Importance of Personal and Professional Development

This project highlights the necessity of developing one's skills and abilities on a regular basis to achieve career success. It emphasizes the importance of training and development programs for employees, including managers, to improve business performance. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for individuals to evaluate their own abilities to determine the need for further development.

Personal and Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning.........................................................1
1.2 Ways for lifelong learning in personal and professional context.....................................2
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning for individual and organization...........2
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Activities required for implementation of development plan...........................................3
3.2 Documentation of development activities........................................................................5
3.3 Critical reflection on own learning against set aims and objectives in development plan6
3.4 Update Development Plan as per basis of feedback and evaluation................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development plan in individuals refers to a learning process
which helps in developing knowledge and inter-personal relationship. It includes various
activities which depends on working profession and development of skills in a particular field.
Therefore, using a plethora of self improvement techniques, people can achieve their set goals
which are shaped by perceptions, behavior and culture of them (Caras and Sandu, 2014). In this
regard, an assignment is prepared to understand the process of self-development techniques. It
includes an evaluation on self-managed learning with some benefits for individual and
organizations. Further, activities required for implementation of a personal and professional
development plan (PPD) are depicted. Along with this, an explanation of critical reflection on
own learning against set aims and objectives is also done. At last, on the basis of feedback, PPD
is updated in last part of report.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning
Self-managed learning refers to a technique under which a person becomes attentive
towards enhancement of self competency in a particular field. There are many approaches of this
type of learning process exists like setting goals, visionary and more. In context with personal
and professional development plan, its main principle is generally based on self-assessment
process and self-managed learning (Grima-Farrell, 2015). If a person has specific aspects within
a personality traits then it aids on acquiring the advantages of achieving goals and objectives for
long run. Therefore, some approaches to self-managed learning are explained as below:-
Seminars and conferences: This approach is generally refers to a small group meeting
under a discussion on a certain topic is made. It provides an opportunity to individuals to explore
a particular topic, identify problems and sort them as well. Thus, sharing ideas within a group aid
people to learn something new and gain ideas from others experiences. But instead of many
benefits, seminars and conference requires much time and contribution of people. Therefore,
attaining session for long period sometime lead to reduce in interest level as well.
Social network: Under self-learning process, social media and networking sites play a
vital role. It includes Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and more, where a person can make
interaction with professionals and share ideas. Therefore, it helps in improving and increasing
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knowledge in a certain field appropriately. The main negative aspect of social networking sites is
that - it creates addiction in a person which sometime mislead them.
Internet: It is considered as an important component where a person can access
information related to a particular topic. Internet provide search engine which consists unlimited
content on each and every segment (Diale, Pillay and Fritz, 2014). It gives opportunity to people
to grab idea and enhance own skills by exploring information given by experts. This approach
provides false information which assists individual to explore data only from authenticate
sources.
Visionary approach: The main approach which motivates and encourages people
towards self-managed learning is visionary approach. A person having this kind of approach, can
understand future trends and develop learning process accordingly. Therefore, main advantage of
visionary approach is the identification of future requirement through which feeling of
competency among individuals can be raised. In addition to this, it makes individuals flexible to
conduct activities of tasks in creative and timely manner, which refers to another significant
tactic for self-assessment.
Setting goals: This approach is another valid strategy for self-managed learning. In
setting a goal, a person is predetermined about a particular aspect. It includes development of
action plan for motivating and giving guidance to a person to reach its goals.
1.2 Ways for lifelong learning in personal and professional context
Self-managed learning can be defined as a process by which an individual can find ways
to develop own skills and knowledge (Moon, 2014). It is considered as best technique which not
only provide benefits to individuals but also organizations where they work. It helps people to
gain new knowledge and enhance skills in a specific field. In this regard, they are various ways
which provide benefits for lifelong learning. It includes continuous personal development skills,
self-directed initiatives, print media and more. Since due to current social and economical
changes, there is a rapid transition of knowledge-based society. Therefore, it pressurize the
ageing population to develop their knowledge and skills as per new technology. In this regard,
employees demand for education and training program from companies within a set framework
of lifelong learning. It can be encouraged through opportunities for meaning personal interaction,
collaborative team learning, meaningful personal interaction, provide constructive feedback and
more.
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1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning for individual and organization
Learning is activity which aid individuals to increase their knowledge and experience in
different field. This is a continuous process that help person to grow in career by utilising
opportunities which are present in organisation. Self managed learning proves beneficial for the
firm to have talented workforce that conduct operations effectively (Megginson and Whitaker,
2017). Along this, individual have chance to enhance ability by transforming conceptual
knowledge into reality. Thus, these are advantage that self managed learning have on an
individual and organisation are stated below:
Benefits to individual: Self managed learning is effective approach which benefit person
to become self dependent by gaining and enhancing capabilities. This aid individual to
accomplish personal and professional goals which they have set at certain life phases. These
tactic result into arise feeling of competition among people to get higher position at workplace.
Through this approach, confidence and communication skills of individuals increases by which
they can work in collaboration and cooperation with team members. Besides this, they also learn
to be accountable and responsible of completing tasks and targets within defined time. This help
person to become capable of handling complexities and minimising errors while performing their
tasks. Thus, they are able to make success in both personal and professional areas.
