Personal and Professional Development: Creating a Development Plan

This report discusses the importance of personal and professional development and provides guidance on creating a development plan. It covers the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and emphasizes the need to set SMART goals. The report also focuses on improving skills such as communication, adaptability, leadership, and work ethics.

Personal and
professional
development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Creating a personal and professional development plan.............................................................1
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is one of the most crucial as well as important aspect as it
helps in achieving the goals of an individual that helps in long term growth and development of
that person and is also very beneficial in the long run as it makes the person more capable of
fulfilling the tasks (Abrol, 2017). This report covers various aspects such as an analysis of
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are based on my skill assessment that is
very critical in achieving the plans that are formulated by me for the long term. Apart from this
the report also covers various aspects such as Continuous Professional Personal Development
(CPPD) that possess a lot of importance in professional life as well as in general. Further the
report also covers various factors that are directly as well as indirectly related with the problems
that are faced by me while implementing this plan and a detailed and through examination and
evaluation is done on it so that it does not become a barrier in achieving the goals and objectives.
Also this report covers identification, analysis, and evaluation of the skills that I developed
during the course of action.
MAIN BODY
Creating a personal and professional development plan
Skill audit is a very important, critical, as well as crucial aspect as it helps in identifying,
analysing, and evaluating the skills that are required so as to perform a task in an effective as
well as in an efficient manner. I have done a skill audit of mine in detail that is explained in
detail below so as to measure and record the skills that I possess as well as lack in the current
scenario so that necessary improvements can be made accordingly.
Skill Good Average Weak
Communication ✔
Honesty ✔
Adaptability ✔
Leadership ✔

Critical thinking and
problem solving
✔
Work ethics ✔
Time management ✔
It is very important for each and every one to analyse all the aspects whether it is strength,
weakness, opportunity, or a threat and same happened with me as I analyse and evaluate all these
aspects so that I could formulate a best personal and professional development plan for me.
Detail explanation of all these factors are done below briefly-
Strengths- For a good plan evaluation of the strengths are necessary and so I did it and I found
that there are a number of plus points like I can communicate to different people easily and also I
am able to convey my point with full convection. Also I have immense faith and believe in
myself and it works as a tool of motivation and it helps me as I do not seek for outsider
motivation. Apart from this I have good problem solving ability and possess a good amount of
self-confidence too that is required in the long run (Avidov-Ungar and Herscu, 2020).
Weaknesses- As I evaluated myself I came to know that there are many weak points too that
I possess like there is a problem of adapting to dynamic situations that makes me feel limited up
to a certain level. Leadership qualities are one of the most important skills that I lack and it
affects both my personal as well as professional career. So I feel that there is an urgent need to
improve and acquire new skills so that I can stand well ahead of all the other competitors that are
prevail in the similar industry. Also I lack work ethics as I am not capable to take things
seriously that possess a lot of value and thus it is big problem of mine that has to be solved as
soon as possible because it affects me adversely in every situation. Apart from this I am also not
good in managing time in an effective as well as in an efficient manner that proves very harmful
for me in almost each and every situation as I am not able to do the required work within a
limited period of time and that affects both my professional as well as personal growth and
development.
Opportunities- There are various opportunities also available for me so that I can improve
various types of skills that are necessary as well as acquire the new set of skills that will prove

