Personal and Professional Development

This assignment delves into the crucial concepts of personal and professional development within various fields, particularly education. It examines the relationship between these two aspects, highlighting their influence on learners, teachers, and overall educational processes. The readings provided analyze diverse perspectives on professional development initiatives, emphasizing reflective practices, international experiences, and the role of online learning networks.

Personal and Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
a) Approaches of self managed learning.....................................................................................1
b) Learning and development methods.......................................................................................2
c) Benefits of self- managed learning to both individual and organization................................2
d) Work based problem and its solution.....................................................................................3
e) Communication at different levels of organization with learning styles................................4
f) Time management strategies...................................................................................................4
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................5
a) Skills to meet organizational goals and objectives.................................................................5
b) Identifying development needs...............................................................................................6
c) Identifying development opportunities ..................................................................................7
d) Devise a personal development plan to achieve your intended goal .....................................7
e) Long and short term objectives plan.......................................................................................8
f) Document your planned activities...........................................................................................9
g) Critical discussion on own learning .....................................................................................10
h) Development plan based on the feedback and evaluation....................................................10
CONCLUSION 100.......................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The personal and professional development is a plan in which an individual works with a
mentor or supervisor to accomplish the goal. In this plan learning and training strategies are used
to set out the objectives and goals of their both personal and professional basis. This plan should
include time frames, specific dated to meet supervisor and activities to accomplish the defined
objectives. This report will helps to understand the in-depth knowledge about personal and
profession development of an individuals (Lutz, 2013). This report contains the knowledge to
understand the importance about self management learning which enhance the lifelong
development of an individuals. Further it covers the implementation of this plan and also
demonstrate the interpersonal and transferable skills.
TASK 1
a) Approaches of self managed learning
Self managed learning approaches plays an important role to evaluate the strengths and
weakness of an individuals. These self managed learning are important to improve the
performance level and skills. There are various type of self manged learning approaches are
available, the few approaches are described below:
 Social network- With the help of this approach, person can get socialize and learn new
skills, develop their personality and improve their communication level. For this purpose
person can use various social network such as Facebook, Twitter etc.
 Conferences and Seminars- Person can gain the knowledge by attending conferences and
seminars, these are the best tools of self managed learning (Elliott,2012).
 Internet- Internet provides vast amount of knowledge, person can gain the information by
surfing the various websites.
Person can implement the learning styles such as VARK learning which can help individual to
improve the knowledge. By using this style individual can gain the knowledge by four methods.
 Visual learning- Person can gain the information by visualizing pictures, sculptures and
shapes.
 Auditory learning- Learners learn by listening lectures, discussions etc.
 Read and write learning- for learning, learners read and write down the information.
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 Kinesthetic learning- these learners learn through by gestures, body movements and
touching things (Atkinson, 2012).
b) Learning and development methods
Learning is a life long search process for gaining the information and knowledge which
helps to develop the performance level and skills. According to my experience I have identified
few learning and development methods which are defined below:
 SWOT- With the help of SWOT analysis tool, I recognized my own strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In this context, I can say that this is a best way to
evaluate the level of knowledge and capabilities.
 Self reflective- This is a process to examine and explore the experiences of own life
which are helpful to improve the future performance. I have learn many lessons and
things from my past experiences which helps me to develop the critical thinking skills
(Pardo and Téllez, 2015).
According to my personal experience I can recommend these two learning and development
methods to people. With the help of these two methods people can learn and develop their
performance level. People can develop and enhance their skills, understandings and
communication level by implementing SWOT and self reflective methods.
For lifelong learning in personal and professional development of people, I can
encourage them by using following methods:
 Continuous learning- Learning is beneficial and successful when people start searching
continuously because learning is a lifelong process which never ends.
 Activities- I can conduct and also participate in motivational and social activities through
which people can feel positive towards the lifelong learning. With the help of these
activities I can encourage them to start learning which will help them to gain the vast
knowledge (Chesney and Benson, 2012).
c) Benefits of self- managed learning to both individual and organization.
