Personal and Professional Development

This document discusses personal and professional development, including reflection, aim and objectives, SWOT analysis, and personal development plan. It explores the importance of skills development and provides strategies for improvement.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
Reflection.....................................................................................................................................3
Aim and objectives......................................................................................................................6
SWOT Analysis...........................................................................................................................6
PDP..............................................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development involves analysis of a series of activities that need
to be performed in order to integrate into a process of development of skills and talents that are
required in personal and professional fields (Wales, 2018). This report will present a reflection
on the overall experience followed by establishment of objectives. Further, a swot analysis will
be conducted and lastly the personal development plan will be presented.
MAIN BODY
Reflection
Reflection is a critical activity that helps an individual or a group of individual in analysing
and evaluating any particular experience that they had from different perspectives (Tanaka,
Okamoto and Koide, 2018). The reflective activity involves the narration of the activities and
actions that were taken cumulative so that an analysis can be made regarding what were the good
aspects and what were the bad aspects in the entire learning. It further demonstrates the learning
that was developed overall and major areas on which the work needs to be done further by an
individual.
According to me the Gibbs reflective model is the perfect model that can be used to
comprehensively analyse any experience or personal account of an individual as it helps in
addressing all the aspects such as the skills that were identified and the ones that were needed to
be developed, the things that went good and the things that went bad, the action plan for the
future etc. There are six stages that are involved in the Gibbs reflective cycle and collectively
each of them can be implemented in order to generate relevant results (Sekarwinahyu and et.al.,
2019). Theses stages flow in a systematic manner where one issues is addressed or identified in
every stage. These can be applied in my reflective statement as well in a following manner:
 Description: Description is the first stage in this model through which I am required to
state facts only in the initial stage. They should not be analysed yet and just presented as
bare facts so that the background scenario can be identified. In the present study of the
personal and professional skill development module, I can evidently say that the major
emphasis was on the learning of the skills that are needed to be developed and the manner
in which these can be inculcated (Rubens and et.al., 2018). I can evidently say that
through this module I was able to learn about the necessary skills and the manner in
which they can be developed. I was also able to learn the manner in which the
3

professional portfolio can be developed for better advancement in the career and the use
of different tools that could help in professional growth was also taught to us. I overtook
all the learning and development related activities with the sole focus of professional skill
development in this module.
 Feelings: This is the second stages of reflection in the Gibbs reflective model where I
have to describe what were the thoughts that were going through my mind throughout the
experience and what did I thought after or before the experience. I can evidently say that
the overall experience during which I learned the portfolio I was excited to learn different
skills that can help me in improving my future prospects of professional advancement
(Pepper, 2020). I can further state that there were a lot of things that I didn’t know earlier
about skill development and collectively I can state that after the experience I recognised
how to develop myself better and I was even able to identify the areas where I lack i.e.
the areas or fields in which I needed to further develop myself. I was also able to learn
that how the overall learning takes place and I can adequately say that the entire
experience that I encountered was much more intense and extensive in nature.
 Evaluation: In the third stage of the Gibbs reflective model, an evaluation is made
regarding the overall reaction and the impact of the experience. I will identify which of
the parts of the entire experience were good and which were not very good and needs to
be worked upon. During the learning of the different skills I identified that my overall
skills related to the team integration, analysis and interpretation of data, leadership etc.
were quite well developed in me I was able to identify that I can work quite well in the
teams and collectively with other member as well because I undertook several activities
and I was able to conclude upon these statements. However, I was also able to identify
that there are multiple number of weaknesses that I possess which I need to develop
further using proper strategies (Paulson and Laverty, 2018). I ascertained that I am not a
problem solver because when the actual situation of problems arose for us while
completing different tasks, I was not able to solve them effectively and additionally my
time management skills were also very poor. Collectively I can say that there were some
significant good aspects that I discovered about myself where I learnt that which skills
have I become proficient in and the skills that I need to further develop thus signifying
my positive and negative experiences.
4

