Exploring the Nexus between Personal and Professional Development

The provided content focuses on personal and professional development, discussing various theories, models, and approaches to understanding the importance of lifelong learning. The articles and books reviewed explore themes such as employee motivation for personal development, emotional well-being in nurseries, and leadership in healthcare management. Additionally, the content touches on concepts like emotional intelligence, teachers' narrative inquiry, and making a difference in teacher education. Furthermore, the online sources and illustrations provided offer insights into learning styles and personal growth through professional development.

Personal and Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning...............................................................................1
1.2 Different ways through which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts
could be encouraged...............................................................................................................4
1.3 Benefits to self managed learning....................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Evaluating own skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational
objectives................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities to meet them............................9
2.3 Identifying development opportunities to meet current and future needs......................10
2.4 Personal and professional development plan.................................................................11
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement development plan................................13
3.2 Documenting development activities.............................................................................13
3.3 Examining own learning against the original objectives................................................13
3.4 Updated PDP..................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Kolb's learning style..................................................................................................2
Illustration 2: Honey and Mumford learning style..........................................................................3

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development can be stated as the formal way through which an
individual is required to set out the goals, strategies and outcomes of learning and development.
However, developing a personal and professional plan helps in defining the time frames,
activities and desired results in order to meet the standardized goals (Carpenter and Stimpson,
2007). Further, the PDP plan will vary from individual to individual. For instance, it is essential
for individual to prepare plans in order to undertake decisions and attain desired objectives. On
the other hand, professional development encompasses varied type of learning opportunities such
as coaching, consultation and mentoring etc. Further, personal development involves different
activities such as training, simulation games etc., so that it helps in improving self awareness and
develops talents to achieve results (Van Driel, Beijaard and Verloop, 2001).
Moreover, the main purpose of the study is to assess the personal and professional
development with the aim to enhance the individual proficiency. I also aim to undertake different
skills and capabilities such as leadership, communication and time management skills so that it
helps me to enhance my performance as carrying out the role of HR manager within MNC. In the
current study, it focuses on identifying different approaches to self managed learning. Further,
different ways of life long learning has been proposed in order to encourage personal and
professional development (Horn, 2010). Later, skills audit has been carried out in order to
develop personal and professional skills. Moreover, it also assists in overcoming the weaknesses
so that set objectives can be achieved.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning can be assessed as the best way of learning so that individual is
able to learn different things with the help of varied means. However, it mainly aims on
modifying the requirements of individual through highlighting its strengths and overcoming the
weaknesses so that desired outputs can be attained (Kosnik and et. al., 2000). Here, individual is
required to undertake different types of learning programs that helps them in building their skills
and knowledge. However, as per the current era of globalization there is tough competition
prevailing within the industries and thus it is crucial for individual to enhance their skills and
potential as per the requirement of companies in order to become successful managers.
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Individual is required to develop new ideas and thoughts in order to work efficiently within
particular sector. Furthermore, individual needs to develop long term learning as compared to
short term learning as it helps them to enhance their personal and professional growth up to a
great extent. However, there are different learning styles that have been identified with the aim to
achieve personal development such as Honey and Mumford (1992) and Kolb's learning style
(1984). These are as follows-
Kolb's learning style
 Diverging- Such individual experiences and think deeply in order to gain information
and overcome the identified problems (Leask and Meadows, 2003).
 Converging- Further, the person with convergent learning style assists in finding
solutions to issues and also experiment the new ideas in order to achieve best results.
 Accommodating- Here, the individual relies on the intuition that what can happen rather
than logic. Hence, such people prefer to undertake practical approach that helps in
overcoming the issues.
 Assimilating- Here, in such type of learning style individual requires clear explanation
rather than practical exposure so that results can be attained (Moon, 2011).
Illustration 1: Kolb's learning style
(Source: Throop and Castellucci, 2012)
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Furthermore, another theory that can be applied is as follows-
Honey and Mumford learning style
 Activist- Such individuals are practical learners' means that learn things by doing it. They
are open minded and learn new experiences in order to overcome the difficult situations.
 Theorist- Here, the individual understands the actions therefore, they undertake models,
concepts and facts in order to achieve best results (Tomlinson, 2005).
 Pragmatist- Such type of learner is required to analyze the learning practices within real
world. They also apply their ideas and experience into action so that best results can be
obtained.
 Reflector- In this the learner learns the things by observing and thinking regarding the
previous experiences so that best conclusion can be drawn (Webster-Wright, 2009).
