Improving Analytical, Communication and Leadership Skills

To improve communication skills, the plan involves conducting research, searching courses and training sessions, searching books and research papers, and documenting activities. The long-term objectives are to improve verbal and written communication skills, skills for working with others, and decision-making skills. The short-term objectives include researching communication, critical analysis, and leadership skills, participating in online courses and training sessions, and using an online library. The plan also involves reflecting critically on own learning and updating the development plan based on feedback and evaluation.

Personal and Professional
Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
introduction......................................................................................................................................1
task 1................................................................................................................................................1
(a) Evaluation of the self-managed learning and different learning styles and their benefits for
individuals and organizations......................................................................................................1
(b) Identification of learning and development method and recommendation for others and
encouragement for lifelong learning in personal and professional context.................................3
(c) Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and to the organization.........................5
(d) Selection of solutions to work based problem.......................................................................5
(e) Communication in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels...................6
(f) Evaluation and use effective time management strategies.....................................................7
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................7
(a) Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives and CV................................................................................................7
(b) Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them..............9
(c) Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.......10
(d) Personal and professional development plan based on identified needs.............................10
(e) Discussion of long term and short term objectives with the processes and activities required
to implement the development plan...........................................................................................12
(f) Undertake and documentation of development activities as planned..................................12
(g) Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan.......................................................................................................................13
(h) Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation........................................14
conclusion......................................................................................................................................14
references.......................................................................................................................................15

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: VARK model of learning style........................................................................................2
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Needs and opportunities..................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Every organization focuses on the personal and professional development of employees.
It helps in improving their own individual as well as organizational performance of the company.
The current research report is based on personal and professional development of individuals
(Fitzgerald and et.al, 2009). Regarding this, it describes the importance of self-managed learning
and its importance for lifelong development. In addition, research includes different ways by
which an individual can take responsibility for their own personal and professional development.
Along with this, current study includes different techniques by which an individual can measure
the performance of own development. Further research report will include demonstration of
acquired interpersonal and transferable skills.
TASK 1
(a) Evaluation of the self-managed learning and different learning styles and their benefits for
individuals and organizations
Self-managed learning:
It can be defined as a research and time based approach which helps in improving own
professional and personal development of an individual (Koprowska, 2010). There are different
methods by which I can manage my own learning which are described as under:
 Seminar and conferences: I can improve my learning capabilities by attending different
seminars and conferences on different subjects and topics which arrange by different
educational institutes and corporate businesses. These helps in improving my skills as
well as also help in exchanging my views with others (Petroni, 2000).
 Internet: I can get new information through the internet because internet includes all the
information which will help in increasing my knowledge on instant basis. Along with
this, I can get new information about any company and subject very easily. Therefore,
internet is also one of the best option for self-managed learning.
 Mentoring: it is also one of the important method of self-learning because it increases the
knowledge and understanding of all those subjects and topics which I have read earlier. It
increases the effective for different learning skills (Reed, 2011).
 Social networks: At the current scenario, social media networks is also one of the best
tool for self-learning. Using this tool I can join different groups of learning on different
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subjects and skills. It will help me in augmenting my capabilities as well as social
networks will play important role in improving my communication skills.
 Learning through research: Using this tool I can search appropriate information about
any new topic and subject which will help in improving my skills and capabilities in that
particular area. Internet research is effective for learning (Vincent, 2001).
Learning styles using VARK model by Neil Fleming:
Everyone chooses their own way to learn new things and information which is known as
their own learning styles. There are different models which shows distinct learning styles (Rose,
2008). In which, VARK model has introduced different learning styles which are described as
under:
Figure 1: VARK model of learning style
 Visual: It is a sensory learning style in which I can learn new things by seeing. As per
this learning styles, graphics, display, diagrams, illustrations and videos are best sources
for increasing own learning and capabilities. In this learning style I can see and remember
all information as well as I can also use all these information in completing different
tasks (Jensen, 2013).
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Visual Auditory
Read and write Kinesthetic
VARK model of
learning style

 Auditory: It is also one of the important style of learning in which learner can learn by
hearing information. Lectures is one of the best tool of increasing learning capabilities by
hearing. It is beneficial for me because I can record the whole lecture and hear it again
and again for improving my skills (Ottewill, 2002).
