Understanding Self and Others: A Reflective Personal Development Plan

This reflective journal examines the development of four core skills: time management, teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, and research and information finding. Using tools like past academic reports, the Johari Window, and peer feedback, the author assesses their strengths and weaknesses in each area. The journal concludes with an action plan outlining strategies for improvement.

Understanding Self and Others
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Executive Summary
A reflective have been provided in order to assess and evaluate the potency and
areas of improvements concerning the four core skills namely, time management,
team work, giving and receiving feedbacks and research and information
finding. In order to assess the above mentioned skills I have made use of a number
of tools, that is, ‘Past Academic Reports’, ‘Johari Window’ and ‘Feedback from
the peers’. The result of the evaluation is that I have reasonably good time
management skills, and giving and receiving feedback skills. Furthermore, I have
prepared an action plan in order to perform the intended tasks appropriately.
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Table of Content
Introduction...................................................................................................................4
Reflective Personal Development Plan Journal...........................................................5
Summary and Action Plan..........................................................................................12
Conclusion..................................................................................................................14
Reference list..............................................................................................................15
Appendix.....................................................................................................................16
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Introduction
The process of building an action plan depending on values, awareness, reflection,
planning and goal setting intended for personal development in the perspective of a
relationship, career, education and self-development is referred to as ‘personal
development planning’. In this assignment, I will provide a reflective journal in
order to verify the development of my potency and limitations. ‘Time management’,
‘team work’, ‘giving and receiving feedbacks’ and ‘research and information
finding’, are the four core skills that have been considered in this context.
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Reflective Personal Development Plan Journal
A number of tools such as, ‘Past Academic Reports’, ‘Johari Window’ and
‘Feedback from the peers’ has been used in order to examine the four selected
core skills, time management, team work, giving and receiving feedbacks and
research and information finding.
1. Time Management
What is the core skill to develop?
‘Time management’ skill is the process of planning and organizing the time
between specific actions. Proper time management will allow me to function
effectively in a lesser time. Failing to manage my time will result in decrease of
efficiency and will further cause pressure and anxiety.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use
relevant theories and concepts to support your answer)
Time management will help me in developing my professional standing. In addition, it
will facilitate in improving my efficiency and productivity. It will cause less stress
and amplify openings for advancement. Time management also creates better
opportunities to achieve significant career and life goals. Failing at managing
time will lead to incompetent workflow. If the time is not managed in an appropriate
manner, it will result in missing deadlines. Furthermore, improper time
management will lead to poor quality work, thus resulting in a poor professional
standing. As a result, it will increase the stress and anxiety level at the workplace
(Kirillov et al, 2015).
Time management being one of the significant factors in the present scenario has
persuaded me to opt for reflecting on this core skill. Spending a little amount of time
on developing this skill and studying about time management methods will provide
me with immense benefits at present and in future. I have assessed my competence
concerning this skill with the help of the Time Quadrants theory.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess
your competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers
and your tutor, plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and
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behaviours to answer this question)
In order to examine my proficiency and ability in context to time management, I have
considered the three key tools, that is, ‘Past Academic Reports’, ‘Johari Window’
and ‘Peer to Peer Feedback’. After complete self-assessment, I have
comprehended a number of factors concerning my time management skills. I can
effectively manage, plan and organise time in order to finish a work before deadline.
I am a responsible individual, therefore I at all times; ensure that the tasks that are
assigned to me are completed on time. Furthermore, with the help of the feedbacks
from my peers and colleagues I have understood that my time management skills
are up to the mark. According to my peers or team members, I always thrive to
complete the task within the given period. In addition, based on my past academic
experience it is quite visible that I have always submitted my assignment and
projects within the given time and also finished all the daily class activities according
to the planned timetable. All the above discussion reveals that I can effective
manage my time for successfully completing a task.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is
there a match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
The above-mentioned tools have assisted me in understanding my time
management ability from the viewpoint of my colleagues and peers, individuals
related to my past academic institutions. In addition, the tools have helped me in
getting a clear vision of my time management skills. There were no contradictions
experiences in the viewpoints of the different individuals involved in the entire
assessing process.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your
argument)
Assessing this skill helped me in understanding and enhancing my time
management skills. As a result, I am now capable enough of applying for a number
of job interviews. It has increased my ability to build my work efficiency, and become
more responsible towards the tasks that I perform.
