Personal Development Plan

This document outlines a comprehensive personal development plan focusing on key areas such as analytical skills, time management, communication, teamwork, self-management, and presentation skills. It details specific actions to be taken for skill acquisition, monitoring and control strategies, and a reflective analysis of learning progress against set objectives.

Personal and Professional Development
Case Study of Sainsbury

Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
Task 1....................................................................................................................................................3
1.1Assessment of approaches of self-managed learning for professional and personal development 3
1.2Development of lifelong learning in professional and personal context.......................................5
1.3Demonstrating the benefits of self-managed learning...................................................................6
4.1 Identification of Problems in work and its resolution..................................................................7
4.2 Discussion of styles of learning for overcoming identifiable problems and its appropriate
communication in operational, tactical and strategic levels...............................................................7
4.3 Evaluation of strategies of time management and its use in efficient time management..............8
Task 2....................................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Assessment of current professional competencies and skills for achieving objectives of the
organisation.......................................................................................................................................8
2.2 Identification of professional and personal developmental needs................................................8
2.3 Identify the development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs........9
2.4 Professional and Personal Plan development...............................................................................9
3.1 Essential actions for implementation of the plan of development..............................................10
3.2 Documentation of Planned activities.........................................................................................10
3.3 Critical reflection of own learning against objectives and aims of PDP....................................10
3.4 Developmental Plan Evaluation.................................................................................................10
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................11
References...........................................................................................................................................11
Annexure.............................................................................................................................................13

Introduction
It is a broadly accepted that there is a significant need of learning in the professional and
personal sphere of life. Every individual needs to learn consistently at every stage of life in
order to grow personally and professionally. Self managed learning is an extremely effective
way to manage learning and enhance personal and professional skills for an individual. In
most of the professional places training stands to be an important aspect for workers as it
provides the required amount of knowledge to the employees which would help the
organisation to get the best possible efforts from its employees, but it is important to mention
that employees need to have that urge which would help them to learn consistently over a
long period of time. There are different approaches to self managed learning which are
important for every individual to make sure they are able to grow personally and
professionally. The present study will take an opportunity to discuss personal and
professional development in a descriptive way with reference to Sainsbury.
Task 1
1.1Assessment of approaches of self-managed learning for professional and personal
development
Self managed learning is an initiative taken by an individual to learn things by him not only
in the professional environment but also in the personal environment. There are different
ways to take up self managed learning for personal and professional development. Some of
them are discussed below:
Social Network: This is one of the best ways to learn for personal development. With the
internet boom there are number of social networking sites which have come up and this has
helped many people to communicate with individuals from across the globe. Getting to
understand different perspectives and the lifestyles of the different people from different
regions have helped a lot of people to learn more and that is how personal development have
happened. Hence it could be said that the application of social networking in personal lives
provides an excellent opportunity to manage personal development1.
Seminars and Conferences: Sainsbury is one of the leading organisations in the UK and hence
there are number of conferences and seminars where the company has to participate
1 DAVID BOUD, ENHANCING LEARNING THROUGH SELF-ASSESSMENT (TAYLOR & FRANCIS 2016).

especially on retail development and this is where an individual like me could get effective
opportunities to learn. The seminars and conferences where Sainsbury participates help the
employees like me to learn a number of corporate nuances and help to enhance the
professional career of a person in retail. Apart from that these kinds of professional meetings
help the employees to realise the importance of professional attitude and dress up which is
important for long term development of individuals who are new to the industry like me2.
Books and Magazines: Reading is the best time pass that anybody could have in their lives.
There are different kinds of books and magazines that a reader could get hold of and this can
help the individual to learn personally and professionally. There are books and magazines for
personal and professional development and hence it could be said that applying this approach
to self managed learning can contribute development in both ways.
Internet: The internet has become one of the greatest supporting components for students and
professionals. Almost all the students who have the luxury of internet access avail internet in
order to get all the suitable information. Professionals use internet in different ways but
mainly to get information3.
There are different learning styles that are applied in order to grab information from the
above approaches of self managed learning. All the above self managed learning approaches
are effective and suitable for individuals as all of them help to have completely different
experience and hence contribute to the overall personal and professional development but
there are certain specialties that are attached with these approaches which could be
deciphered by applying learning styles. The Visual learning style is applicable with all the
above approaches and the best possible learning style as it helps to see and learn. In the
conferences the visual and aural and musical styles are effective and can be best understood4.
The verbal approach could also be there. The Books and magazines the physical and visual
learning styles plays important role. Overall it could be said that the visual, aural and musical,
physical and verbal learning styles are effective to utilise these approaches for personal and
professional learning while continuing my work in Sainsbury. Especially while working in
Sainsbury the social networking activities will help to communicate with number of people
which would help to influence personal and professional learning to a large extent. As a
2 Robert A. Bjork, John Dunlosky and Nate Kornell, 'Self-Regulated Learning: Beliefs, Techniques, And Illusions'
(2013) 64 Annual Review of Psychology.
3 DAVID BOUD, ENHANCING LEARNING THROUGH SELF-ASSESSMENT (TAYLOR & FRANCIS 2016).
4 Dale H Schunk and Barry J Zimmerman, Self-Regulated Learning And Academic Achievement : Theory,
Research, And Practice (Springer-Verlag 2012).