very beneficial in the long run. As there are various programs and workshops that helps
individual so that they can adapt to the changing environment by creating a familiar situations
like that. Further if I improve my leadership skills to it can act as a big opportunity for me as
there are many requirements of personnel’s with that king of quality and skills and it will also be
advantageous for the personal growth and development. If I am able to manage time in a precise
manner it could change the equations in my favour and as it is very important in the current
scenario as time is a very important aspect and it can act as a big opportunity for me in the long
run. Apart from this if I successfully improve my ethics in the work place it can change things
drastically in my favour as it is very essential skill that has to be possess by individuals (Brauer,
2019).
Threats- There are various types of threats also that are prevailing in the industry such as
changing environment, high level of competitiveness, change in technology as well as its up
gradation, etc. possess threats that has to be kept in mind as they have the potential to affect and
damage different aspects that are very important. Apart from that if I am not able to develop
necessary adaptability skills it can prove very harmful for me as it could lead to the downfall of
mine in the long run. Further if I am not able to acquire the skills that are required to lead a team
or organisation it can become a big threat for me so there is an urgent need to shift focus on these
aspects as they possess a lot of importance in personal and professional development plan. Also
if I am not able to improve time management skills it can prove very harmful for me in the
current as well as in the future scenario too. If I am also not able to acquire and improve my
current skills regarding work ethics it can be a big threat for me in the long run as it is very
important as well as crucial skill that is required for personal as well as professional growth and
development (Brown and Militello, 2016).
There are various types of SMART goals that means (Specific, Measurable, Attainable,
Relevant, and Time bound) goals that helped me a lot in identifying, analysing , and evaluating
different aspects that are very critical in personal and professional development plan and all these
are explained in detail below-
Skills Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time
bound
Honesty It is an This skill is The goal that The skill that The skill

important
aspect for
each and
every
individual
and for both
personal as
well as
professional
development
and growth
(Drude,
Maheu and
Hilty, 2019).
I want to
improve my
existing skill
of honesty
because after
a detailed
analysis and
evaluation I
came to a
conclusion
that I lack
some of the
major aspects
of this skill
that are very
crucial in the
long run. This
very important
to measure so
as to come to a
conclusion that
the goal is
achieved or not.
This skill is not
the one that can
be seen but it is
the one which
can be observed
as the time
passes and it is
very essential
for me to give a
considerable
amount of time
so that there
must be a
considerable
amount of
improvement in
my skill. I will
come to know if
this skill is
accomplished
or not by taking
feedback from
others and this
can drastically
change my
has been set
that is to
improve the
skill that is
related to
honesty is
very realistic
and attainable
as it can be
achieved in a
much lesser
time as one
thinks it takes.
Apart from
this there are
not many
constraints in
accomplishing
the task as it
can be
attained by
following
simple but
sensible and
significant
measures that
would help
me to attain
these skill in a
much
improved
I wish to
improve that
is honesty is
very relevant
as well as
crucial in the
current time
as all of the
organisations
nowadays
need
individuals
that are
honest
enough so
that they can
trust the
employee
thus resulting
in overall
growth and
profitability
(Gallo-Fox
and
Scantlebury,
2016). The
skill is very
relevant and
it is worth
spending
time on
that is
honesty
takes a
pretty long
time to
develop or
improve in
an
individual
but I guess I
can improve
it in a much
quicker time
as compared
to others
and
probably the
maximum
time taken
would be 3
months.

can prove
very
beneficial for
me as it is an
essential
requirement
that a person
must have.
personal as well
as professional
life in a positive
way.
manner than
that of current
scenario.
Further
suggestions of
the seniors
can be very
helpful for me
in improving
this skill.
improving it
as it can
prove very
beneficial in
the long run
and also it
possess a lot
of importance
in the society
too.
Adaptability It is one of
the most
important
skill that has
to be
possessed by
each and
every
individual
that wants
growth and
development
in both
personal as
well as in
professional
life. I lack in
this skill and
I strongly feel
that it is of
high value
The skill of
adaptability is
the one which
cannot be
measured but it
can be seen as
the time comes
because if one
is able to deal
with all the
changes of the
environment it
can be said that
the desired
target is
achieved. Thus
I will know the
skill has been
acquired
successfully if I
can deal with
Though this
skill is very
complicated
to achieve
because there
are many
factors that
has to be
considered in
mind so that
one does not
lack behind
others in this
skill. I think
that I can
acquire this
skill and that
too in an
effective and
efficient way
by using the
This skill that
is to adapt to
the changing
environment
is very
beneficial as
well as
essential at
the same time
in the current
scenario.
This skill is
highly
relevant with
the situations
that are
present in the
current
market as
there is need
for the
6 months