2. Team Work
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What is the core skill to develop?
‘Teamwork’ refers to the procedure of working collectively with a set of individuals to
achieve an organizational objective or goal. It is a significant part of an organization
because it is important for the employees to work together for successfully fulfilling
the targets of the company. In other words, teamwork is the effort of working
mutually, regardless of any personal disagreement between individuals (Ghaferi and
Dimick, 2016).
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use
relevant theories and concepts to support your answer)
Team is important as it helps in building a mutual bond between individuals. It
further improves communication skills and creates a supportive nature amongst the
individuals working together in an organization. The individual member of the team
generally come from different backgrounds and therefore helps in generating new
ideas. This core skill is further helpful in generating feedbacks, increasing the
effectiveness of the individuals, generating further learning opportunities.
I have opted to reflect upon teamwork skill of mine because it is essential to possess
good teamwork skill in order to work efficiently within an organization. An efficient
team has the ability to increase efficiency of accepting tasks that are even more
difficult. Facilitating open discussion and cooperation among the team members
helps in improving the communication and maximizing the output by influencing the
potency of the individuals, providing occasions for personal development and acts as
a support mechanism for the employees of the organization. I have assessed my
competence concerning this skill with the help of the Belbin’s theory.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess
your competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers
and your tutor, plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and
behaviours to answer this question)
In order to assess my ability and competence of teamwork, I have considered three
main tools, namely, Johari window, feedback from peers, and my past academic
reports. The tools have assisted me in assessing my teamwork skills from the
viewpoint of my team members and me. It has further helped me in comprehending
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my teamwork skills from my past academic records. Based on the feedbacks
obtained from my colleagues, it is apparent that I am reasonably good as a team
member. According to them, I am supportive, sensible, confident, composed, and
creative as a team member. In addition, after my self-assessment I can consider my
teamwork skills to be good, as I possess a number of qualities that an efficient team
member requires, to be exact, observant, and assertive and organised. However,
according to my past academic reports it can be said that I lack quite a number of
qualities, which are imperative in team working. For instance, my past academic
reports state that I am not very cooperative when it comes to listening to others. This
can definitely have an unconstructive impact on my teamwork skills.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is
there a match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
In this context, a number of contradictive feedbacks have been received. For
instance, my colleagues or team members has provided me with positive feedbacks
concerning my teamwork skills. In addition, according to my personal assessment I
have found myself to be an effective team member. However, my past academic
records contradict with the other analysing tools and illustrate scope of improvement
in the above-mentioned core skill.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your
argument)
Teamwork will help me in improving my cooperative nature and teach me to be more
patient while listening to other. Furthermore, it will provide me with opportunities to
learn new things from the other team members and generate new and improved
ideas.
3. Giving and Receiving Feedbacks
What is the core skill to develop?
‘Giving and receiving feedbacks’ is an important skill that needs to be developed
in order to maintain a proper communication process within an organization. It is an
important factor that is required in order to maintain a smooth and effective working
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environment.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use
relevant theories and concepts to support your answer)
Feedback is the most influential, however, the least used management tool. It is
influential and commanding as it assists individuals get back on track, it doles out as
a medium to help individuals to identify how they as well as others recognize their
performance. Feedbacks can also prove to be motivating for the employees of the
organization (Catalano, 2016).
