Personal and Professional Development Plans

This assignment requires you to analyze different approaches to personal and professional development plans. It delves into concepts like competency-based management, employee motivation for personal growth, and the effectiveness of learning styles (VARK model). The assignment also explores the role of professional development in areas such as education, business, and scientific research.

Personal and Professional Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches implied for self-managed learning....................................................................1
1.2 Ways through which learning process can be encouraged....................................................1
1.3 Evaluate benefits of self-managed learning to an individual and organization....................2
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................3
3.1 The process and activities required to implement development plan...................................3
3.2 Undertaking document development activities as planned...................................................3
3.3 Critically reflect own learning against aims and objectives set in the development plan.....4
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback and evaluation...............................................5
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems..............................................................................7
4.2 Various communication styles used at different levels.........................................................7
4.4 Evaluate and use of effective time management strategies...................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Every individual posses some good qualities and few loopholes. Through a personality
development plan the professional is able to set his/her own goals, strategies and learning
process for overall development. It identifies goals and develops individual skills, records and
monitors the strength to obtain set goals (Ferriman, 2016.). The person is motivated to take
interest in such measures that enhance their employ ability skills. It makes the manager or
employee more aware about his/her well being and recognize their potential. This assignment
prescribes various methods to implement and review your own personal and professional
development plan. This personal enterprise plan aspires the individual to establish priorities
relating to their career positioning by recognizing and sough ting opportunities and risks (Esmore
and et.al., 2007).
1.1 Approaches implied for self-managed learning
In order to improve the abilities and skills of an individual one should adopt a continuous
learning process. There are different learning ways i.e, formal and informal in the form of group,
one-to-one or self-learning and three main learning approaches are discussed below, briefly: Behaviorist approach: According to this style, appropriate behavior is required to
achieve individual goal and for that constant repetition of task combined with feedback is
formulated. This approach proponent Gagne theory of instruction and social learning
theory to guide a professional (Hunter, Laursen and Seymour, 2007). Cognitive approach: Unlike behaviorist theory, here more emphasis is led on active
participation of the learner rather than his trainer or mentor. The trainee himself identifies
his own pros and corns while the coach suggests alternatives and measures to work up on.
The principle 'learning process is more than just doing task or activity' is its key focus.
 Humanistic approach: This is a modern world theory, where learning outcomes are
established through explanations of individual experiences. An emphasis on active
learning is core of this approach. Participate methods are build on the basis of
experiences, span of attraction, self-awareness and experimental learning (Hayes and
Robnolt, 2006). The professional needs to be ready to learn apart from being motivated
by fear or compulsion.
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1.2 Ways through which learning process can be encouraged
VARK learning style is suited most when an individual requires improving his/her skills.
It has four essential ways through which effective learning process can be applied. Here V stands
for 'visual learning', A for 'auditory learning', R for 'reading and writing learning' and K for
'kinesthetic learning'(Pedler, Burgoyne and Boydell, 2013). This process can be understood
below: Visual: The learner uses visual and graphic displays like charts, diagrams, handouts and
videos to grasp knowledge. It also makes use of such words and phrases that evoke visual
images in the minds of people or group. Aural: This mode focuses on hearing capacity of the individual, where the speakers are
of slow pace and learners are natural listeners. Lectures, discussions and speeches are its
tools to convey the skills and knowledge among the individual (Tudor O and Haff, 2009). Read/Write: It is the traditional approach where reading and writing techniques are
emphasized. Articles, mails, notices, research studies, blogs and magazines are the
different modes to spread and communicate information essential for learning process.
 Kinesthetic: Tactile learning takes place with the help of physical activities rather than
listening, watching or reading facts and information. This way of learning is considered
best as it engages all senses while learning. It includes trial and error method where a
continuous process of experimenting and suggesting preventive measures take place in
working (Cherry, 2015).
1.3 Evaluate benefits of self-managed learning to an individual and organization
In recent years self-managed learning has provided energy and enthusiasm to individual
development and its organization. Major benefits of this concept are as follows:
It promotes natural development of self-confidence and initiative among the professional which
in turn provides sensible, healthy and productive environment to the company.
The self-directed process provides opportunities to follow wide range of interests options while
performing assigned tasks. It builds behavior among the employees to innovate new ideas and
themes in their working style. Encouragement is provided to perform tasks with creative mind
that ultimately benefits the firm (Ward, 2011).
As the individual is responsible for training and development by his own they become
mature and sensible enough to make decision and implement them accordingly.
