
as well as resolving conflict of
employees problem solving
skill will get enhance.
With the assistance of
different situations and
conflict solving problem.
Skill related to problem
solving will get enhance
within 15 days.
Leadership and
negotiation skill
21st June
to 26th
June 19
Leadership and negotiation
skill will get enhance through
managing team because while
handling team there is
requirement of leadership as
well as negotiation skills.
By handling team and its
overall working leadership
and negotiation skills will
get enhance within 6 days.
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3.3 Reflect on own learning against aims and objectives of organisation set in development plan
According to the above personal and professional development plan, I have to improve
my Time management skill, communication skills, Problem solving skill and ledaership and
negotiation skills. Because due to lacking of these skills I can't manage my functions effectively
which automatically my function towards failure. For improving these skills I have chose
guidance, seminars, meetings etc. so that these skills can be improved for solving problems.
When I finished audit of my skills, I have identified some weaknesses which are also providing
hurdle in my these skills. As the taken form of 360 feedback was right decisions which have
supported me in analysing my decisions as per the problem. For reducing the weaknesses I have
decided to adopt online methods so that opinions of different people can be gathered in a short
time frame. Some objectives are also framed by me so that through taking good decisions I will
easily take growth in my professional career.
3.4 Update development plan as per feedback and evaluation
Development can be defined as an inevitable factor for personal and professional growth.
There are several changes that can occur due to internal and external environment and should be
consider in order to making changes in plans and policies so that challenges can be overcome
effectively. Feedback form is important because it tells the individuals in identifying weaknesses
where the improvements are required. Sample of this plan is given as below:
S. No. Learning Objectives Target Proficiency
1 For making improvements in problem
solving and time management skills.
By making improvements I will engage
myself in complex activity and a time-frame
will be decided by me so as to grabbing good
opportunities.
2 Leadership style should be changed by
me so that effective support can be
provided to teammates.
Knowledge about beliefs, concepts will be
acquired by me which will beneficial for me
in becoming good leader in future.
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TASK 4
4.1 Select solutions to work based problems
There are different problems such as high labour turnover, excessive workload, low
morale and motivation of employees, unrealistic goals, ineffective communication etc. It is
essential for the manager of company to find solutions to these problems so that workforce of
company can perform their work without any interruption.
Early identification of issues: If manager of company can identify those aspects before
time that can acts as an issue in future, these can be resolved properly. Due to this day to day
activity of company will not get impacted and business operations will be performed desirably.
Provide training – To reduce issues like lack of knowledge, low morale and confidence,
regular training to the workforce in Travelodge must be provided. Training will motivate them in
improving their skills so that they can achieve their personal as well as organisational benefits in
a proper manner (Dorociak and et. al., 2017).
Clear their roles and responsibilities – If workforce in Travelodge will be clear about
their roles and responsibilities, it will be easier for them to perform organisational work. By
giving work according to the interest of employees, company can increase their organisational
productivity in a considerable manner.
Reduce work loads – It is essential for the manager of a firm to decrease workload from
a particular person as it is the main reason due to which Travelodge is facing low employee
morale, satisfaction and high turnover. Employees must be given work as per efficiency.
Create effective communication – If employers and employees in Travelodge will have
effective communication then all the problems and grievances of workforce can be resolved in a
proper and timely manner. Due to this brand image of Travelodge within market will also
improve.
4.2 Communicate in variety of styles and appropriate manner at different levels
There are different communication style that can be adopted within an organisation. With
the help of these styles, appropriate communication and interaction within workplace can be
formed. In context with Travelodge, some of these styles are mentioned below:
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 Assertive style: This communication style is related with high self-esteem of an
individual. It is most appropriate style related with communication. In this kind of style,
person is neither to passive nor too aggressive. If employees in Travelodge will be
assertive then there will be less chance of manipulation. It will help the workers in
Travelodge to achieve goals without hurting others.
 Aggressive style: This style is based on winning, even it is at someone else expenses. In
this communication style, a person will treat their needs as most important aspect and
considers that they have more rights and contribution as compared to other peoples. This
will be an ineffective communication style for Travelodge as content of message can get
lost due to the reaction of people about delivered message.
 Passive-agressive: In this kind of communication style, individuals appear passive on
surface but in depth they are feeling very aggressive . People with less power react in this
manner so that they can deal with overwhelm lack of power. People behaving in this
manner feels resentful, powerless and sometimes sabotages themselves. Employees using
this communication style will be sarcastic, unreliable, complaining and sulky which is not
advantageous for the revenues and profits of company.