In both aspects of individual and organization, the self managed learning is a very helpful
which gives positive impact and benefits. The benefits of self managed learning to both
individual and organization are described below:
 For individuals- On the basis of individual, self managed learning helps them in
effective decision making process, skills to solve problems and also gives the positive
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energy. With the help of these learning, individual also overcome on problems and issues
which were faced in their both personal and professional prospective. In further, it also
helps individual to improve the communication skills (Cooper and Johnson, 2013).
Learning can be done by attending seminars and conferences which will help individual
to work in a team, the team work skills will be developed.
 For organization- The self managed learning plays a important role in any organization.
With the help of self managed learning, employees can improve their communication,
performance and presentations skills. The performance improvement in employees gives
positive impact on the productivity of organization (Hunter, Laursen and Seymour,
2007).
d) Work based problem and its solution
I am working as a human resource manager in Zola. According to my working
experience as a human resource manager, I analyzed few work based problems such as
communication gap, lack of motivation, feeling stressed and no time management. While
according to my observation, the main problem is on the rise is I am feeling demotivated at my
workplace. The lack of motivation problem is also faced by other employees. For the solution of
my problem I use and implement few methods which are as follows:
 Programs- I attend motivational seminars and programs. With the help of motivation
programs, I feel that all my negative thoughts were replaced by positive energetic
thoughts (Lee, 2004).
 Time management training- With the help of this training , I re-arrange all my tasks and
activities and than manage them effectively because completing late tasks add more
problems in lack of motivation in me at my work place.
 Motivational theories- I also implement few motivation theories which encourage me
and motivate me. With the help of these theories I improve my level of performance.
All these methods gives positive impact and benefits on problem which was facing by me
at my workplace (Malm, 2009).
e) Communication at different levels of organization with learning styles
To overcome on the problems which were faced at workplace, I can implement and use
various categories of learning styles such as visuals (pictures, diagrams, images), aural (sound,
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recordings), physical (using physical objects, drawing diagrams, gestures) and verbal (reading
and writing). To communicate and convey the information at different level of organization:
 Strategic level- This the top level of any organization. To communicate at this level of
organization, the information can be convey by conducting meetings and by sending the
e-mails. Meetings are very helpful in providing the all information and the face to face
interaction also solve the solves many problems (Moon, 2013).
 Tactical level- In organization Tactic level is a middle level of organizations. For
conveying the information at tactic level of organization, I will use the presentation
method and e-mail service.
 Operational level- Operational level is a lower level of organization. At this level I can
communicate by displaying the information at notice board of organization and the open
sessions will also helpful in conveying the information.
f) Time management strategies
The time management strategies helps to manage the time in effective way. There are
various type of time management strategies are available such as planning, prioritizing and
scheduling etc (Bolton, 2010). These strategies are discussed in below:
 Planning- This is a procedure in which plans are made to accomplish the tasks. This also
include pre planning process in which tasks should be prepared in advance.
 Prioritizing- In this process, the priorities of tasks are set and in this all tasks are
arranged according to their level of importance. The list of all tasks is created and after
that they are set according to their priorities. If any task is long project than that project
will divide in small segments. These segments will set according to their priorities. This
is a procedure to set the tasks in more important to least important.
 Scheduling- Scheduling is a process in which schedules are made in structured way.
With the help of this technique the time and resources are determined (Ross, Maclachlan
and Cleland, 2009).
 Delegation- This is a technique to complete the task on time. In this the task is assigned
to another person so, that the task can be effectively completed on the given time period.
For time management I implement the scheduling and planning process to mange my time which
gives benefits to me and also solve my workplace problems. According to these techniques I
make a list of all my tasks and also divide the large projects in small parts. After that I prioritize
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them according to their values and importance (Tomlinson, 2004). Through this I am able to
manage my time in more efficient manner.
Task 2
a) Skills to meet organizational goals and objectives
In present time I am working as a human resource manager at Zola, the main aim of firm
is to attract more customers towards the company and also provide best quality of clothes in
affordable prices. The company also understand the needs and requirements of customer and
according customers demand they produce the products. To work in a Zola as an HR manager, I
need following skills which are mentioned below:
 Communication- To work as a HR manager, the level of communication should be good
because they have to communicate at each level such as strategic, tactic and operational
level of organization (Snow-Gerono, 2005).