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This process provides greater choice of freedom to a person to adopt which way or path to
sought problems. Rather than rigid structure, flexible and favorable environment ic created
among the corporation.
TASK 3
3.1 The process and activities required to implement development plan
When I evaluated my professional and personal skills I found myself on an average scale.
There are many traits which demands for serious concern from my side. So, after identifying key
professional skills and rating them now I will focus on coping with these loopholes. The major
areas that needs to be covered are:
Firstly, when assessing my attributes I found that my problem solving techniques are not
up to the mark. Although, I am able to solve the problem on the spot still it lacks expertise. The
remedies and solutions made are temporary. This can be improved by indulging myself in
different decision making processes of the company.
Secondly, working as an associate I posses basic professional knowledge. But for career
development prospects and organizational needs I need to pour myself with extra professional
skills. As a professional various important techniques needs to be adopted in motivating and
boosting up the energy level of the members working with me.
Thirdly, according to scale measured my technological knowledge and skills needs to be
polished. In today's technical world, the personals needs to be equipped with learning of
application soft wares. I should focus on acquiring deep details and functions related to
Microsoft Office.
Fourthly, the most important professional attribute is communication and listening skills.
It helps in successfully dealing with the clients and customers. Also, we are able to understand
the value of our subordinates suggestions and feedback. I have scaled myself 4 in it still I feel the
need to improve my English language knowledge and increase the capacity to listen patiently.
Lastly, as there are many things to mange and coordinate I require good level of
leadership qualities. It will help me to convey the desired outputs from the surrounding people.
Teamwork and dedication towards work will not only uplift my career but also my personal life.
All the above professional skills are required to be improvised and set them according to the
need of time.
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3.2 Undertaking document development activities as planned
After evaluating own current skills and competencies against the professional standards
the individual should work for applying remedies to it. In the above task, I performed my
personal SWOT Analysis in order to know my strengths and weaknesses. The analysis also
helped in identifying the upcoming opportunities and threats can be faced in the future (Attwell,
2007). Through this method I am able to formulate my professional skills and traits to acquire
the current and future needs. Now, different measures will be taken in order to implement the
personal and professional development plan, some of them are as follows:
Coaching: It is the most popular and commonly used process to improve the personal
and professional skills. There is pre-arranged agreement between an experienced manger and his
employee to demonstrate guidance and make me practice new skills.
Networking: Here, the members discuss current issues happening around the world in
order to exchange their opinions and ideas. This informal communication helps the individual to
think and develop his/her own philosophy for a subject.
Mentoring: Under this measure, the experienced and senior member provides guidance
and advice to its junior. It is somewhat similar to coaching concept.
Courses, seminars, workshops: Through this type of classroom training I am able to
facilitate the knowledge and techniques in better manner. As the subject matter experts provide
basic and professional learning opportunities to the individual (Ward, 2011).
Professional associations: There are many professional associations existing in the
society representing specific profession. Active participation in these associations will make me
aware about current trends and motivate me to divert my ways for present and upcoming events.
Self study: One of the best activity that will help me to utilize and improve my employ
ability skills is self assessment of my own. Here, I can make use of e-learning courses and
volunteer work to prepare strong foundation for myself.
3.3 Critically reflect own learning against aims and objectives set in the development plan
Individually, I feel more satisfied by the development planning process that take place to
wider the personal aspirations. Through the above measures and activities I am able to reform
my skills and traits in comparison with pastime. Now, critically evaluating my leanings against
my set aims and objectives will an important process of development plan. Core communication
and listening skills, leadership skills and problem solving techniques are areas i mainly focused
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on. In order to improve these skills I have attended motivational seminars and workshops. These
activities benefited me with the ability to patiently think, analyze and communicate with the
public and customers. Active participation in professional associations empowered my
awareness towards the respective profession. This ultimately enhanced my leadership qualities
within a time frame of one year. Another arena, the ability to solve problems during critical
conditions needs to developed. Earlier, I used to make temporary remedies to such situations but
consultation from my mentors and experts helped in great manner. Development activities like
coaching and mentoring provides proper guidance to deal with queries. Also, 360-degree
performance feedback from supervisors, peers, staff, clients and customers gave signals about
my drawbacks in captious situation.
Apart, from these skills a professional always needs to enhance his/her technical and
vocational knowledge. As these are ongoing process which needs to be studied and learned at
regular interval. I joined institute availing certificate and courses in computer and IT department.