 Analysis: In the analysis stage, it is necessary to identify those situations which can either
be termed as the ones that fostered my experience or the ones that hindered it. I can only
analyse from my experience that the overall skill development is a very complex and time
consuming process requiring many efforts. I thought earlier that the overall skill
development can be done easily by giving it adequate time and just repeatedly working
on the skills that need to be mastered (Nichols, 2016). But such is not the case as I have
learnt through my experience of the skill development where learning is not just enough
and it takes practice and regular tests to evaluate that whether a skill has been developed
or further mastered. I can adequately say that the support of my mentor was a major
aspect that fostered my growth as I was able to grow out of my shell and really work on
myself so that I do not face any problems in my professional career in future. I can also
evidently say that my reserved and introvert nature made me shy away from the public
speaking and communicating with the team members and this was basically the major
drawback that I was facing which was hindering my growth.
 Conclusion: The stage of conclusion helps in ascertaining that what is the key learning
that was developed throughput the experience I can evidently say that the major learning
occurred in the form of evaluating and identifying the skills that I had and the ones that I
needed to develop. It was also in the form of the learning to develop a professional
portfolio and the manner in which the different activities could be organised and
evidenced in a professional portfolio (Liao and Chen, 2018). Therefore I can collectively
say that the overall experience was a very knowledgeable and enlightening one which
helped me in analysing myself in much better light and also helped me in ascertain the
areas in which I need to further develop myself so that my future career prospects
improve drastically.
 Action Plan: Based on the entire experience that I undertook during the development of
personal as well as professional skills, I identified that there are certain areas in which I
need to increase my proficiency. I plan on developing a proper development plan through
which I will develop some of the most critical aspects in the skills that are required to be
necessarily developed. The foremost amongst this is the time management and the
problem solving skills that I need to develop extremely well in order to develop a
successful professional career (Lawrence, Dunn and Weisfeld-Spolter, 2018). Further I
5

will develop certain other skills as well such as ICT skills, communication skills etc.
These will collectively help me in successfully improving and develop myself as a
professional that is adequately skilled and has the relevant resources and talents that are
required to lead a company in the corporate world.
Therefore the reflective model of Gibbs collectively shows that the entire experience that I
had in the personal and professional skill development and I can adequately say that the Gibbs
reflective model is a very comprehensive model that addresses all the relevant aspect and helped
me in analysing even those aspects that I did not acknowledge directly such as prior to this, I did
not realise that I am not a good public speaker i.e. it was in my knowledge that I was n introvert
but the fear of speaking in public was made evident through this.
Aim and objectives
 To develop different skills to achieve the highest level of professional efficiency.
 To improve the potential in order to achieve the best career objectives.
 To identify all approaches that can support the skills needs to be developed for better
career objectives.
 To prepare the personal development plan for improving the skills in professional
manner.
SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis is an internal analysis tool used to demonstrate different strengths,
weakness, opportunities and threats I possess. This tool is a wide analysis model demonstrates all
capabilities i carry being a professional.
Strengths
I carry the following strengths.
Data analysis: I carry a great data analysis skill. This is among the major strength i carry as an
individual. Data analysis is denoted as assessing and analysing the figures related to market,
trends of the figure and many related aspects. This strength provides me ability to assess the
actual position of market and also it allows me to assess essential facts about the future.
Critical decision making: Critical decision making is also a key factor that I possess. This skill
allows me to take important decisions in critical situation. Decision making always play an
important role being an individual. Decision making skills improves the career objectives being
6

an individual. Critical decision making allows you as an individual to take out of the box
decisions that can change the dimensions of future.
Leadership: Leadership is also a key feature associated with my personality being an individual.
Leadership is among the most significant capability an individual can possess. This skill allows
me to achieve more effective career proficiency. Leadership is all about motivating and driving
bunch of peoples in order to achieve the mutual objectives of the business (Laakso, 2017). With
the support of this skill i will be able to achieve the best places in my professional career. Every
organisation in corporate sector requires few brains that can lead the organisation and make it
more successful with their leadership styles. This skill and capability will drives me to the best in
my career.
Team work: I also carry an effective team work skill. This can also be stated as among the key
skill and capability I possess. Team work plays an important role for the big multinational
companies to achieve the business objectives. With the support of this skill i will be able to
achieve the best in my career.
Weakness
I carry the following weaknesses.
Time management: Time management has been one of my major weaknesses parts of my
personality. This weakness can restrict my career objectives and potentials. Irrespective to an
effective critical decision making and analytical skill i might not achieve the best in my career
due to poor time management skill (Folayan and et.al., 2016). I am not able to complete the
assigned task in stipulated or assured time frame.
Communication: I have a bad communication skill. This is also the key weaknesses I possess
being an individual. Communication is an important part of the professional. Irrespective to any
designated position in company’s communication is an essential part of the professional journey
in companies. This weakness might causes plenty of suffers in my professional career.
Problem solving: I also have an ineffective problem solving skill. This is also the key weakness
I carry being an individual. Problem solving is an important part of professional’s life. This skill
improves the potential capabilities of an individual. Problem solving skills allows as an
individual to achieve a significant position in the organisation. Due to weak problem solving
skill I might face issues in my professional career (Jun and et.al., 2017). This skill allows taking
7