and thus there
is an urgent
need to
acquire this
skill. As the
environment
is dynamic in
nature and
one has to be
flexible
enough so as
to cope up
with every
situation that
arises and
because of all
these aspects
I thought to
accomplish
this skill with
pin point
perfection
(McGill,
Heikkila and
Lazarowicz,
2020).
all the aspects
of the changing
environment in
an appropriate
and precise
manner.
experience
and
suggestions of
the experts
and the
superiors and
with proper
guidance of
all of them I
can
successfully
accomplish it.
individuals
that can adapt
to the
changing
environment
in a precise
manner. I feel
that I am
capable
enough to
acquire this
skill in an
effective and
efficient
manner.
Leadership The skill of
leadership is
very
important in
the present
Since the skill
of leadership
cannot be
measured in
terms of
It is not an
easy task to
acquire this
skill as it
needs a lot of
The skill of
leadership is
of high
relevance in
the modern
2 months

time as each
firm needs an
individual
that can lead
their team so
as to achieve
various goals
and
objectives
that are
desirable by
the
organisation.
I think that
this skill is
very
important for
me in the
current as
well as for
the future too
and can prove
very
beneficial for
attaining
growth and
development.
as a person.
quantity but it
can be seen
from the
personality and
attitude of the
individual. I can
identify the
changes within
me that can be
signs of the
accomplishment
of the desired
goal and thus it
will be very
helpful in the
long run.
hard work and
various other
aspects to
skilfully
accomplish
the goal of
acquiring this
skill but I will
take proper
guidance from
my elders and
seniors and
with the help
of different
other things
like watching
and listening
to successful
leaders I think
I can possibly
acquire this
skill in an
appropriate
manner.
era as it is
required and
essential at
the same time
because of its
importance in
the long run.
It is also the
perfect time
for me to
gain this skill
and to
improve my
standards as
it will prove
to be a game
changer for
me in both
professional
as well as
personal
development
and growth.
Work ethics This skill is
very crucial
as it is a
This skill can
be measured as
it can be seen in
This skill is
considered to
be of little
The skill that
is of work
ethics is
4 months

determining
factor of
growth and
developments
because a
person with a
high level of
work ethics
has more
chances of
prosper as
compared to
the one with
no work
ethics. This
skill is very
important for
me I feel that
this skill has
potential to
take my
growth as an
individual to
new heights.
a person while
doing day to
day operations
of the business.
I will come to
know that I
have achieved it
if I feel that
there is a
significant
change in my
attitude towards
the wok (Mejia,
Wang and
Zhao, 2020).
value but
possess a lot
of importance.
Though there
are many
constraints
but I can
achieve this
skill but
taking proper
supervision
from others.
highly
relevant
especially in
the current
scenario and
it is a high
time for me
to grab this
opportunity
to acquire
this skill as it
is very
essential for
personal as
well as
professional
development
and growth.
Time
management
The skill of
time
management
is very
essential skill
in the current
scenario
This skill can
be measured in
time as the
name suggests
and if a person
has acquired
this skill then
This skill is
not very
complicated
and can be
achieved by
following
simple steps
Seeing the
current
scenario it is
the right as
well as high
time for me
to acquire
3 months

because time
is a valuable
source that
has to be
spend in a
proper
manner so as
to make full
use of it. This
skill is very
important for
me as it can
help me to
increase my
productivity
within a
limited period
of time and
thus resulting
in improved
growth and
development
in the long
run.
that individual
can do a lot of
work in a given
time period
without any
hassle. I will be
able to know if
I have achieved
this skill or not
in a quick time.
If I am able to
do much more
work in a
limited time and
I am able to
manage time
more
effectively then
it can be
understood that
I have achieved
my goal of
acquiring this
skill (Saghin,
LUCHEȘ and
Marici, 2016).
and I feel I
can achieve it
more quicker
as I have the
guidance of
experienced
people around
me that can
prove very
helpful.
this skill as it
is an essential
element that
an individual
must have.
Though I
have to put a
lot of efforts
in it but this
skill is worth
spending
time on as it
can lead to
growth and
development
in the long
run (Shavit
and Moshe,
2019).
Sills to be
development
Activities
Required for
Development
Duration Development
Monitoring
Approach
Assessment
of
Development
Evaluation
Honesty Moral values, 3 months Logical At an early By

