Personal and Professional Development Report: Skills, SWOT, and PDP

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development, exploring various facets such as self-managed learning, management skills, and the creation of a Personal Development Plan (PDP). The report begins by defining self-managed learning and its approaches, including training, experience, seminars, and learning from exposure, highlighting its benefits for both individuals and organizations. It then identifies ways to encourage lifelong learning, particularly in the context of dog grooming, emphasizing the importance of continuous skill enhancement through training and seminars. The report proceeds to assess the author's management skills, including communication, relationship building, empathy, and time management, followed by a personal SWOT analysis. It then outlines development opportunities to meet future and current needs, focusing on communication and relationship building skills. A detailed PDP is presented, including objectives, activities, and a timeline for skill development. The report also addresses problems encountered at work and their solutions, emphasizing effective communication and time management strategies. Finally, a curriculum vitae is provided, summarizing the author's qualifications and skills, aiming for a career as a dog groomer within the pet industry.

Personal and
Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning...............................................................................1
1.2 Ways through which lifelong learning can be encouraged for long term benefit of both
individual and organization....................................................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning....................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 List of management skills then review and evaluate own current level of performance. 3
2.2 Personal SWOT analysis..................................................................................................3
2.3 The development opportunity with an aim to meet the future and current needs............4
2.4 PDP...................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 the processes and activities required to implement the development plan......................7
3.2 documenting development activities as planned..............................................................7
3.3 Own learning....................................................................................................................8
3.4 Updated plan.....................................................................................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Problems encountered at work and their appropriate solutions........................................9
4.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels..............10
4.3 Effective time management strategies............................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development can be regarded as the best factors that help the
individual in enhancing their skills, abilities and engrave them in order to implement in the real
world. However, it can be assessed that through doing any type of activity, person may feel
relaxed and satisfied. In the current study, it has been identified that 3 years ago a lady got a
lovely puppy as a gift from her husband in order to spend her quality time with that by playing
with it when her husband is on work. It also showcases that the changes that has been noticed
after dogs came into individual's life. It has been assessed that UK people are spending around
$45.5 billion on pet services. Thus, because of this, pet jobs have been increased such as animal
care and services. Thus, it can be stated that after spending quality time by taking care of the
puppy, an individual can develop his career in the same respect and provide pet grooming
services to other dogs and build career objective.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Following are the different self managed learning approaches such as-
 Training- It states that individual is required to gain training in the field of caring dogs
and enhancing their talent into skills (Gwynne, 2006). For instance, dog lovers need to
attend different training and development sessions to improve their love and affection
towards them.
 Experience- After caring a dog for more than 3 years, individual gains experience and is
able to deliver services regarding care about dogs and their well being. Individual learns
from their experience and thus, if found any mistakes than it can be overcome. Thus, it
helps individual to achieve desired results and provide best care facilities to dogs.
 Attending seminars- There are varied seminars and conferences organized related to pet
grooming. Thus, it is essential for individual to attend such sessions in order to enhance
their skills and capabilities (Zepeda, 2011). It assists them to learn different ways of
providing care facilities to dogs such as combing, bathing and nail cutting etc.
 Learning from exposure- It is crucial for individual to develop their leaning ability by
gaining exposure in the field of dog training as providing assistance to different clients
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when they are not at home. Hence, it is useful for individual to develop positive attitude
towards the work and give the best outcomes.
1.2 Ways through which lifelong learning can be encouraged for long term benefit of both
individual and organization
However, in regard to compete in this type of business environment, it is crucial for
individual to direct their efforts in that field and provide satisfaction. Thus, dog grooming is the
best area in which I feel satisfied. Therefore, I am developing lifelong learning in order to caring
and grooming of dogs and providing them special assistance whenever their master are outside or
at work. Thus, in order to enhance my skills and abilities, I need to attend different training
sessions so that I can attain desired position in Caring Canines. Thus, in regard to this I can use
different ways that helps me to enhance lifelong learning (Hunzicker, 2011). However, such
goals are being set by me in accordance with the personal and professional development.