important decisions in order to face the problem. Due to ineffective problem solving skill I am
facing issues in my professional life.
ICT Skill: I also carry the effective information and communication technology skill. This is
among the key potential requires for getting success in the professional career. I do not carry an
effective ICT skill which also created positive impacts of my personality in my professional life.
Opportunities
I carry the following opportunities.
Improve skills: I carry immense growth opportunities by undertaking the specific skill
development programs. This program will support me in improving my skills that is needed to
entertain success in professional career.
Personality development: I carry the huge growth opportunities with the support of personality
development (Panda, 2018). This can be projected as among the key aspects that can improve my
growth potentials. Personality is an important tool that is needed being a professional to achieve
the better growth opportunities in the corporate sector.
Threats
I carry the following threats.
Threat of isolation due to weakness: This is among the key threat i carry being a professional.
Irrespective to any number of strengths in carry it is possible on the basis of the certain
weaknesses I might get isolated in my professional life. This can also causes damage in my
professional life.
Competition: Competition is among the huge threat to carry. In professional life you get plenty
of competition at all level with other employees in organisation. On the basis of my certain
weaknesses some peoples might be able to overcome the impacts I will put in an organisation
growth and success.
The above mentioned points project the precise SWOT Analysis about my personality.
PDP
Skills Strategies Evaluation of skill Time frame
8

Time management
skill
Strategies implement for
improving time
management skill is as
follows.
 Goal setting is the
first priority in
time management
process
 Making a
schedule so that
all actions can be
implemented on
the basis of
planning (Alimah
and et.al., 2019).
 Prioritizing
operations on the
basis of
significance and
impacts over the
outcome of the
operations
 Setting up
boundaries so that
proper time
management can
be conduced
 Account for good
direction so that
no wastage of
time can be
On the basis of the
performance
evaluation of skill
can be conducted.
Supports of
professionals can be
taken over skill
improvement.
Evaluation can be
done with the
support of seniors.
6 weeks
9

conducted
 Technical support
will be taken if it
is needed and
possible to avoid
extra usage of
time
 Never
procrastinate
 Uplift self
confidence so that
all work can be
managed in time
 Self awareness to
improve the work
efficiencies and
avoid all mistakes
 Self motivation to
improve focus
 Focus
 Critical decision
making so that all
decisions can be
analysed properly
 Proper planning at
the initial stage so
that no extra time
utilisation can
entertained
 Questioning all
stages of the
10

functions.
 Critically evaluate
all stages involve
in operation
 Delegation
decision making
 Outsource
decision
 Coping skills
 Stress
management on a
priority basis
 Collaborations
 Focus on team
work
 Keeping all
records
 Organising all
activities involve
in operation.
Communication skill Communication skill will
develop with the support
of the following
approaches.
 Learning basic
non verbal
communication.
 Relying on visual
ads.
 Proper use of
language
Evaluation can be
done with the
support of
performance
analysis.
Guidance from other
employees in
company can be
taken to evaluate the
improvement in
communication skill
4 weeks
11

 Proper use of
symbols
 Clarity in
communication
 Mention all
essential key
points
 Engage with
audience while
making
communication
 Solve all doubts
of listeners
 Make proper use
of sentences
 Avoid using short
forms of words
 Improve listening
skill
 Improve eye
contact while
making
communication
 Proper use of
body language
while making
communication
(Ali, 2019).
Taking feedbacks
over skill
development.
Problem solving skill Following approaches
and strategies will apply
to improve problem
solving skill.
Evaluation can be
done with the
guidance of seniors
employees.
6 weeks
12