 Reading/ Writing: It is also one of the important learning style by which I can learn new
things by read and write. Text books, online books and other display of words helps in
learning. It is beneficial for an individual because they can find text book on any subject
in very easy manner. Writing new information on papers helps in increasing learning
capabilities of individual. It is beneficial because it helps in increasing long term learning
of an individual (Parry, 2004).
 Kinesthetic: Touching and doing things and activities is also one of the best way of
learning. Most of the organizations uses this method for providing practical learning to
their employees. An individual can improve their self-learning by role play on any
subject which is also one of the tactile way of learning which helps in improving learning
capabilities in less time.
(b) Identification of learning and development method and recommendation for others and
encouragement for lifelong learning in personal and professional context
Identifying a learning method:
There are different ways by which I can identify learning and development methods for
my own personal and professional development.
 The aim of learning and skills sought: by determining my learning aim and objective I
can choose the best method for learning and development. For example if my aim of
learning is improving communication then role play and discussion on different subjects
will be best way for improving my communication skills. Along with this, by
determining my own needs and requirements of development I can chose appropriate
method for satisfying them in effective manner (Hillier, 2005).
 Feedback from others: It is also one of the important method in which I can collect
feedback from others which will help me in choosing right method for learning and
development. In feedback I can get information about those method which fulfill my
development needs.
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 Learning achievements and disappointment: By determining my own learning
achievements I can determine different methods which helps in maintaining these
achievement effectively. Along with this, I can also identify appropriate methods by
determining my learning disappointments (Hilderbrand, 2011). For example, if my
current learn in and development method do not help in increasing my leadership skills
then I can chose new learning and development methods for improving my skills and
capabilities of leading.
Therefore, all the above discussed methods are appropriate for determining learning and
development methods for me.
Recommendation to others for identifying suitable learning and development methods
Others can also use different tools and techniques for identifying suitable learning and
development methods. Some suggestions are described as under which can be used by others for
this purpose:
 Personal assessment of needs: Other can determining appropriate learning and
development methods by assessing personal needs of development. For example, any
individual who wants to determine new knowledge of health and social care development
then he/ she can use the research methods for increasing learning (Floyd, 2012). So,
determining needs and requirements of learners will be most appropriate learning and
development methods.
 Selection of best suitable learning style: Each personnel uses different style of learning
which helps in improving their own learning skills. So, as per the suitability of learning
style with their needs and requirements an individual can decide learning and
development method. For example, any individual who has blind but he needs to improve
its leadership skills in this case auditory is best style of learning and development.
Therefore, selection of suitable learning style is also one of the important method for
improving learning (Rennekamp and Nall, 2013).
 Formulating learning objectives and sources of learning: By formulating learning
objectives an individual can select appropriate learning and development method by
formulating learning objectives. It helps in choosing appropriate method of learning. For
example, learning objective of an individual is to increase knowledge on specific topic
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and subject them in this case they can chose similar and conferences on that particular
topic will be best source of learning (Leadbeater, 2000).
Different ways for encouraging lifelong learning:
Self-directed learning is one of the best way for encouraging lifelong learning because in
this method an individual takes initiative and responsibilities for different situation. Along with
this, individual needs to select, manage and asses own learning activities which help them in
motivating for lifelong learning. Along with this, linking higher education with industry is also
best method for increasing practical learning of an individual which helps in remembering all
skills for long time (Emmerik and et.al, 2012). Along with this, continuing professional
development and learning attitude also play important role in increasing skills and capabilities
for life long. Along with this, appropriate planning and organizing of learning methods and styles
also help in managing self-learning process for lifelong process.
(c) Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and to the organization
Benefits of self-managed learning for
individual:
Benefits of self-managed learning for
Organization:
 Increases skills and capabilities which
help in improving individual
performance.
 Personal and professional
development which increases career
opportunities.
 Augments self-esteem and confidence
 It helps in improving individual as
well as organizational performance
which play important role in attaining
goals and objectives of the company.
 Reduction in training and
development cost
 Augments profitability and reduces
expenses on learning programs
(Connelly, 2004).