Consequently, in regard to attain such goals, it is essential for me to follow different
types of activities such as attending seminars and conferences regarding dog habits, requirements
and specific care and attention. All such skills can be attained through developing different
suitable methods such as attending training sessions that are delivered by professional,
motivational speakers and enhancing lifelong learning. Moreover, through developing my own
learning ability regarding dog groomer. I would like to work within such industry in the future, it
helps me in managing my own learning ability. Hence, in regard to work in Caring Canines
requires improving my skills and capabilities so that I need to develop my lifelong learning in
personal and professional context (Stenfors-Hayes and et.al, 2010).
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
It can be assessed that self-managed learning possess different benefits to both individual
and organization. It is concept that helps individual to develop their skills and abilities and thus
provide the best care to dogs. Thus, self-managed learning is required to develop efforts and
satisfy the needs of clients when they leave their dogs for grooming. However, it provides
benefits to me in terms of enhancing my own knowledge and skills to give best services to dog
so that they can feel comfortable when their master is at work (Moon, 2013). Furthermore,
evaluation of my own skills requires improvement which needs to be assessed and then the
proper action should be taken in order to enhance the same.
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In the future, I would like to work in Caring Canines organization that takes care of dogs
and provide them varied facilities. Therefore, all this can be attained through self-managed
learning and develop personal skills and capabilities in order to achieve results. While, working
in the organization it helps me in developing my skills and capabilities so that organizational
goals can be achieved. Also, I will be able to handle effective problems easily and provide
benefits to firm to enhance sales and profitability.
TASK 2
2.1 List of management skills then review and evaluate own current level of performance
In future, I would like to work as dog groomer in Caring Canines therefore, it is essential
for me to obtain different skills and capabilities so that best services can be provided to dogs.
However, developing such skills and capabilities helps me to achieve goals and objectives
effectively and efficiently. Following are the different skills that helps me to review my own
current level of performance-
 Communication skills- It is essential for me to develop communication skills so that I
can effectively communicate with pet owners in order to satisfy them regarding their dog
care. Because it has been assessed that UK people are spending around $45.5 billion on
pet services. Thus, because of this pet jobs have been increased such as animal care and
service.
 Relationship building skills- Further, I also undertake relationship building skill as it
helps me to develop effectual relationship with dog owners and inform those regarding
different products and services related to dogs such as pet sitter, pet groomer, pet walker
and pet massage (McNiff, 2010).
 Empathy- It is the skill that states experience of understanding another person's
condition in relation to their perspective. For instance, being a dog caretaker it is essential
for me to understand the love and affection of dog owners towards their pets and satisfy
them to provide same love and care to the pet.
 Time management- However, it is essential for me to manage the time appropriately so
that best care can be delivered to pets.
2.2 Personal SWOT analysis
Following is the personal SWOT analysis such as-
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Strengths
 I understand the requirements of pet owners and provide them suitable suggestions
regarding their pet care.
 Providing best dog services because of love and affection towards pets.
 To train the pets and provide them best care facilities whenever their owners are at work
or outside the town (Moon, 2013).
Weaknesses
 I need to attend training in order to give best pet jobs and services.
 Also, I assessed that I am weak in order to manage my time and provide pet services.
 By attending experts lecture I can overcome my weaknesses of providing best care
services to dogs.
Opportunities
 In order to enhance my experience, I can join Dog Walking Academy for certification
program in Dog Walker course.
 Further, I can also join National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and provide best
assistance to dogs worldwide.
Threats
 As there increases competition in such industry, therefore, it is required to develop
communication skills so that I can effectively communicate with the owners regarding
pet services.
 To provide best care to pets in the absence of dog owners otherwise it affects the health
of animal. Thus, it is essential for me to give best assistance to animals and satisfy their
needs (Avalos, 2011).