person involved with customer service it is important to learn how to interact with consumers
and social networking will be an excellent opportunity to learn that and this is where aural-
musical and visual and verbal style of learning could come in handy5.
1.2Development of lifelong learning in professional and personal context
Lifelong learning can be defined as the self motivated, perpetual and deliberate learning
which is implemented by an individual himself to fuel personal and professional
development. This is an approach which is given by one’s own self to continually learn and
motivate the skills and capabilities effectively. Being a professional it is important for an
individual to implement lifelong learning for effective career results. To initiate lifelong
learning one could set long term and short term goals and applying self analysis. The process
of self analysis is important for both personal and professional development and hence it is
important for the individual like me to make sure lifelong learning is availed to make a career
in Sainsbury. Self evaluation or analysis is one of the best development methods that could be
applied for lifelong learning (Siemens, 2014). Self evaluation could be done with the help of
SWOT analysis which helps to understand the personal and professional strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is important for me to understand these aspects
effectively in order to work on them and make sure they are properly utilised by me to
enhance my personal and professional skills6.
Strengths are the qualities which an individual has; weaknesses are the personal gaps which
can transform into professional gaps for instance like being “short tempered” is considered a
weakness as it can impel a person to make wrong decision. Opportunities are the different
scopes which one could get personally and professionally due to constant hard work and
learning and finally the threats which are external barriers to growth in the personal and
professional sphere. Another key way of implementing lifelong learning is by making
personal goals and learning according to them which would help to assess myself based on
the performance indicators and also provide insights on growth and development. Sainsbury
as an organisation is operating in a massively competitive market environment and thus it is
crucial for me as an employee of the organisation to analyse my strengths and weaknesses
and what possible opportunities do I have for growth7. Organisational leaders are extremely
5 DAVID BOUD, ENHANCING LEARNING THROUGH SELF-ASSESSMENT (TAYLOR & FRANCIS 2016).
6 Franziska Trede, Rob Macklin and Donna Bridges, 'Professional Identity Development: A Review Of The Higher
Education Literature' (2012) 37 Studies in Higher Education.
7 Heather Purichia, 'Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach' (2014) 9 Interdisciplinary Journal of
Problem-Based Learning.

effective in supporting lifelong learning as they drive the person and motivates him or her
effectively to continue learning. Apart from it is also important to mention that a friendly
leader emits positive vibe which helps employees like me to operate effectively and also learn
a number of things from him. Overall it could be said that the self analysis approach and the
goal setting approaches are effective developmental methods for lifelong learning. Analysing
the current and future needs also help to enhance lifelong learning. Finally a Personal and
Professional Development Plan effectively helps to focus on developing one’s own self and
helps to constantly undergo lifelong learning8.
1.3Demonstrating the benefits of self-managed learning
Understanding self managed learning and its key merits and loopholes are extremely
important in order to utilise it effectively and just in the right way. From the personal point of
view understanding the advantages is important as it would help me to use self managed
learning in the best possible manner. The advantages are discussed below:
Decision making skills: One of the biggest advantages of this type of learning is its ability to
strengthen the decision making skills of the individual9. In every organisation and industry
professional decision making skills are important as it helps an individual to carry him or her
and self managed learning puts the individual in the right mindset to make decisions alone10.
Communication: Most of the individuals when new in the corporate world face problems
with communication. Communication is the thing that helps to establish an individual in the
organisation and hence it becomes pretty tough for the individual initially to understand the
mechanism of a corporate organisation. This is where self managed learning comes into the
picture. It helps the individual to become calm and composed and also helps the individual to
manage his or her attitude effectively11.
Self confidence is another advantage or qualities that come with self managed learning. It
becomes extremely important for an organisation to focus on getting employees who are high
with self confidence. Especially in a company like Sainsbury it becomes extremely important
to have employees who are strong and confident as it elevates the possibilities of efficient
8 Richard Riding, Cognitive Styles And Learning Strategies (Routledge 2016).
9 Christian Frederiksen, E. James Kehoe and Robert Wood, 'Effects Of Instructional Aids On The Acquisition Of
Dynamic Decision-Making Skills' (2011) 21 Learning and Instruction.
10 Tom Bourner, 'Developing Self-Managed Action Learning (SMAL)' (2011) 8 Action Learning: Research and
Practice.
11 Felicia A. Dixon and others, 'Differentiated Instruction, Professional Development, And Teacher Efficacy'
(2014) 37 Journal for the Education of the Gifted.