(d) Selection of solutions to work based problem
Work based problem:
I was working as HR manger in Hilton hotel and during the time of working I have
realized that I was facing the work based problem related to the learning and development. I
realized that training and development program was not as effective by which I can improve my
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own learning capabilities. This work based problem affect my performance in negative manner.
For example, it has reduced my efficiency and overall performance which affect my performance
appraisal. This work based problem has raised due to the inappropriate trainer as well as
organization has not focused on determining the actual needs and requirements of development
of every individual. So, it has reduced the importance of training program because these sessions
have not helped in improving skills and capabilities of individuals (Cameron, 2006).
(e) Communication in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels
Learning styles to overcome the work based problem:
As per the above discussed work based problem I have followed appropriate learning
style which has helped me in increasing my skills and capabilities without any training session. I
have used self-managed learning style. I determined my own needs and requirements of
development and then I have decided that I have to attained workshops and seminars for
improving my skills and capabilities. Therefore, using these methods I have gained lots of new
knowledge and skills which helped me in improving my own development (Cardno, 2005).
Communication of solution at different level of organization:
I can use different methods of communication for communicating this solution at
different level of organization.
 Strategic level: I can use emails including a report on self-managed learning methods for
communicating the solution of work based problem. It is appropriate because it helps in
reducing cost as well as time. Along with this, it is a formal method of communication
which increases the value of information.
 Tactical level: for communicating at tactical level I can use the method of workshop or
meeting. In which I can verbally communicate the solution to all staff members. It helps
in improving communication as well as also help in maintaining effective relations with
others (Boaden, 2006).
 Operational level: Informal communication such as group discussion and lunch table
gossip can also be used as a method of communication for exchanging the information
about the solution of work based problem.
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(f) Evaluation and use effective time management strategies
Management of time is one of the important and crucial task for every individual in an
organization. There are different methods by which they can manage their time in effective
manner. These methods are described as under:
 Set goals: Clear objectives and goals helps in completing every task in effective manner
as well as also helps in removing confusion regarding different activities. Therefore, it
helps in attaining all objectives in decided time so, every individual needs to develop
specific goal and objectives for managing time (Blandford, 2012).
 Elimination of waste: Sometime wastage of time of different activities reduces time for
major tasks and activities which delay the whole project of the organization. So, every
individual needs try to reduce the wastage of time which will help in improving time
management.
 Prioritizing work: Deciding priority of each work also play important role in managing
time. It helps in reducing the repetition and elimination of different activities.
 Scheduling: It is also one of the important method for deciding schedule for each and
every activity is also one of the important tool for managing time for different activities.
It helps in estimating time for every activity (PPD, 2015).
 Maintaining an appointment diary: It helps in managing the time of each and very
appointment with others for different purpose. It helps in reducing the time of
unnecessary situation of conflicts in meeting of different person.
TASK 2
(a) Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organizational objectives and CV
There are different objectives and goals of an organization and for fulfilling these
objective I requires different skills and capabilities (Fitzgerald and et.al, 2009). Self-evaluation
has reflected my current skills and competencies which are described as under:
Current skills Competencies
 Effective time management skills
 Team work skills
 Organizational skills
 Competent in taking decision in
emergency situations.
 Leadership
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 Leadership skills  Problem solving attitude
 High motivation is also considered as
major competency of mine
CV:
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Alice Janefar
Mobile: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
Career Objective:
As a fresher I want to be succeeding in an environment of research area to seek challenging
responsibilities to proven my skills as well as apply my knowledge for career advancement as
successful achievements.
Key Skills
 Good problem solving skills
 Patience
 Discipline
Strengths
 Positive attitude
 Hard working
 Good interpersonal skills
 Good grasping power
Academic Qualifications
 BCA from Stanford University in 2008
 Masters in Market research from Delphi University in 2013
(b) Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them
 Enhancing analytical skills: Self-evaluation has reflected that I don’t have appropriate
skills to analyze different situations. So, I have to improve my analytical skills by using
different learning styles and methods. For example, I can use the self-managed learning
methods for improving my analytical skills, along with reading literatures and critical
analysis on different subjects (Emmerik and et.al, 2012). It will help in improving my
analytical skills in effective manner.
 Enhancing communication skills: My own evaluation has reflected that I am unable to
make communicate with different people. So, I have to enhance my own communication
skills by different methods. I can use role play, workshops and training and development
programs for improving my communication skills.