I have opted to reflect upon giving and receiving feedback skills for the reason that It
has a strong connection with the employee contentment and productivity of an
organization. Individuals prefer to consider being involved and recognized with their
company. Feedback can facilitate in achieving that state. In addition, feedbacks can
help me find answers to a number of queries, such as, my performance track, my
role in an organization, how I influence others in the organization, and so forth.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess
your competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers
and your tutor, plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and
behaviours to answer this question)
In order to assess my ability and competence of teamwork, I have considered the
tools, namely, Johari window, and feedback from peers. From my personal
evaluation, I am quite efficient in receiving and giving feedbacks. I have discovered
that, unlike others I do not hesitate or feel discomfort in receiving or giving feedbacks
or criticism. Furthermore, according to my peers and other employees in the
organization I positively receive both negative and positive feedbacks from other and
at the same time do not hesitate in giving relevant feedbacks to others.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is
there a match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
No contradictions have been experienced in this context. Both self-evaluation and
feedbacks from my peers and colleagues illustrates that my skills of giving and
receiving feedbacks are good and that I always have a positive approach towards
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the feedbacks or criticisms i receive.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your
argument)
Giving and receiving feedbacks will help me to maximise my potency at different
levels of my career. In addition, it will raise awareness concerning my strengths and
weaknesses, thus providing openings for improvements. The communication
process becomes more effectual when the feedback is applied.
4. Researching and Information Finding
What is the core skill to develop?
‘Researching and information finding’ is an imperative skill that is necessary for
the development and growth of an individual as well as an organization as a whole. It
helps in enhancing ones knowledge and understanding and improves one’s skills
and abilities. It is one of the significant skills that need to be developed in order to
improve the other core skills.
Why is this core skill important? Why did I select this skill to reflect on? (use
relevant theories and concepts to support your answer)
Research and information findings are necessary not just for the academics or
students, but also for all professionals. It is important for individuals to maintain a
permanent practice of researching and finding information concerning current and
imperative topics in order to keep them updated with the growing world (Kulkarni et
al, 2015).
I have opted reflection upon researching and information finding skills because it
help me expand my knowledge and understanding over a wide range of subjects.
This will further benefit me, as I will be able to apply this knowledge and acquired
information in my workplace. As a result, i will be able to improve my position and
worth in my workplace.
Reflect on your current competent regarding this skill. How did you assess
your competence? (use your self-assessment findings, feedback from peers
and your tutor, plus your own reflections on your thoughts, feelings and
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behaviours to answer this question)
In order to examine my potency and ability in research and information finding skill I
have considered two main tools, namely, feedback from peers and past academic
records. As per the feedbacks that I have received from my colleagues and senior
managers, I have comprehended that I do not possess proper research and
information finding skills. According to them, I am not properly up-to -date with the
current and important topics that are necessary for contributing effectively towards
the organizational objectives and goals. Besides, based on my past academic
records I have realized that I was not fully dedicated towards proper research and
finding information while working on my class assignment. I would give less attention
and allocate less time for research work while completing an assignment.
Can you identify any contradictions from your analysis above? For example, is
there a match between how you see yourself and how others see you, or not?
No, there have been no contradictions in both the analysing processes. Based on
both the assessment it is quite visible that I require to work on my research and
information finding skills.
How might this skill help me in the future? (use references to support your
argument)
Research and information findings will help me in expanding my knowledge and
skills on the different subjects. Furthermore, it will help me in shaping my future
career and life in a better and improved manner.
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Summary and Action Plan
Analysis of my skills
By implementing the tools of assessment, namely, feedbacks from peers, past
academic records and Johari window I have been able to comprehend and
analyse my ability and potency concerning the four core skills, that is, time
management, teamwork, giving and receiving information, and research and
information finding. The entire self-evaluation process has helped me in assessing
and identifying my area of potency as well as areas for development and
improvement. The reflection has further facilitated me to comprehend the importance
and significance of time management, teamwork, and so forth, in an organization.
The above evaluation has illustrated that I possess good time management skills
and successfully complete the tasks given to me within the scheduled time. In
addition, from the above reflection i have found that my ability of giving and receiving
criticism and feedback is reasonably strong. Based on the feedbacks obtained from
my colleagues I have comprehended that I can without any difficulty or hesitation can
give or receive criticism and feedback. However, my teamwork, and research and
information finding skills lack a number of factors that I need to work on. As per the
evaluation, I need to work on improving my ability to be more cooperative towards
my team and patiently listen to what the other team member are saying concerning
the task. Besides, I require improving my concentration and persistence level as I am
very impatient and therefore, not being able to dedicate much time on research and
information finding. This can have a negative impact on my growth and development
process.