Benefits to organisation: Companies require to have skilled and competent people
through which business objectives are accomplished and market position sustains. It is necessary
that higher personnel and workforce are dedicated and responsible to handle crucial and
important duties (Nicholls, 2014). Firm which have people that have self-managed learning
attitude make them competent to create brand as market leader in respect to competitors. This
increases chance for people to get promoted to higher position and act as role model for others.
This aid authorities to increase coordination between manpower for making them work
effectively and systematically.
TASK 3
3.1 Activities required for implementation of development plan
The personal and professional development is necessary for achieving growth on regular
basis and it requires to apply effective plan as per actual desires. It involves to make appropriate
strategies and techniques to boost up outcomes which is beneficial for personal and professional
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success in career. Moreover, it is essential to conduct activities in correct manner for attaining
desired results of specific task or project (Cox, Bachkirova and Clutterbuck, 2014). The process
or activities required for implementing development plan are given below – Setting of objectives with associated time: This is an initial stage of development where
it is necessary to make proper planning first. Planning refers to primary activity of
company which defines the objectives, strategies and practices to conduct tasks more
effectively top gain desired outcomes properly. This involves various appropriate
concepts and theories for management should be utilised to formulate accurate plan of
action of firm. For this process, near about 4 to 5 weeks are required. Analyse the requirement of skills: For development of plan, a person needs to analyse
what type of skills are required to develop. In general, it includes time-management,
decision-making, problem solving and more. Adopt best learning policies: Time management skill is necessary to mange different
procedures with desired period of time by conducting accurate management of durations
to complete target in deadline. The decision making about different operational aspects is
is required to be done in correct manner because it is responsible for increasing outputs
in proper way. It will provide support to boost up task outcomes and facilitate to achieve
growth in business of an organisation. While decision-making refers to make strategies
and policies in order to sort out created problems in operations or between employees
because it impacts negatively on outcomes of any task. It involves to make healthy
relations among people and generate mutual understanding to facilitate effective
coordination among them which helps to gain better results successfully. Resource allocation: For time-management, a person is needed to take suggestions from
perfectionist and superiors to make appropriate schedule of activities for carrying out
operational activities properly. While for decision-making, a person requires to take
suggestion from superiors, perfectionists and sub- ordinates which provide n umber of
alternatives choices and it is easy as well as effective to determine best options for
making desired judgement. It will provide support to analyse overall views about single
concept and selection of appropriate choice can be done properly for achieving benefits.
Along with this, for conflict resolution, a person requires to establish and implement
strict rules for avoiding conflicts among employees and strategies to organise peaceful
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working environment and backup plan to deal with forthcoming problems to reduce
possibility of loss. Implementation: In order to implement all above techniques, it is necessary for people to
involve themselves in different-different situations. It helps in evaluating how they can
handle such situations successfully.
 Evaluation and feedback: By regularly take feedback of upper level of management and
seniors, a person can evaluate own strengths and weaknesses also. This would aid to
analyze need of skill development.
3.2 Documentation of development activities
It includes activities require to learn new things and enhance knowledge in specific field.
For example: CPD (continuing professional development activities) are considered as most
beneficial activities for enhancing skills and capabilities. In this regard, work based learning
activities are used to gain practical knowledge about organizational system. Similarly, academic
courses, conference and research projects are some appropriate tools for increasing theoretical
knowledge. Therefore, documentation related to planned activities and designed for entire month
are:-
Time management and problem solving skills: Time management and problem solving
skills help an individual in managing time in an effective manner. It also help in accomplishing
targets within stipulated time period. Additionally, analysing problem and issues that are arising
during achieving in goals and objectives which are essential for continuing an effective process
of development. Thus, with proper maintenance with appropriate time and scheduled in
achieving target task.
Training and learning event: This process is one of the best and appropriate which is
helpful in training and various learning event an individual can attain development activities that
are essential for achieving targets. Continuous learning and training process help an individual as
well as employees to bring efficiency in caring out works effectively in an accurate manner.
Thus, the above define are certain activities which are undertaken by managers in
developing a proper development plan. Moreover, it will help in attaining success if this has been
worked out in proper manner in order to meet up organisation goals and objectives.
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3.3 Critical reflection on own learning against set aims and objectives in development plan
Before taking any activity for developing own skills, it is necessary for an individual to
prepare a proper plan first. It will consists specific aims and objectives which are needed to be
accomplish in given period. In this regard, it is necessary to use below mentioned methods:-
 Initial meeting preparation: Develop appropriate content to discuss with team
members and give information to them about tasks, helps in achievement of set
objectives and goals. Therefore, as a manager, I will make proper plan to make a
discussion with my team members for improving performance and increasing
productivity of workers.
 Previous knowledge and experience: Prior knowledge aid individuals to develop
effective plan. I will gather information about personal background and experience of
each worker in order to develop plan for providing learning techniques for enhancing
their skills.