performance. With self managed learning individuals like me are infused with confidence and
hence helps to enhance the confidence which is likely to help in professional field to a large
extent. Hence to conclude it could be said that with self managed learning enhancement of
confidence, communication and decision making can be seen12.
4.1 Identification of Problems in work and its resolution
In corporate world there could be number of work based problems and as a responsible
employee it is important for me to understand these problems and find solutions to the work
based problems. Sainsbury is a big organisation and different functional departments are
engaged with their work. As an employee it is important that the problems are identified
properly and addressed effectively in order to ensure smooth running of the business. There
could be different work based problems in the organisation Sainsbury13. The organisation
works in a competitive market and in the recent past the organisation has faced a major
problem of employee communication. In different organisational level the organisation has
faced to communicate properly which creates differences between the employees which is not
at all good for the organisation. This is one of the problems that need solution. As an
employee it is important to implement self managed learning and intervene to improve
organisational communication. There are several different methods through which
communication could be improved. Highlighting the key areas of action is important. As an
employee with self managed learning it is easier to point out the key areas of differences
which would help to improve communication. On the other hand developing a minimum
communication baseline is important to regularise the practice of communication to a large
extent. Initial assessment of problem area, benchmark setting is important. Another solution
to this could be to bring the target audience together and create an open forum that helps to
discuss the issues and accordingly bring solution to this. Showing an urge to change also
comes with self managed learning which is extremely effective to establish communication14.
4.2 Discussion of styles of learning for overcoming identifiable problems and its
appropriate communication in operational, tactical and strategic levels
It is important to communicate the issue that has been identified in this case which is
employee communication. In order to overcome this problem of communication it is
important to implement the visual and auditory learning styles which would help the
employees to understand the issues effectively listen to the solutions assiduously. In order to
12 Janet S. Coulter and Debra C. Faulkner, 'The Multigenerational Workforce' (2014) 19 Professional Case
Management.
13 Alan Floyd, '‘Turning Points’' (2011) 40 Educational Management Administration & Leadership.
14 Alan Pritchard, Ways Of Learning.

communicate it is the strategic level that is the upper management it is important to put it into
an e-mail which would help to make sure the information is properly communicated. On the
other hand the tactical level develops the strategy and hence visual and auditory learning
styles should be utilised to convey them the message by written message attached with a
presentation. Finally in the operational level it will be applied through visual, auditory and
kinesthetic style to eliminate the problem15.
4.3 Evaluation of strategies of time management and its use in efficient time
management
There are different strategies of managing time which are effective in utilizing time to its
fullest potential. The strategy of Swiss Cheese Time Management is an efficient approach
that assists in dividing a large assignment into smaller divisions much like the cheese in the
Swiss cheese where as the holes increase the cheese disappear completely, similarly
addressing the smaller divisions left the big task complete like the cheese holes. Having a
dynamic task list is also good strategy to manage time properly. Using memos to focus on
doing the right work at the right time is also effective. For me the task list works pretty fine
as it helps to keep a track of time as well as its allotment and hence allows to work according
to time leading to effective management of time16.
Task 2
2.1 Assessment of current professional competencies and skills for achieving objectives
of the organisation
My current skills involve communication skills, time management skills, leadership skills. I
am able to manage, plan and implement actions which are effective for my present work. As
an employee I am focused on customer service but it largely helps to improve the do the work
as well as support people who are not able to control pressure. The skills of communication
assist me to interact effectively and achieve organisational objective of satisfying
consumers17. (see annexure 2.1)
2.2 Identification of professional and personal developmental needs
No individual is perfect and there is always room for improvement and working in a
company like Sainsbury it becomes important to assess future needs. Firstly for future I
would require motivational skills which are important to manage people as well as to keep
15 Doug Rohrer and Harold Pashler, 'Learning Styles: Where’S The Evidence?' (2012) 46 Medical Education.
16 Ann Shelby Harris, Examining And Facilitating Reflection To Improve Professional Practice (Rowman &
Littlefield Publishers 2010).
17 Brian Findsen and Marvin Formosa, Lifelong Learning In Later Life (Sense Publ 2012).