Illustration 2: Honey and Mumford learning style
(Source: Cross and Papadopoulos, 2001)
Determining the requirement of current business and evaluating the different issues are
one of the best method to obtain self awareness learning. However, it is crucial for me to
undertake pragmatist learning style as it assists in assessing the experiences and implementing it
within real world. Thus, individuals are required to build their ideas and thoughts so that best
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outcomes can be attained (Day and et.al., 2006). Also, it helps firm to achieve desired results.
Following are the different approach to self managed learning. These are as follows-
 Attending seminars and conferences- It is another approach which is adopted by
individual to develop self managed learning. Here, leaders are required to attend varied
seminars and conferences so that they improve their personal and professional skills.
Hence, it assists in raising their confidence level and achieves goals (Elfer and Dearnley,
2007).
 Social networks- It helps individual to obtain different ideas and thoughts so that they
can develop the best interpersonal communication within each other. It involves different
social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ etc. Thus, ti helps learners to
undertake new skills and capabilities so that they can effectively carry out their work
within MNC (Gumus and et. al., 2005).
 Using internet- Internet is the best method through which individual can develop their
self managed learning. For instance, learners are required to surf different websites on
internet and read different articles posted by different authors so that it helps them to
enhance their skills and knowledge. Thus, it helps individual to develop their personal
and professional development (Eisele and et. al., 2013).
1.2 Different ways through which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could
be encouraged
Lifelong learning can be stated as voluntary and ongoing learning process that
encourages individual to develop their knowledge for either personal or professional context.
Further, it also provides learners a chance to build their skills and knowledge so that best results
can be achieved (Marques, 2012). For instance, I can develop my lifelong learning through
reading different books and articles written by varied authors on internet on HRM so that it helps
me to build my managerial and leadership skills. However, through improving such type of skills
it assists me to direct my efforts in regard to enhance my knowledge and attain best results while
working within MNC. Further, such concept also assists workers to develop their motivational
level so that they can work hard in order to attain the best goals. Also, in order to develop
lifelong learning it is essential for individual to improve its own current skills that helps them to
attend different training sessions, lectures, motivational speakers and workshops.
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However, lifelong learning is a regular process that helps firm to develop individual skills
and thus carry out best job with the aim to achieve desired objectives. Hence, through regular
working it helps learners to enhance own current skills and proficiency (Romaniuk and Snart,
2006). Here, I will be able to develop my lifelong learning in context to personal and
professional growth. There are varied ways through which lifelong learning can be developed in
PPD which are as follows-
 Self-encouragement- It is essential for learner to encourage themselves in order to attain
lifelong learning. However, it is crucial for individual to become self motivated so that it
helps them to enhance their skills and capabilities. For instance, if learners are not interest
in enhancing their skills then there is possibility that they will not perform well (Gomez-
Mejia, Balkin and Cardy, 2004).
 Enhancing communication- Furthermore, it is also crucial for learner to develop
communication and interrelationship within each other so that they can communicate
effectively with workers within MNC. Therefore, communication helps people to build
interrelationship and attain desired goals.
 Continuous learning- Regular learning assists learners to develop their skills and
knowledge and attain personal and professional growth. However, through attending
different training, coaching and mentoring helps people to enhance their own experience
so that skills and knowledge can be build. Further, it helps individual to develop team
working so that goals can be attained (Johnson and Golombek, 2002).
1.3 Benefits to self managed learning
Self managed learning can help learners to undertake initiative so that individual can
determine their own development requirements and thus achieve objectives. However, it is
essential for person to undertake self directed learning so that it helps them to provide benefit to
them as well as firm (Matthews, 2014). Further, self managed learning assists in developing own
requirements so that individual can improve own skills and capabilities to achieve goals.
Moreover, it is significant for me to analyze my own strengths and weaknesses so that it helps
me to direct my efforts in terms of meeting the stated goals and overcome the problems
effectively. Hence, it helps me to effectively carry out my job within MNC. Further, it is
essential for me to carry out skills audit as it helps me to develop my learning so that strengths
and weaknesses can be identified in order to achieve outcomes. However, with the help of skills
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audit it helps in strengthening the capabilities and overcoming the weaknesses so that I can build
my ability to attain results. Also, I have observed that I lack in leadership skill after assessing the
skill audit. Hence, in order to improve my leadership skills it is essential for me to undertake
certain actions.
Following are the benefits to attain self directed learning which are as follows-
 It can be assessed that it is essential for me to undertake conferences and meetings so that
I can enhance my skills and perform effectively within team. However, it can be stated
that it helps me to develop the performance of team and achieve success within firm.
 Also, self directed learning helps me to enhance my own communication skills so that I
can develop my confidence level and effectively communicate with each other. For
instance, at the time of presentation it helps me to express my views to others so that it
can benefit both individual and business.