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 Enhancing leadership skills: As per the roles and responsibilities my leadership skills
are not enough to work in a team. So, I have to improve my leadership skills by different
methods such as team activities, mentoring, etc (Hilderbrand, 2011).
(c) Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
Table 1: Needs and opportunities
Current needs Future needs Opportunities
 Improvement in
analytical skills
 Improvement in
communication skills.
 Leadership skills
improvement
 Needs to improve
technical skills.
 Verbal
communication
 Self-evaluation skills
 Arrangement of
newspapers and books
 Different training and
development
programs and courses
on communication
 Reading case studies
on leaderships and
analysis (Koprowska,
2010).
 Seminars and
conferences for
attaining future needs
(d) Personal and professional development plan based on identified needs
Objectives Activities,
processes and
timescale
Progress Barriers
 To improve
long term
communicatio
n skills
 Reading
business
magazine
on daily
basis for
coming
 Increase
awareness of
corporate
world
 Selection of
suitable
magazine
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three
months
 Short term:
To improve
verbal and
written
communicatio
n
 Hearing
and seeing
video of a
good
speaker for
2 months
 Improvement
in verbal and
written
communicatio
n skills
 Accent issue
 Long term:
Improvement
in leadership
skills
 Reading
books on
leadership
in 3 months
 Improve
leadership
skills
 Misunderstandin
g between
different
leadership styles
and skills
 Short term:
To develop
skills for
working
together
 Participatio
n in team
activities
 Improvement
in team work
 Conflicts among
team members
 Long term: To
enhance
analytical
skills
 Reading
research
papers and
articles of
different
researchers
 Improvement
in critical
analysis
 Unclear topics
and research
papers
 Short term: to
improve
decision
making
capability
 Taking
parts in
decision
making
process
 Improvement
in sharing
ideas
 Facing problem
in taking instant
decisions
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(e) Discussion of long term and short term objectives with the processes and activities required
to implement the development plan
Long terms objectives:
 To improve analytical skills.
 To improve leadership skills.
 To improve communication skills.
Short term objectives:
 To improve verbal and written communication skills.
 To improve skills for working with others.
 To improve decision making skills (Petroni, 2000).
Activities which are required to implement development plan:
 I have to do research on communication, critical analysis and communication skills.
 I need to search different courses and training sessions on communication and leadership
skills development.
 I should have to search different books, research articles and papers on communication
and leadership (Hillier, 2005).
 I have to search appropriate option of training and development programs.
(f) Undertake and documentation of development activities as planned
Documentation of activities Date of completion
Research on communication, critical
analysis and communication skills:
 I have conducted research using
internet and different websites. At the
time of conducting investigation I
have gained new knowledge and skills
about communication, critical analysis
and leadership
2 February 2016
Search different courses and training 4 March 2016
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sessions on communication and leadership
skills development
 Online courses and training sessions
are best options for improving
communication and leadership skills. I
have participated two different
training programs on communication
and leadership (Ottewill, 2002).
Search different books, research articles
and papers on communication and
leadership
 I have used online library for
searching books, new articles and
research papers. Using these sources I
have increased my communication
and leadership skills effectively.
5th February 2016
(g) Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the development
plan
As per the above discussed long term and short term objectives of learning I have
followed different activities which have helped me in improving my skills and capabilities. But,
after completing all these activities I am unable to develop verbal communication with different
personnel. So, I have to improve my verbal communication skills again in coming three months.
Development plan has helped me in improving my analytical, communication and leadership
skills in effective manner (Reed, 2011). I has played important role in attaining long term and
short term goals in effective manner.
(h) Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation
Objectives Activities, processes
and timescale
Progress Barriers
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To improve verbal
communication skills
I have to take part in
group discussion and
have to use audio and
video presentation to
improve my verbal
communication
High efficiency in
making verbal
communication
Problem in finding
appropriate audio and
video
CONCLUSION
The current research report has concluded that self-managed learning methods and
learning styles are important for my own personal and professional development. I needs to
improve my communication, leadership and analytical skills. I have to use different methods for
improving all these skills such as workshop, seminars, training session, reading and writing, etc.
All these methods helped in improving my skills and capabilities in effective manner.
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