 Negotiation- In HR manager, the negotiation skills also have to be present because they
perform a important role such as selection and recruitment of manpower. In recruiting a
human resources, they do the negotiation about the salary.
 Leadership- These managers also need the leadership skills because they have to lead the
many people who are working under them. They have to also conduct the training and
motivational programs for employees. These training and development programs helps
employees to improve their skills, knowledge and performance (Kent, 2004).
According to my evaluation I have all these qualities and skills to work as Human
resource manager.
Curriculum Vitae
Betsy Mathew
[e-mail]
07689214587
Profile
I am an Academic student and interested in area of HRM. I am quite dedicated towards work to
achieve goals.
Career Objectives
 Work hard to achieve objective of organization.
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 To make sound position in organization.
Qualification
 MBA in HR from Manchester University 2015
 BBM from University of London.
Skills
 To achieve organizational objectives, I possess leadership skills.
 I can effectively manage my work even in stress.
b) Identifying development needs
On the basis of evaluation of my own assessment, I have identified own skills and
competencies as follows:
Own current skills and competencies Professional standards with respect to the skills
I am good in manpower management. This will be helpful for me to develop my
abilities and skills in getting higher jobs in
hospitality sector.
I am hard working and loyal to my work-based This is effective in meeting the any challenging
task allotted to me by my senior.
I am capable to communicate at various level of
the organization.
This is the way in which I can present myself in-
front of my seniors.
I am weak in managing work on time
(Tomlinson, 2004)
This is need to be worked out as it leads to delay
in work achievement.
I got stressed with the work and thereby time
pressure affect my performance.
This may cause great impact on the objectives
which are attained by me.
c) Identifying development opportunities
In order to develop current and future needs, following table will be followed:
Current needs Future needs Opportunities
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Developing time
management skills
Need to work by using different time
management strategies such as
prioritizing action plans, setting goals
etc.
Availability of resources to
make use of time
management strategies.
Enhancing
Communication
abilities
To work in the field of improving
written and oral communication skills.
For the same, I will join classes and
will participate in learning sessions.
(Olsen, 2015)
Availability of support
which has been given by
my mentor in motivating
for joining classes.
I have given compensatory
off by my boss for joining
classes.
Opportunity to interact
with my team at the
workplace in order to get it
practice regularly.
Improving leadership
capabilities
This will be required to meet in order
to excel at the place of new job
vacancy. This is required to get the
higher position in the hospitality
sector.
Availability of short
module courses for
theoretical learning of the
leadership skills.
Reading various online
articles available for
understanding leadership
types and abilities.
d) Devise a personal development plan to achieve your intended goal
Goal Activities Time span Progress Constraints
To work on
improving
communication
skills (Both
written and oral)
Reading books
and writing
content.
Attending
meetings and
To be achieved
within six months
07/06/16 Selection of
appropriate resources
and its availability
Practice is highly
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conferences to
observe speaking
styles of various
leaders. (Cooke,
2012)
required.
To learn various
abilities to lead
or direct
employees in
the enterprise.
Reading articles
about certain
good leaders at
the organizations.
Solving one case
study on
implementation
of leading
employees at
work.
To be practice
within two
months
02/02/16 Selection of case
study
Understanding of
theoretical
background of
different abilities.
To develop
achievement of
work activities
on time through
the use of
various
strategies
Set targets for
achievement of
every major to
minor tasks.
Setting of time
table both at work
and for personal
working.
To be acquire
completely
withing three
months
(Dougherty and
Florea ,2008)
03/03/16 It may create issue
with the change
aspect at the
workplace.
There may create
problem in relating
various strategies for
one single job
process.
e) Long and short term objectives plan
Activities required to me
achieved through
development plan
Long term objectives Short term objectives
The achievement of time
management skills
Work out sessions and plan
time management
Implementing short term
employment of strategies at
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presentations work.
Learn to place abilities of
defining time management
skills in my own work on daily
basis by fixing deadlines and
targets.
Development of
leadership skills
Search for courses which
can support in
implementing higher
courses on learning
different communication
skills.