 However, surfing on internet is the best method through which individual can enhance
their skills and knowledge. Also, it helps in collecting different information so that results
can be attained. Further, it is essential for individual to regular practice of delivering the
presentation so that communication and confidence skills can be enhanced. Hence, such
self managed learning is significant for both individuals and business.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating own skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational
objectives
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name- John D'souza
Contact- 0002278964
Career aim- My aim is to gain skills and knowledge in order to attain high success within firm.
Further, I aspire to work in such a business environment where I have given the opportunity to
show my talent and skills so that capabilities can be enhanced. Moreover, my main motive is to
work with an MNC as HR manager so that I can face challenges and acquire in depth knowledge
regarding the same field.
Academic Qualifications
DEGREE NAME OF UNIVERSITY PASSED YEAR
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High School St. Louis Academy 2008
Bachelors in HRM City University London 2011
Masters in HRM City University London 2014
Accomplishments
1. Active participation in Quiz competition, role play and simulation games at both school
and college level.
2. Participated as guest speakers for different research papers while carrying out masters in
HRM.
3. Attained second position in inter-college chess championship.
Strengths
1. Effective communication skills
2. Ability to develop new ways of learning
3. In-depth knowledge of IT
4. Team working
Furthermore, it is essential for me to attain success through evaluating my own skills and
also match them with the professional standards. However, the identified gap between the two
helps me to provide an insight into the particular areas which requires enhancement. Hence, I am
looking forward to work as an HR manager within MNC. Following are the skills which is
essential for me to acquire knowledge in the field of HR are as follows-
 Communication skills- It is an essential for an individual who is carrying out his career
in HR field. However, HR professionals are required to possess effective communication
power in order to interact with management and workers so that information can be
collected from them. Further, it is also an effectual method at the time of delivering
presentation (The importance of lifelong learning for people of all age. 2007).
 Problem solving skills- It is another effective method that helps HR manager to
overcome the conflicts faced within each other. Hence, it helps person to identify the best
solutions so that they can carry out their roles and responsibilities effectively in order to
solve the problems.
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 Leadership skills- Such skill is required to inspire and encourage others in order to carry
out the operations of firm in market. Also, leadership skills is required to consider so that
best results can be attained (Tomlinson, 2005).
Furthermore, following are the skills that I need to consider while working as an HR
manager within MNC. These are as follows-
 Team working skills- It is essential for me to possess team working skills so that I can
effectively participate in the group and carry out the tasks. Also, I have been carrying out
active participation in the group so that best results can be attained.
 Technological skills- Moreover, it is significant for me to develop my technical
knowledge so that I can develop new concepts and ideas in order to use new
technologies. Moreover, I tend to develop my attention to work on new software so that
skills can be improved.
 Listening skills- Further, I need to develop my listening skills also so that I can patiently
listen to individual's problem.
Skill Audit Ratings
PROFESSION
AL SKILLS
CURRENT
LEVEL
5= strong
1= weak
BEST CURRENT
EXAMPLE
WAYS TO
IMPROVE
Communication
skills 3
In order to develop
communication skill it is
essential for me to interact with
management and workers so
that information can be
conveyed to them.
Through developing
interaction and
delivering
presentation.
Leadership
skills 2
In order to inspire and
encourage people to work with
high efficiency.
Attending training and
motivational speakers
Problem solving
skills
4 To evaluate the different issues
of workers and take decision
Solving quiz and
puzzles
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on my own
Listening skills 1
To develop listening skills so
that issues of workers can be
listened carefully in order to
overcome the problems.
Concentration need to
be developed through
meditation so that
patience level can be
improved
Technological
skills 5
To develop efficiency with the
aim to effectively work with
technology
To get familiar with
innovative
technologies
Team working
skills 4
To develop team working so
that building collaboration with
each other and carrying out the
goals.
Taking active
participation in group
activities.
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities to meet them
However, being graduated with the City University of London it is essential for me
to hold certain specific skills so that I can become professional. Therefore, it is essential for
me to develop myself on certain key areas so that I can effectively work within MNC. For
this I need to carry out SWOT analysis which is as follows-
STRENGTHS
 Developing professional skills in order to
carry out the HR activities.
 Possess effective problem solving skills so
that issues can be overcome of employees.
 Effectively communicating with each other
so that understand the needs of people.
 Developing team activities so that
participation can be enhanced.
 Well acquainted with innovative
technologies so that operations can be
WEAKNESSES
 Lacking in leadership ability so that I am
not able to plan my actions for future.