2.3 The development opportunity with an aim to meet the future and current needs
Following are the different development opportunities in regard to meet the future and
current needs such as-
Professional Skills Current Level
5=Strong
1=Weak
The best current
example
Ways to improve
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Communication skills 3 Here, I need to
communicate with the
dog owners and thus it
is essential for me to
own best skills so that
effective
communication can be
build. However, I am
confident enough, but it
I need to enhance my
skill so that best results
can be attained
(Hunzicker, 2011).
Through attending
seminars, lectures etc. it
helps me in enhancing
my work performance.
Relationship building
skills
2 Here, I need to maintain
relationship with the pet
owners so that I can
effectively inform them
regarding the available
products and services
for pets. Hence, it helps
me to develop best
relationship with dog
owners and attain
satisfaction.
Further, I can enhance
such skill through
providing them my
certificates in relation to
pet care and satisfy them
in regard to take proper
care of their animals.
2.4 PDP
Personal Development Plan
OBJECTIVES ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TIME
FRAME
To grow communication  Attending training It requires around 1 year
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skills sessions
 Participating in
workshops (Olsen,
2015)
To build empathy skills  Seminars
 Lectures
 one to one meeting
It takes around 4 months to
improve this skill
To develop time
management skill
 Workshops
 Listening to
motivational leaders
 Practical working
It needs around 6-7 months
CURRICULUM VITAE
Name:
Address:
Email address:
Objective
To work as a dog groomer in pet jobs industry and enhance my skills and abilities to achieve
personal as well as organizational goals.
Educational qualification:
Completed National Dog Groomers Association certification program
Experience:
Taking care of a lovely puppy from last 3 years
Skills:
Effective communication skills
Relationship building skills
Declaration:
I declare that all the information provided above is true in all aspects and no misleading
information is given.
Signature:
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TASK 3
3.1 the processes and activities required to implement the development
plan
I have evaluated the current situation and future needs relate to pursue career in pet
grooming requires execution different set of activities in the very efficient manner. The above
mentioned skills that is communication, empathy, management and relation building requires the
systematic and planned approach. Communication skills: In order to develop proficiency of communication skills various
methods can be adopted. Communication manifests into both verbal and written manner.
Efficiency and perfection in communication can be attained via attending professional
courses such as Diploma in verbal and written communication and others. Efficient
communication is required to communicate with clients, institutes and others. Empathy: One of the crucial requirement for the pet groomer is the interpersonal skill
empathy. It enables to deal with pets in very effective manner (Moon, 2013). Building
sensitivity with pets and maintaining affable behavior is perquisite for the pet groomer. It
can be developed by undergoing the scientific approach which is provided by many
organizations. Management: To run any organization with large number of people or to work
individually necessitates to possess attribute of efficient management. It refers to manage
all the work and task with proper utilization of resources and derive the best possible
results.
 Relation building: Pet grooming is still the undiscovered area of working. It necessitates
the enhancement of good relations with different people owning pets and those who seek
these services provided by them. In order to expand the working domain and also to
improve efficiency. It can be developed by increasing skills related to marketing and
communication.
3.2 documenting development activities as planned
The above planned activities are documented in the following manner which precisely
states the adoption of set of activities.
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 To increase the efficiency in verbal and written communication to pursue my career in
pet grooming, I shall be attending professional course which provide coaching in the
formal manner to enable efficient skills to interact with people (Wilton, 2013).
 To develop attribute of empathy in me, I shall be taking counseling and mentoring with
the professional and specialist in the field. They through adopting systematic approach
this.
 Relation building: To develop good relational constructs with other people I shall be
adopting dual approach that is learning theoretical information and implementing them
practically (Zepeda, 2011).
 To imbibe good management skills in I shall be assisting senior management working in
the same field to learn ways to manage thongs properly.
3.3 Own learning
 Comparing set goals and targets, I have inferred that my communication skills are not
developed as per the professional standards.
 I have developed the ways to maintain good relational constructs with clients and other
formal institutes offering similar services.