straightforwardness framework
approach
stage analysing
deeply about
the works
that have
been done
Adaptability Change in thought
process, open
mindedness
(Staddon, 2017)
6 months Participatory
monitoring
and evaluation
After the
completion of
the task
By
evaluating
the
decisions
that have
been taken
to deal with
the changing
environment
Leadership Good
communication,
creativity
2 months Feedback
systems
After the
completion of
the task
By
evaluating
the
feedbacks of
others
Work ethics Punctuality,
professionalism
4 months Logical
framework
approach
(Thoroughman
and
O'Sullivan,
2016)
In between
the operations
of the
business and
day to day
activities
By
analysing
the
behaviour in
day to day
activities
Time
management
Planning, multi-
tasking (Varetska,
2017)
3 months Participatory
monitoring
and evaluation
At the end of
a task or at
the end of
day
Evaluating
and
analysing
after the end
of the

activity (van
Meerkerk,
2017)
There are many problems and challenges that I have faced to acquire and improve the
skills that are very important for me so as to develop and grow as an individual and in my
profession too. But preparing a personal and professional development plan has helped me a lot
to tackle all those challenges and to overcome them in a positive way. I did not have all the skills
that are necessary but after many failures and rounds of hard work that have paved the way for
me to acquire all those skills and thus it resulted in growth and development of mine (Yu, 2018).
CONCLUSION
Personal and professional development is a very crucial aspect as it carry the potential to
upgrade an individual’s growth and development while at the same time it can damage and
destruct the reputation and value of the person if it is not used in a correct and precise manner.
From the above it can be concluded that I as a person lack in many skills that are very necessary
in the current scenario and after a lot of hard work, discipline, and a combination of other factors
I am capable of acquiring all those skills that I am lacking in and thus proved very beneficial for
me in the long run.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
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teachers in different professional life periods. Professional Development in Education.
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in schools. Journal of educational administration.
Drude, K. P., Maheu, M. and Hilty, D. M., 2019. Continuing Professional Development:
Reflections on a Lifelong Learning Process. Psychiatric Clinics. 42(3). pp.447-461.
Gallo-Fox, J. and Scantlebury, K., 2016. Coteaching as professional development for
cooperating teachers. Teaching and Teacher Education. 60. pp.191-202.
McGill, C. M., Heikkila, M. and Lazarowicz, T., 2020. Professional development, performance
expectations and academic advisors’ perceptions of relational skills: a sequential
explanatory mixed methods study. New Horizons in Adult Education and Human
Resource Development. 32(4). pp.50-69.
Mejia, C., Wang, Y. and Zhao, X., 2020. The impact of personal and professional guanxi
relationships on leader–member exchange in the Chinese hotel industry. International
Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration. 21(1). pp.65-91.
Saghin, D., LUCHEȘ, D. and Marici, M., 2016. The Influence of Personal and Professional
Variables Upon the Nature of Immigration of Romanian Doctors to France: The
Moderating Effect of Gender. Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences. 12(49).
pp.132-149.
Shavit, P. and Moshe, A., 2019. The contribution of reflective thinking to the professional
development of pre-service teachers. Reflective Practice. 20(4). pp.548-561.
Staddon, S., 2017. Reflecting on personal and professional energy stories in energy demand
research. Energy research & social science. 31. pp.158-163.
Thoroughman, K. A. and O'Sullivan, J. A., 2016, October. High impact practices toward
personal and professional identity in introductory and advanced engineering seminar
courses. In 2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.
van Meerkerk, E., 2017. Teacher logbooks and professional development: A tool for assessing
transformative learning processes. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 16(1).
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Varetska, O., 2017. Personal and Professional Component of Primary School Teachers’ Social
Competence: its Development in Postgraduate Education.
Yu, W. M., 2018. Critical incidents as a reflective tool for professional development: An
experience with in-service teachers. Reflective Practice. 19(6). pp.763-776.