 Further, lacks in listening skills so that need
to develop patience so that views of others
can be effectively listened.
 Ineffective in managing time so that work
can be accomplished timely.
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carried out.
OPPORTUNITIES
1. However, HR is the best field with varied
opportunities so that it helps individual to
provide vast experience in order to
enhance the capabilities.
2. Also, using internet sources helps in
improving individual knowledge through
reading different HR authors.
THREATS
1. The individual who possess much high
knowledge and experience of working as a
HR executive will be given first preference
over me.
2. However, recession may affect the chance
of gaining good job opportunities.
2.3 Identifying development opportunities to meet current and future needs
Current needs
Furthermore, I came across my current skills that are good in order to attain the success
in future but I need to acquaint more skills with the aim to survive in this competitive world. For
instance, with the purpose to acquire the position of HR manager it is essential for me to become
efficient to hold the particular position. Also, I possess effective interpersonal and team building
skills but I lack in leadership skills. It is essential for me to acquire and mark my level so that I
can identify my strengths and opportunities to attain it. While, it is crucial for me to establish
effective principles related to HR so that best corporate environment can be created to attain
success. Further, I need to develop my focus towards dedication and commitment so that team
goals can be attained. At the end, identification of current requirements will assist me to
determine and enhance my core competencies such as presentation, communication and conflict
solving with the aim to attain success.
Future needs
It is crucial for me to improve my abilities for future and also sustain my level of
progress. However, it helps me to face different challenges that are lying within the path of
success. Moreover, I need to project my future requirements so that it helps me to assess my
current needs and thus work on them so that best competent position can be build.
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2.4 Personal and professional development plan
S.
NO
Learning
Objective/
Goal
Curren
t
proficie
ncy
Target proficiency Development
opportunities
Criteria for
judging
success
Time
scale
Evidence
1 Communication
skills
3 It is essential for me
to enhance my
interpersonal skills so
that I can interact
with each other
effectively
Need to overcome
hesitation and
develop
interaction with
co-workers
Gaining
feedback and
reviews
4 weeks Requires to develop
communication so that develop
fluency in speaking. Further, it
is essential for me to read
different articles and books so
that I can improve my
vocabulary
2 Leadership
skills
2 Have full potential to
work in a team but
lacks in leading the
team
Thus, I need to
possess effective
leadership
qualities and also
inspire to work
with different
people
However,
with the help
of peers it
assists me to
assess my
leadership
skills
5
months
Requires adopting
responsibilities and encouraging
others to develop efficiency.
3 Problem solving
skills
4 It is essential for me
to obtain professional
However, it is
essential for me to
Results
obtained
2 month For instance, I have undertaken
few decisions for problems
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skills so that I can
obtain different
knowledge to
overcome individual's
problems
undertake
effectual
decisions so that I
can decision on
my own.
from the
decision so
far taken
raised among workers.
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TASK 3
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement development plan
It can be assessed that only planning will not help in fulfilling the results until the plan is
effectively implemented (Moon, 2011). For instance, it is crucial for me to decide varied
processes and activities by which plan can be successfully implemented. These are the different
activities that need to be considered which are as follows-
 In order to improve my communication skills I need to take initiative to interact with
colleagues and overcome hesitation. However, developing communication is the best way
to build strong relationship among each other.
 Furthermore, with the aim to enhance leadership skills it is essential for me to start
inspiring and encouraging other members so that it helps me to realize my role and
responsibility in order to become an effectual leader.
 Moreover, conflict solving skill need to be improved through making critical decisions
that helps me to improve my decision making power and thus help individual through
solving their corporate issues efficiently (Horn, 2010).
3.2 Documenting development activities
It can be evaluated that the activities assessed need to be followed properly as per the
development plan. However, it is crucial for me to develop conflict solving skills. Therefore, for
this I need to attend brainstorming session and solve quiz and simulation games so that best
information can be gained and obtain effective decision on my own (Van Driel, Beijaard and
Verloop, 2001). However, documentation of the successive activities assists in making the
process easier so that gap can be identified and required actions can be undertaken. Furthermore,
it is essential for me to develop my personal and professional development plan so that desired
goals can be attained effectively and efficiently.
3.3 Examining own learning against the original objectives
However, it is crucial for me to determine differences among the actual and previous
situations. Also, it is significant for me to critically assess my performance and also evaluate the
plan that there is required consistency or not in order to attain goals. For instance, if I am not
able to fulfill the targets then it is essential for me to focus on different aspects in order to fulfill
the goals. Further, the ways through which I can check my learning are as follows-
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 Developing professional and expert advice so that enhancement can be developed within
me.