 Management skills are improved but required to be improved so that productivity and
efficiency of organization can be improved.
3.4 Updated plan
Professional Skills Current Level
5=Strong
1=Weak
Ways to improve
Communication skills 4 After attending formal coaching I have attained
the theoretical knowledge, now need to have the
practical implementation.
Management skills 3 Assisting senior management and experience
persons enables the effective learning. Further,
adopting pragmatic approach that is using
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different approaches to improve skills is useful.
TASK 4
4.1 Problems encountered at work and their appropriate solutions
Pet grooming is the crucial task as a career which demands the possession of different
attributes for performing various task related to dogs such as about improving their health and
fitness, their cleanliness, forging bond between dog and owner and also paying attention to the
symptoms or indicative of health issues and illness (Jensen, 2013). While undergoing the
process, pet groomer encounter various challenges that needed to be dealt with precision and
addressed properly. Two such problems faced by groomers are:
Lack of technical knowledge
Fundamentally pet grooming is about providing hygiene care the hygiene acre,
cleanliness and also improve their appearances. One of the major challenge or problem faced by
the groomer is lack of technicalities about dogs, different breeds and their different requirements.
Due to absence of proper knowledge about dogs, service providers fail to provide optimum level
of services to their pets and satisfy their clients.
Solution: It is imperative to have thorough understanding of fundamentals of pet grooming their
health related issues, knowledge about diseases they can catch, precautions to be maintained with
respect to their hygiene and health, bathing, hair removal and stripping methods, nail trimming
and creative grooming. It can be attained by joining courses at professionals and expertise in the
field who provide training related to it and guides how to process all the activities.
Planning and organizing
Pet roomer are supposed to take care of number of pets of their different clients. Dogs
belonging to different breeds and with varied needs and requirement demands the efficient
planning and organizing (Gwynne, 2006). One such problem faced by pet groomer is inefficient
planning done with respect to the activities required to be processed by them. Due to this their
performance, productivity and satisfaction level of clients get hamper.
Solution: In order to plan and organize slew of functions in the proper manner, electronic planner
proves to be beneficial. It this details of client pets can be inserted with their owners and other. It
helps to manage the time of pet groomers in the lucrative manner as it enables to access the
information of all the pets in easy and accurate way.
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4.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels
To undergo the process of pet grooming in the professional context it requires to maintain
a good relational constructs with different people. It includes people such as their clients, their
suppliers of equipment and other required equipment related to pet grooming, trading partners,
associations and organization providing similar services and institutes that are engaged in the
same field that is promoted health and hygiene of pets kept by owners and formal institutes by
providing them services related to the care (Haines, 2002). To communicate with different
parties it requires different forms of communication. Formal institutes and organizations: While communicating to the organizations such as
health and fitness service providers, information delegation and other details formal form
is adopted. It also refers to seek guidance and supervision related to the pet grooming and
their maintenance which is processed in the form of verbal communication. Clients: While communication to their clients related to seek the needs and requirements
of their dogs are communicated in the informal manner. With informal communication,
an affable way is adopted which enables the client to provide information about their pets
to the groomers in the efficient precise manner.
 Subordinates: Pet grooming is processed in the form of organization, in this process head
communicate the tasks and functions to the subordinates about the services required to
deliver the dogs. The method adopted by the senior manager includes both formal and
informal method via verbal and written communication. In this along with assigning
work and task, training is also provided to them. This is process in the form of training
programs and development sessions by senior management which is done in informal
manner (Hao, 2000).
4.3 Effective time management strategies
Pet groomer are endowed with number of duties and tasks with large details and
information. In order to provide the most satisfying and outstanding services it is imperative to
manage time properly. To process all the work, adoption of different strategies related to time
management helps the pet groomer to undergo it effectively. Few such strategies are: Prioritizing work: Smooth functioning of work can be processed by arranging the work
and task as per the sequence of importance and time frames. Prioritizing work as per the
importance helps in scheduling it effectively.
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