myself growing. If motivation is less no one can go ahead. It is also important for me to
assess my technical skills as it is important to manage computers and devices effectively.
Interpersonal skills are also needed18. (see Annexure 2.2)
2.3 Identify the development opportunities required to meet both the current and future
needs
The current and future needs of the individual could be met through SMART objectives
which mean the individual should have specific, measureable, achievable, and reliable and
time bound objectives which would help the individual to constantly work on the
competencies and skills which are important to meet the current and future needs of the
individual.
2.4 Professional and Personal Plan development
The personal and professional development is as follows.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Specific
Objective Measurement Attainable Relevance Time
Frame
Achieved
? Y/N
To complete a
retail course
online crash
course on
retail
Yes. To work in the
retail industry
6 months pursuing
To acquire
leadership skills
completely.
Leadership
articles,
following
organisational
leaders
Yes Important to work
in retail
Short term.
One year
ongoing
Analytical skills Constant
analysis of
problems
Yes, Important to meet
issues.
Short term.
Six months
to one year.
Not yet
started.
Time
management
skills
Time
management
is important to
provide
effective
Yes, with
experience
and practical
implementati
ons
Supports my focus
to become a retail
employee
6months
from now.
Ongoing.
18 Peter Hudson, 'Mentoring As Professional Development: ‘Growth For Both’ Mentor And Mentee' (2013) 39
Professional Development in Education.

service to the
consumers.
3.1 Essential actions for implementation of the plan of development
In order to implement the plan of development it is important to have motivation which is
important to keep me going. Self managed learning is also important as it would help to make
sure confidence is high and decision making is effective. To work in a competitive
environment like Sainsbury it is important to gain knowledge and hence for that having
motivation and urge to learn is important19. (see table in Annexure 3.1)
3.2 Documentation of Planned activities
Documenting and planning the activities is vital to have personal and professional
development. In order to be synchronised with the steps it is important to document each and
every strategy properly for implementing the developmental activities. It is important the
actions are filed and recorded. Efficient maintaining of the various activities of development
will assist in working on the diverse aspects of the professional career and will help to take
advantage from such activities of developmental nature20. The plan of Developmental
activities is given in the form of a table in Annexure 3.2.
3.3 Critical reflection of own learning against objectives and aims of PDP
It is important to understand the personal qualities so that they can be properly compared
with output which would help to understand whether I am moving with the original
objectives and aims set in the PDP. As compared to my previous skills what I feel is I have
been able to manage number of key skills like leadership skills and time management skills,
analytical skills which would help me to achieve the long term goals21.
3.4 Developmental Plan Evaluation
As per the feedback it could be said that the managers are happy with me and they say that I
have to focus more on communication even though I am doing good it will enhance my
leadership quality and overall communication and hence my focus is to work on
communication which would help me to become a successful leader in retail22. (see table in
Annexure 3.4)
19 Sheila Harri-Augstein and Laurie Thomas, Learning Conversations (BookBaby 2013).
20 Douglas B Reeves, Transforming Professional Development Into Student Results (ASCD 2010).
21 Louise Starkey, Teaching And Learning In The Digital Age (Routledge 2012).
22 Robert J Sternberg and Li-fang Zhang, Perspectives On Thinking, Learning, And Cognitive Styles (Taylor and
Francis 2014).

Conclusion
In the professional context self managed learning is extremely important as it helps the
employees to go up the corporate ladder and on the other hand in personal space it helps an
individual to manage the personal life effectively. An organisation invests on an employee in
order to get service from him or her and hence it is important that employees constantly learn
while they work. The present study has discussed self managed learning and personal and
professional development elaborately.
References
Bjork R, Dunlosky J and Kornell N, 'Self-Regulated Learning: Beliefs, Techniques, And
Illusions' (2013) 64 Annual Review of Psychology
BOUD D, ENHANCING LEARNING THROUGH SELF-ASSESSMENT (TAYLOR &
FRANCIS 2016)
Bourner T, 'Developing Self-Managed Action Learning (SMAL)' (2011) 8 Action Learning:
Research and Practice
Coulter J and Faulkner D, 'The Multigenerational Workforce' (2014) 19 Professional Case
Management
Dixon F and others, 'Differentiated Instruction, Professional Development, And Teacher
Efficacy' (2014) 37 Journal for the Education of the Gifted
Findsen B and Formosa M, Lifelong Learning In Later Life (Sense Publ 2012)
Floyd A, '‘Turning Points’' (2011) 40 Educational Management Administration & Leadership
Frederiksen C, Kehoe E and Wood R, 'Effects Of Instructional Aids On The Acquisition Of
Dynamic Decision-Making Skills' (2011) 21 Learning and Instruction
Harri-Augstein S and Thomas L, Learning Conversations (BookBaby 2013)
Harris A, Examining And Facilitating Reflection To Improve Professional Practice (Rowman
& Littlefield Publishers 2010)
Hudson P, 'Mentoring As Professional Development: ‘Growth For Both’ Mentor And
Mentee' (2013) 39 Professional Development in Education