It improved my knowledge on the upgraded version of Microsoft Office. Every year some
modifications are made in different managerial and professional techniques. For this purpose I
made use of e-learning platform. Professional development sites, blogs, articles, journals and
newsletters on internet provided access to vast trends and techniques used in modern world
management. I also attended business conferences and seminars organized my company to
discuss my views towards different subject matter. Through these development activities I can
conclude that my professional skills have developed in right direction though there is scope to
built in more efforts for personal and professional development.
3.4 Update development plan based on feedback and evaluation
The below given tabular format provides updated development plan that I will implement
to enhance my employ ability skills. This plan is based on feedback and evaluation of above
given traits.
LEARNIN
G
OBJECTI
VE/GOAL
CURRENT
PROFICIENC
Y
TARGET
PROFICIEN
CY
DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITIE
S
CRITERIA
FOR
JUDGING
SUCCESS
TIME
SCALE
EVIDENC
E
1 Commun
ication
Skills
4 5
Attending
seminars,
conferences
and
Efficient
and
interactive
personality
3
month
s
Improvi
sed
interpers
onal
5

presentations
to actively
participate in
these
discussions.
and
patiently
listening
others views
and opinion.
commun
ication
skills.
2 Technolo
gical
skills
4 4
Obtain
diploma or
certificate
course for
computer.
Also, make
use of e-
learning.
Possessing
improvised
technical
knowledge.
4
month
s.
Enhance
curricul
um
vitae.
3 Presentat
ion skills 4 5
Taking
initiatives to
observe things
deeply and
having regular
practices of
presenting
thoughts in
front of group
of people.
Rise in
confidence
level and
increasing
interaction
with the
group
members.
5
month
s
Active
interacti
on with
the
listeners
and
increase
confiden
ce level.
4 Problem
solving
skills
3 4
Better aptitude
skills,
development
of qualitative
techniques and
optimistic
approach
towards
problems.
Effective
decision
making
within the
given period
and better
solutions to
critical
queries.
6
month
s
Built s
in
positive
and
calm
attitude.
5 Professio
nal
knowled
ge
3 4
Acquire
certification
and diploma
course in
respective area
of interest.
Better
employ
ability skills
and
increased
professional
knowledge.
15
month
s
Higher
qualifica
tion and
enhance
d
resume.
6 Time
manage
ment
4 5
Learning
measures and
tactics to
complete the
assigned tasks
within given
Meeting
deadlines
effectively
and
maintaining
quality of
4
month
s
Properly
manged
business
activitie
s with
least
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time
framework.
Also, develops
multitasking
quality.
the work.
Performing
timely work
managemen
t.
amount
of chaos
and
confusio
n.
TASK 4
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems
In an organization there are various activities performed simultaneously that often give
rise to problematic situation. As a highly motivated person I am working in London
Underground the rapid public railway organization of Greater London. I provide key support to
track maintenance, administration and Protection Master Engineering Hours services which
requires excellent communication skills, initiative and enthusiasm. The main responsibility
possessed in the mentioned post is to provide protection to the group members during working
hours. This is done through the help of track Access Controller (Eisele and et.al., 2013).
Every single day London Underground transports huge amount of passengers to their
destination points. It acts as a baseline for many individuals to reach their desired places. During
this process there are possibilities of technical issues during transportation process. Often
situations arises related to health and safety measures. Casualties and accidents occurs among the
public and employees enrolled in the transportation process of metros. This may be due to some
technical faults and external factors like critical weather conditions. At that time there is acute
situation of emergency among the organization. The team undergoes stress and pain, unable to
decide what preventive measures can be taken to minimize the risk. In such a chaotic situation,
the whole mechanism is effected negatively. Effective and immediate decisions needs to be taken
to clear out the whole mess (Draganidis and Mentzas, 2006).
During such emergency, the Track Access Controller is responsible for the safe and
secure mechanism. My work is to provide correct and clear instructions to the team members.
Proper documentation and safety briefing plays a prominent role in functioning of the
transportation system. Strong knowledge of London Underground and Network Rail
Environment assist in such emergency. Regular monitoring and maintenance of equipment s and
tools is primary function to be performed. Good amount of knowledge regarding Safety Scheme
for work, risk assessment and staff correct certification is required. Also, at individual level traits
like organized and reliable behavior, better communication skill, self-motivation and computing
skills will help in coping up with the critical situation.
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4.2 Various communication styles used at different levels
A very popular thought signifies that effective communication is a building block of
successful corporation. It promotes and motivates the employees in performing their assigned
tasks (Hall, 2006). They are clearly aware about their role, function and contribution in achieving
organizational objectives. It provides source of information to the organizational members for
decision making process and assist in controlling process. The below points reflects different
communication styles adopted at various levels of management in the London Underground.