 Proper planning at
the initial stage of
problem solving
 Analysis the
entire issue
 Evaluate the
stages requires to
solve the issue
 Assess all key
points involve in
problem
 Puzzles and mind
boosting game
can support to
sharp the brain
 Focus properly to
solve the problem
 Keep motivate
yourself all the
time while
dealing with the
problem
 Address all key
challenges
associated with
the problem
 Detailed analysis
of the steps taken
to solve the
problem
 Critical
Performance
evaluation can also
be done to assess the
improvement.
Supports of experts
can be taken to
evaluate the
development.
13

evaluation of the
solutions taken to
deal with the
problem
ICT Skill Approaches follow to
improve the ICT Skill.
 Reading online
tutorial over ITS
Skill development
 Taking classes
 Taking practical
sessions over ITC
Skills and
techniques
 Practices in work
 YouTube videos
 Embracement of
different types of
IT Software’s
(Ekman, 2019).
 Building your
own PC
 Making a proper
schedule
 Making a proper
planning to
improve the skill
 Highlights key
skills needed at
the initial level
Self evaluation can
be done to assess the
improvement.
Performance based
evaluation can also
taken to address the
improvement.
Feedbacks can be
taken from seniors.
Time assessment can
be done to evaluate
the developments.
8 weeks
14

CONCLUSION
The research conducted in the report above highlights the importance of reflection in critical
analysis of an individual themselves and identify the areas of strengths and weakness. The report
used the Gibbs reflective model to evaluate the entire experience and then identified the goals
that are necessary to be achieved. Based on the swot analysis that was conducted, a personal
development plan was prepared lastly highlighting the key areas of development.
15

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ali, A., 2019. Ariff Ali: Launch of the personal property securities registry as part of economic
reform plan.
Alimah, S. and et.al., 2019, April. Social Engineering to The Development Plan of Experimental
Power Reactor (RDE). In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1198, No. 2, p.
022052). IOP Publishing.
Ekman, E. M., 2019. Integrating Virtual Reality to the Landscape Design Process–case study: a
development plan for Merisatama islands.
Folayan, M. O. and et.al., 2016. Ebola vaccine development plan: ethics, concerns and proposed
measures. BMC medical ethics. 17(1). p.10.
Jun, J and et.al., 2017. An efficient approach for optimizing full field development plan using
Monte-Carlo simulation coupled with Genetic Algorithm and new variable setting
method for well placement applied to gas condensate field in Vietnam. Energy
Exploration & Exploitation. 35(1). pp.75-102.
Laakso, J., 2017. DIGITAL MARKETING DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Analysis of current
marketing of Kokkotyö Foundation and suggested improvements.
Lawrence, E., Dunn, M.W. and Weisfeld-Spolter, S., 2018. Developing leadership potential in
graduate students with assessment, self-awareness, reflection and coaching. Journal of
Management Development
Liao, S.H. and Chen, C.C., 2018. Leader-member exchange and employee creativity: Knowledge
sharing: the moderated mediating role of psychological contract. Leadership &
Organization Development Journal. 39(3). pp.419-435.
Nichols, A.L., 2016. What do people desire in their leaders? The effect of leadership experience
on desired leadership traits. Leadership & Organization Development Journal.
Panda, P. K., 2018. Sustainable Development Plan for Aging World Population: Challenges and
Way Forward. In Handbook of Research on Multicultural Perspectives on Gender and
Aging (pp. 26-36). IGI Global.
Paulson, E. and Laverty, C., 2018. Leveraging Learning Outcomes to Build an Online
Information Literacy Tool. Journal of Library & Information Services in Distance
Learning, 12(1-2). pp.35-48.
16

Pepper, S., 2020. Professional development: The black holes of goal setting. Proctor, The, 40(1).
p.17.
Rubens, A., and et.al., 2018. Self-awareness and leadership: Developing an individual strategic
professional development plan in an MBA leadership course. The International Journal
of Management Education. 16(1). pp.1-13.
Sekarwinahyu, M., and et.al., 2019, February. Development of problem based learning for online
tutorial program in plant development using Gibbs’ reflective cycle and e-portfolio to
enhance reflective thinking skills. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1157,
No. 2, p. 022099). IOP Publishing.
Tanaka, M., Okamoto, R. and Koide, K., 2018. Relationship between Reflective Practice Skills
and Volume of Writing in a Reflective Journal. Health. 10(3). pp.283-288.
Wales, T., 2018. The View From Within: A Personal Reflection on Library Strategy
Development in Three Academic Libraries. New Review of Academic
Librarianship, 24(3-4). pp.442-456.
17

18