4.3 Identify and use different time-management strategies
Managing skills and time are the essential components that helps in identifying business
related important facts in a more proper manner. There are different strategies that can be used
by the manager of company to manage time in a proper manner.
In order to identify different time management strategies, matrix given by Covey is
discussed below:
Covey time management matrix:
This model benefits an individual in managing their work in a desired and timely manner.
With the help of this model, manager in Travelodge can organise their work as per their priorities
so that important work can be accomplished earlier. This Matrix is divided into four quadrants
which are discussed below:
 Quadrant 1: It will contains those work, tasks and activities that are very urgent and
have important deadlines. Here those activities will be performed which require high
attention.
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 Quadrant 2: This quadrant will include those activities of Travelodge which are very
essential but do not need any immediate response. This quadrant is basically used for
long term strategizing.
 Quadrant 3: This quadrant will be reserved for those tasks which are urgent but not
important. Manager in Travelodge can eliminate these activities as they do not contribute
to the growth of company.
 Quadrant 4: This quadrant will focus on those responsibilities and tasks which do not
yields any value. These tasks will be time wasting and hence manager of company can
avoid them.
By using this model, all the work which is important will be done in priority. In this way,
company will manage time in a desired manner. In this context, some time management
strategies are mentioned below:
Setting priority or preferences: By identifying priority work or preferences, it will
became easier for Travelodge to attain their targets and objectives in a desired manner. Beside
this, it will allow the employees to give more consideration towards important work due to which
organisational work can be performed within allotted deadlines and this time management will
benefit Travelodge in attaining high revenues and profitability (Gregersen and MacIntyre, 2017).
Scheduling: It is referred to the process in which controlling, arranging and optimization
of workload and work takes place. This strategy can be used by Travelodge to allocate resources,
plan and other processes in a desired manner. Different tasks of company will be schedule based
and time will be estimated to perform a task. This will help the employees in organisation to
manage their time so that work can be accomplished without any delays.
As this systems will help them in keeping up to day and age and in addition accomplish
objectives and target of association in stipulated era. The above notice procedures will help
administrators in assessing compelling time-the executives methodologies.
CONCLUSION
From above mentioned report, it can be concluded that both personal and professional
development is essential for a person to develop its skills and knowledge in a desired manner.
Self managed learning benefits a person in improving their skills so that they can contribute
towards organisational success. Company can adopt mentoring approach to guide and direct its
working staff in a proper manner. People are needed to analyse their own skill audit so that they
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can acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses in a proper manner & overcome them with the
help of personal development plan. There are different communication styles such as through E-
mail, SMS, telephone, document etc. which allows the employers and employee in business firm
to interact with one another. Time management strategies will benefits the company in
accomplishing their tasks in a timely manner so that high profitability and productivity can be
attained.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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learning network (PLN). Library Hi Tech News. 29(3). pp.1-9.
Floyd, A., 2012. ‘Turning Points’ The Personal and Professional Circumstances That Lead
Academics to Become Middle Managers. Educational Management Administration &
Leadership. 40(2., pp.272-284.
King, F., 2014. Evaluating the impact of teacher professional development: an evidence-based
framework. Professional development in education. 40(1). pp.89-111.
Moon, J. A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Pallisera, M. and et. al., 2013. Personal and professional development (or use of self) in social
educator training. An experience based on reflective learning. Social Work Education.
32(5). pp.576-589.
Roeser, R. W. and et. al., 2012. Mindfulness training and teachers' professional development: An
emerging area of research and practice. Child Development Perspectives. 6(2). pp.167-
173.
Van Driel, J. H. and Berry, A., 2012. Teacher professional development focusing on pedagogical
content knowledge. Educational researcher. 41(1). pp.26-28.
Visser, R. D., Evering, L. C. and Barrett, D. E., 2014. # TwitterforTeachers: The implications of
Twitter as a self-directed professional development tool for K–12 teachers. Journal of
Research on Technology in Education. 46(4). pp.396-413.
Zepeda, S. J., 2013. Professional development: What works. Routledge.
Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers' personal
histories shape their professional development. Routledge.
Sangster, C., 2017. Planning and organizing personal and professional development. Routledge.
Dorociak and et. al., 2017. Development of the Professional Self-Care Scale. Journal of
Counseling Psychology. 64(3). p.325.
Gregersen, T. S. and MacIntyre, P. D. eds., 2017. Innovative Practices in Language Teacher
Education: Spanning the Spectrum from Intra-to Inter-personal Professional
Development (Vol. 30). Springer.
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