At higher level of management
The top level of management is responsible to make organizational goals and objectives
for the company. They are responsible to prepare a road map for the whole organization and
work accordingly. Therefore, they adopt formal process of communication and assertive style of
communication. It is the healthiest and effective way to convey the plans and policies to next
level mangers (PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS,2012).
At middle level of management
The managers and associates at middle level of management are responsible to execute
the policies framed by the higher executives. They adopt horizontal, vertical and inter-cross
communication process to convey messages among them. There is exchange of ideas and feed
backs are obtained for better functioning of corporation. Thus, submissive style of
communication is adopted so that every individual is free to suggest new methods and improve
existing pattern of working.
At lower level of management
While at lower level of management passive style of communication is established. The
employees are less skilled and require instructions to perform the work. The middle level
mangers and supervisors themselves determine their duties and assign them tasks. Informal
communication is performed among the mangers and associates instead to publishing notices ,
memos, mails and conferences.
4.4 Evaluate and use of effective time management strategies
Time management refers to managing time effectively so that right time is allocated to
right activities. It allows individuals to assign specific time slots to activities as per their
importance. It helps to plan effectively for the set goals and objectives. The concept is featured
by prioritizing activities as per their significance and delegation of responsibilities takes place.
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The supervisors and assistants follow different time management strategies to acquire desired
goals:
 Prioritization is an essential strategy to make correct choice of performing important task
earlier. It is known fact that an individual have many roles and responsibilities to perform
in the organization. This strategy needs calmness and space to focus an individual's
energy and attention on the tasks that really matters. Some prioritization tools are paired
comparison analysis, the action priority matrix and decision matrix analysis.
 Another strategy is scheduling the business activities in a systematic manner. Scheduling
helps the professionals of the organization to think about what you want to achieve in a
day, week or month. One needs to identify available time for the assigned work and
schedule the essential actions. The urgent and high-priority activities should be given
space. The strategy also undertakes monitoring and analysis of activities performed.
 Use of SMART goal setting technique is another method of establishing time
management strategies in the business entity. The goals framed should be specific,
attainable, relevant, time bound and measurable. Goal achievement requires commitment
to maximize the outlook to achieve it.
CONCLUSION
The above report about personal and professional development plan evaluate different
self manged learning techniques. It comprises detail analysis of a professional skill and
knowledge. There is critical reflection of own learning against original aims and objectives set in
the development plan. It is concluded by demonstrating different communication styles and
effective time management strategies adopted by an individual.
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REFRENCES
Books and Journals
Attwell, G., 2007. Personal Learning Environments-the future of eLearning?.Elearning
papers. 2(1). pp.1-8.
Draganidis, F. and Mentzas, G., 2006. Competency based management: a review of systems and
approaches. Information Management & Computer Security. 14(1). pp.51-64.
Eisele, L. and et.al., 2013. Employee motivation for personal development plan
effectiveness. European Journal of Training and Development. 37(6). pp.527-543.
Esmore, D. and et.al., 2007. VentrAssist™ left ventricular assist device: clinical trial results and
Clinical Development Plan update. European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 32(5).
pp.735-744.
Hall, C.A., 2006. Integrating Concepts and Models from Development Econoimcs with Land use
Change in the Tropics. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 8(1). pp.19-53.
Hayes, L.L. and Robnolt, V.J., 2006. Data‐driven professional development: The professional
development plan for a reading excellence act school.Literacy Research and
Instruction. 46(2). pp.95-119.
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.
Pedler, M., Burgoyne, J. and Boydell, T., 2013. A Manager's Guide to Self-development.
McGraw-Hill Education (UK).
Tudor O.. Bompa and Haff, G., 2009. Periodization: Theory and methodology of training.
Human Kinetics.
Ward, J.L., 2011. Keeping the family business healthy: How to plan for continuing growth,
profitability, and family leadership. Palgrave Macmillan.
Online
PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS.2012. [Online].Available
through:<http://www.faculty.londondeanery.ac.uk/e-learning/assessing-educational-
needs/personal-or-professional-development-plans>. Accessed on 11th February 2016.
Ferriman, J., 2016. 7 Major Learning Styles. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.learndash.com/7-major-learning-styles-which-one-is-you/>. Accessed on
11th February 2016.
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Cherry, k., 2015. VARK Learning Styles. [Online]. Available through:
<http://psychology.about.com/od/educationalpsychology/a/vark-learning-styles.htm>.
Accessed on 12th February 2016.
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