 Furthermore, monitoring and reviewing the changes through obtaining feedback from my
co-workers, management, peers and subordinates (Carpenter and Stimpson, 2007).
3.4 Updated PDP
It is essential for me to update the personal and professional development plan as it helps
me to build my skills and capabilities with the aim to attain efficiency. My team working skills
have enhanced significantly however, I am still facing issues with leadership skills so that I can
effectively lead the team. Hence, I need to gain confidence and overcome hesitation so that I can
develop confidence in order to attain results. For instance, it is essential for me to attend different
conferences, meetings and workshops. Also, I can deliver presentation so that my
communication and presentation skills can be improved. Moreover, I need to build my conflict
solving skills so that individual problems can be overcome.
Sometimes, I face issues regarding making critical decisions so that I need to make
effective decisions so that I can reach to certain conclusion. Hence, in order to solve the issue I
need to develop my own strength and thus take decision on my own through solving corporate
problems faced among individuals. Also, I need to undertake different brainstorming activities,
quiz, simulation games etc. so that skills can be improved. Moreover, my team working skills
have significantly enhanced and help me to work within team so that best results can be attained.
Furthermore, in order to check my current progress it is essential for me to compare my
performance and measure the degree of progress from the previous experience.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it can be articulated that personal and professional growth is
essential as it helps individual to develop regularly and enhance performance. Also, self
managed learning and lifelong learning need to be enhanced so that personal and professional
approach can be developed. Also, I have assessed that it is significant for me to develop
leadership, team working, communication and problem solving skill so that it helps me to attain
objectives. At the end, I need to update my PDP so that it helps me to improve my skills and
achieve desired goals.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Carpenter, S. and Stimpson, M. T., 2007. Professionalism, scholarly practice, and professional
development in student affairs. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. 44(2).
pp. 502-521.
Cross, M. C. and Papadopoulos, L., 2001. Becoming a therapist: a manual for personal and
professional development. Psychology Press.
Day, C. and et.al., 2006. The personal and professional selves of teachers: stable and unstable
identities. British educational research journal. 32(4). pp. 601-616.
Eisele, L. and et. al., 2013. Employee motivation for personal development plan effectiveness.
European Journal of Training and Development. 37(6). pp.527–543.
Elfer, P. and Dearnley, K., 2007. Nurseries and emotional well‐being: evaluating an emotionally
containing model of professional development. Early Years. 27(3). pp. 267-279.
Gomez-Mejia, L. R., Balkin, D. B. and Cardy, R. L., 2004. Managing human resources. Upper
Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
Gumus, G. and et. al., 2005. Gender differences in professional development of healthcare
managers. Leadership in Health Services. 22(4). pp.329–339.
Horn, C., 2010. Emotional Intelligence: Personal Growth and Achievement Through E. I. Skills
Development. Wheatmark, Inc.
Johnson, K. E. and Golombek, P. R., 2002. Teachers' narrative inquiry as professional
development. Cambridge University Press.
Kosnik, M. C. and et. al., 2000. Making a Difference in Teacher Education Through Self-Study:
Studies of Personal, Professional and Program Renewal. Springer Science & Business
Media.
Leask, M. and Meadows, J., 2003. Teaching and Learning with ICT in the Primary School.
Psychology Press.
Marques, J., 2012. Survival in good, bad, and ugly times: attaining personal and professional
excellence. International Journal of Organizational Analysis. 20(2). pp.221 – 237.
Moon, A. J., 2011. Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: Theory and Practice.
Routledge.
Romaniuk, K. and Snart, F., 2006. Enhancing employability: the role of prior learnin
Throop, K. R. and Castellucci, M., 2012. Reaching Your Potential: Personal and Professional
Development. Cengage Learning.
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Tomlinson, H., 2005. Educational Leadership: Personal Growth for Professional Development.
SAGE.
Van Driel, J. H., Beijaard, D. and Verloop, N., 2001. Professional development and reform in
science education: The role of teachers' practical knowledge. Journal of research in
science teaching. 38(2). pp. 137-158.
Webster-Wright, A., 2009. Reframing professional development through understanding authentic
professional learning. Review of educational research. 79(2). pp. 702-739.
Online
Matthews, R., 2014. What is the difference between personal and professional development?
[Online]. Available through: <http://brayleinolearning.co.uk/blog/2014/october/09/what-
is-the-difference-between-personal-and-professional-development/>. [Accessed on 1st
December 2015].
The importance of lifelong learning for people of all age. 2007. [PDF]. Available through:
<http://www.age-platform.eu/images/stories/EN/AGE_leaflet_lifelong_learning.pdf>.
[Accessed on 1st December 2015].
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