 Maintaining records: By keeping proper record of operations and activities of plan aid
to accomplish the objectives in given period of time. In this regard, I will maintain
records of performance of each worker for further allocation of task. This would help in
getting high performance of them for completion of a new project on time.
 Motivation and Anticipation: For development of career, evaluation of own skills and
capabilities are necessary. As motivation refers to a key factor of encouraging and
boosting morale of workers in completing their assign roles. Therefore, I will analyze
each and every needs of employees and try to complete the same, for motivating them.
3.4 Update Development Plan as per basis of feedback and evaluation
It is being analysed that updation plays a crucial role for every single plan, where changes
can be made with the help of customers and members as well. Here updated development plan is
being mentioned below: Workforce analysis- It includes proper identification of organisation current and
evaluate future supply of skills and labours. It is a primary foundation for every effective
workplaces. It will help company to implement proper policies and procedures. This will
able to reduces work pressure of managers.
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 Forecasting- This process plays an very essential role in business operations. It is also
known as backbone of companies operations. If this process is done in wrong manner
then organisation may have to suffer from huge loss. Analyse necessary gap- It is very essential for managers to examine necessary gaps
between workers and provide effective training to them accordingly. So that company
can take actions when there is any variations. Developing contingent plans- After analysation of gap there is a need to formulate
plans as per organisation requirement. This will protect company resources and decrease
consumers inconvenience. Therefore, it is important for every manager to develop
objectives in best manner. Execute Strategies- After identification and analysation of plan then the execution
process starts. This process is also known as application process. It is very essential for
managers to implement plans and policies effectively. This can help company to achieve
competencies.
 Monitoring and evaluation- In the last stage organisation manager need to evaluate
performance levels of their employees. Main purpose of this process is to track and
measure effectiveness of their plans. It can help them to keep regular check whether their
set programmes are on track and when changes is needed. This can able to generate
competition among them and they work in direction to give their best.
With the help of revised personal and professional development may easily help in
reaching to an all new level (Coventry, Maslin‐Prothero and Smith, 2015). On the basis of the
updated personal and professional development, it is being found that career opportunities are
rapidly raising and this would aid in reaching to new heights in specific time frame. For
example:
It is being analysed that updation plays a crucial role for every single plan, where changes can be
made with the help of customers and members as well. Herem updated development plan is
being mentioned below:
Learning
Needs
Priority Activities to
be
undertaken
Resources
Required
Target
Deadline
Proof of
Achievement
People High Use of Time One month Certificates
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management
skills.
different
management
theories that
can help in
managing the
people
Leadership
and motivation
skills
High Attending
seminars and
words with
experts
Time and
knowledge
level
One to two
month
Certificates
Presentation
skill
Medium Attending
seminars along
with meetings.
Need of time Two month Self
assessment
Time
management
skills
High Learning
sessions along
with looking
at the
activities
which is being
done by
managers and
leaders of the
company.
Both time
along with
finance
One month Institute
affiliated
certificates.
CONCLUSION
It has ascertained from this project that to gain high position in a company, it is necessary
for a person to develop own skills and abilities on regular manner. This would help in making
their career more bright as well as gain high competitive advantage as well. In context with
organisation, to improve performance of business, it is essential for them to increase productivity
of employees first. For this process, employers are required to give training and development
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program to all workers including managers. It will help in developing current skills and abilities
of people as well as make them able to do any difficult task more easily. In addition to this, on
individual basis, a person also requires to evaluate own abilities also so that need of further
development can be determined.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Hildebrand, J., 2018. Bridging the gap: A training module in personal and professional
development. Routledge.
Cox, E., Bachkirova, T. and Clutterbuck, D.A. Eds., 2014. The complete handbook of coaching.
Sage.
Papatraianou, L.H. and Le Cornu, R., 2014. Problematising the role of personal and professional
relationships in early career teacher resilience. Australian Journal of Teacher
Education, 39(1), p.7.
van Aalderen‐Smeets, S. I. and Walma van der Molen, J. H., 2015. Improving primary teachers’
attitudes toward science by attitude‐focused professional development. Journal of
research in science teaching. 52(5). pp.710-734.
Nicholls, G., 2014. Professional development in higher education: New dimensions and
directions. Routledge.
Megginson, D. and Whitaker, V., 2017. Continuing professional development. Kogan Page
Publishers.
Moon, J., 2014. Short courses and workshops: Improving the impact of learning, teaching and
professional development. Routledge.
Diale, B., Pillay, J. and Fritz, E., 2014. Dynamics in the personal and professional development
of life-orientation teachers in South Africa, Gauteng Province. Journal of Social
Sciences. 38(1). pp.83-93.
Grima-Farrell, C., 2015. Mentoring pathways to enhancing the personal and professional
development of pre-service teachers. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching
in Education. 4(4). pp.255-268.
Caras, A. and Sandu, A., 2014. The role of supervision in professional development of social
work specialists. Journal of Social Work Practice. 28(1). pp.75-94.
Coventry, T. H., Maslin‐Prothero, S. E. and Smith, G., 2015. Organizational impact of nurse
supply and workload on nurses continuing professional development opportunities: an
integrative review. Journal of advanced nursing. 71(12). pp.2715-2727.
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