Capable of gathering good
examples of leadership skills
and try to implement it through
action plan at workplace.
Increasing the
communication skills
(Matthews, 2015)
Join every seminar, meeting
and conferences at an
international level in order
to achieve the exposure.
Trying to interact with the
people who possess good
communication skills.
Attending various seminars and
try to give my presentation for
developing interaction abilities.
f) Document your planned activities
Development activities being undertaken
Improvement of leadership skills and abilities for building team at work
 Solving case studies on daily basis.
 Attending workshop regularly.
Increasing communication skills
 Continuous reading of books and online articles.
 Giving weekly presentation on business working.
Developing time management skills
 Accomplishing work on time.
 Setting milestones for easy achievement of work planned.
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g) Critical discussion on own learning
The leadership, communication and time management skill are essential for the HR
manager and I was facing issues in these three skills. I work hard to improve my time
management, leadership and communication skills by implementing few techniques which are
described in above context. According to my self assessment and observation, I evaluated that
still I have to improve my leadership qualities which are not improve according to the
expectation level. To improve the leadership qualities I start working on few qualities such as
commitment, positivity, motivation, determination and courage which are required in good
leader to motivate and encourage the employees (Professional and Personal Development,
2013). Through these leadership qualities the other employees start working more efficiently and
effectively in organization. For this purpose I started being inquisitive and self aware and also
keep my mind open. I also attend the training and learning programs which helps me to take right
and effective decision.
h) Development plan based on the feedback and evaluation
Learning
Objectives
Current
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunitie
s
Criteria for
success
judgment
Time Evidence
Communic
ation skill
Fluent
communicati
on
Vocabulary Seminars
Conferences
Books
Oral
communicatio
n test
25 Days Friends
Time
manageme
nt skill
Able to
manage work
with time
Develop skill
related to time
management
Planning
Prioritizing
the tasks
Feedback 2 Weeks Mentors
Leadership
skills
Able to lead
members of
team
Managing
team more
effectively
Giving
training to
others
Performance
feedback
2 Weeks Team
members
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CONCLUSION 100
With the help of this report it can be articulated that self managed leanings are important for both
individual and organization because it helps to improve the performance. To evaluate the
performance of both organization and individual. The SWOT analysis tool is important. This tool
helps to know threats, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses through which the area are
specified which should be improved. Further, there are various time management strategies,
which helps individual to manage their quality time in effective manner.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Atkinson, B. M., 2012. Target Practice Reader Response Theory and Teachers’ Interpretations of
Students’ SAT 10 Scores in Data-Based Professional Development. Journal of Teacher
Education. 63(3). pp.201-213.
Bolton, G., 2010. Reflective practice: Writing and professional development. Sage publications.
Chesney, S. and Benson, J., 2012. ‘Anything other than silence’: using a personal learning
system for continuing professional development. Innovations in Education and Teaching
International. 49(1). pp.73-82.
Cooper, T. and Johnson, C., 2013. June. Tools for Constructivist Online Professional
Development. World Conference on Educational Media and Technology. 2013(1).
pp.1923-1926.
Dougherty, W. T. and Florea, l., 2008. The role of personality in employee developmental
networks. Journal of Managerial Psychology. 23(6). pp.653 – 669.
Elliott, J., 2012. Implications of classroom research for professional development. World
Yearbook of Education 1980: The Professional Development of Teachers. pp.308.
Hunter, A.B., Laursen, S.L. and Seymour, E., 2007. Becoming a scientist: The role of
undergraduate research in students' cognitive, personal, and professional development.
Science education. 91(1). pp.36-74.
Kent, A.M., 2004. Improving teacher quality through professional development. Education.
124(3). p.427.
Lee, N.J., 2004. The impact of international experience on student nurses’ personal and
professional development. International Nursing Review. 51(2). pp.113-122.
Lutz, G. and et.al., 2013. A reflective practice intervention for professional development,
reduced stress and improved patient care—A qualitative developmental evaluation. Patient
education and counseling. 92(3). pp.337-345.
Malm, B., 2009. Towards a new professionalism: enhancing personal and professional
development in teacher education. Journal of education for teaching. 35(1). pp.77-91.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
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