Pritchard A, Ways Of Learning
Purichia H, 'Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach' (2014) 9 Interdisciplinary
Journal of Problem-Based Learning
Reeves D, Transforming Professional Development Into Student Results (ASCD 2010)
Riding R, Cognitive Styles And Learning Strategies (Routledge 2016)
Rohrer D and Pashler H, 'Learning Styles: Where’S The Evidence?' (2012) 46 Medical
Education
Schunk D and Zimmerman B, Self-Regulated Learning And Academic Achievement : Theory,
Research, And Practice (Springer-Verlag 1989)
Starkey L, Teaching And Learning In The Digital Age (Routledge 2012)
Sternberg R and Zhang L, Perspectives On Thinking, Learning, And Cognitive Styles (Taylor
and Francis 2014)
Trede F, Macklin R and Bridges D, 'Professional Identity Development: A Review Of The
Higher Education Literature' (2012) 37 Studies in Higher Education
Annexure
2.1Preparationof a CV
Curriculum Vitae
Name:

Email:
Mobile:
Confident and articulate individual with commended ability to work with others to achieve
set outcomes. Looking for employment that will help to enhance my skills personally and
professionally.
Key skills include:
 Customer service
 Problem solving
 Team work
 Task allocation
 Supervision
 Records management
 Transaction
processing
 Time management
skills
 Communication skills
 Leadership skills
Technical Skills: Microsoft Word ~ Microsoft Excel ~ Microsoft Outlook ~Internet
EDUCATION
HND Business Level-5 from Regent College
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Running Head: Personal and Professional Development
 Verbal Communication
 Commitment & Dedication.
 Collaborative Team Member
 Reliable
 Honest
STUDENT WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS
Fresher
Declaration:
I hereby declare that all the information presented above is true to my knowledge. Any deviation
in the information provided is clearly unfortunate and unintentional.
Date:
Signature:
2.2 Inventory of Needs and Required Activities
Inventory of Needs Required Activities
Acquisition of leadership skills Following the literature of leaders in action and
taking up opportunity to work in practical
business scenarios.
Acquisition of analytical skills By continuously assessing the problems and
issues faced in workplace and personal sphere.
Acquisition of Time management skills By making effective customer service
provisions within the allotted time frame and
gaining experience of completing time bound
activities in the practical time scenarios.
Student ID 14

Running Head: Personal and Professional Development
3.1 Actions for implementation of the plan of development
Areas of Development Actions for implementation
Learning the latest
technology pertaining to
human resource
management
Reading Books, attending
training sessions, working
and resolving queries
from a software company
Excellent Communication
Skills
1. Reading Vocabulary
books, novels and high
English magazines.
2. Practicing by speaking
all time in English
Team Work
1. Working in Groups.
2. Understanding and
supporting each other.
Self-Management
By taking my own works
and not delegating them
to others
Time Management By prioritizing the tasks.
Presentation Skills
By making and giving
presentations to the public
often on all subjects
3.2 Documentation of Planned Developmental Activities
Developmental Activity Strategy for monitoring and control
Creating daily To-Do List Discussion on weekly basis for the jotting of
the To-Do list.
Participating in Training Program Monitoring the preparation that I do to attend
the program
Student ID 15

Running Head: Personal and Professional Development
Development of Time management and
strategy table
What has been done in this regard on weekly
basis
3.4 Reflection of Own learning against Set objectives
Set Objectives Own Learning
Acquisition of leadership skills Skills of leadership is important to keep the
team motivated at all times and so that the
targeted goals can be achieved with ease.
Delegation of responsibilities to the right team
members helps in completion of the task
effectively and in time since each team
member works to their own strength to fulfill
the common objective.
Acquisition of analytical skills It has helped me in assessing and confronting
issues in an efficient way by identifying the
source and working through all stages of the
process to eliminate it from the system.
Acquisition of Time management skills Through management of time in an effective
manner I have understood the significance of
accomplishing tasks within deadlines which
has helped me in dividing time most
judiciously between my professional and
personal commitments. The effectiveness of
time management has also made me realize
that through completion of activities within
allotted time frame costs involved in the
process can be reduced to a great extent.
Student ID 16

Running Head: Personal and Professional Development
Student ID 17