Action Plan
A comprehensive plan delineating the actions that are required to achieve one or a
number of objectives and goals is referred to as an action plan (Schreiber, 2015). It
is necessary to build an action plan for properly execute the actions that has been
intended. The main advantage of an action plan is that it an individual or a group of
individuals to assess and examine their development and growth in both personal
and professional level. In addition, an action plan helps an individual in completing
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each task systematically, thus letting them handle the task effectively. Based on the
above evaluation the following action plan has been built:
Objectives Tasks Success
criterion
Scheduled
time
Resources
To develop
my
cooperative
skills
take part in
training sessions
and seminars
carry out
individual
coursework
take part in
training sessions
concerning
cooperative skills
study the course
works in details
Feedback
from peers,
other
colleagues,
and
individuals
related to
the
academic
institutions
2 months Individual
coursework
To develop
my
persistence
and
endurance
skills
Take part in group
assignments in
colleges
Allow others to
give suggestions
Attend seminars
on team work
Feedback
from peers
2 months Team
coursework
To enhance
my research
skills
Take part in group
assignments in
colleges
Allow others to
give suggestions
Feedback
from peers
and
colleagues
2 months Team
coursework
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Conclusion
In the above assignment, an evaluation of my ability and aptitude concerning the four
core skills, namely, time management, teamwork, giving and receiving feedbacks
and research and information finding have been provided. Furthermore, my
strengths and weaknesses have been emphasized on. Finally, an action plan has
been built in order to appropriately carry out the actions that have been planned.
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Reference list
Catalano, E.M., 2016. Giving and Receiving Feedback. In Management and
Leadership Skills for Medical Faculty (pp. 23-29). Springer, Cham.
Ghaferi, A.A. and Dimick, J.B., 2016. Importance of teamwork, communication and
culture on failure‐to‐rescue in the elderly. British Journal of Surgery, 103(2).
Kirillov, A.V., Tanatova, D.K., Vinichenko, M.V. and Makushkin, S.A., 2015. Theory
and practice of time-management in education. Asian Social Science, 11(19), p.193.
Kulkarni, C., Wei, K.P., Le, H., Chia, D., Papadopoulos, K., Cheng, J., Koller, D. and
Klemmer, S.R., 2015. Peer and self assessment in massive online classes.
In Design thinking research (pp. 131-168). Springer, Cham.
Schreiber, S., 2015. Report on common interests for joint activities and action plan.
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Appendix
Johari Window
Things I know Things I don’t know
Things they know about
me
Assertive
Confident
Controlled
Dependable
Disciplined
Insistent
logical
Organized
Rational
Reasonable
Responsible
self-assured
Uncooperative
Well- organised
Companionable
Constant
Contented
Demanding
Dependable
Dominating
Influential
Obstinate
Persistent
Powerful
Realistic
Reliable
Trustworthy
Things they don’t know
about me
Attentive
Considerate
Defensive
Inquiring
Insightful
Understanding
Ambitious
Competent
Creative
Cynical
Determined
Experienced
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Imaginative
Stressed
Past Academic Reports Colleagues
Apart from self-evaluation, I also considered my past academic reports in order to
identify my flaws that were pointed out by the professors, tutors and other individuals
related to my academic institution. Depending on the ranks and remarks that i have
acquired during my academic session, I have found put that I regularly completed
the assignments and tasks that were given to me within the scheduled period.
However, the remarks and reports also illustrated that I must to enhance and
improve my teamwork skills, as I am uncooperative and impatient when it comes to
working with a team. In addition, I need to increase my concentration level and
increase my research skill, as I do not devote much time in the research and
information finding process. This will not allow me to expand and grow my
knowledge, as gaining information on the current and important subject is imperative
in order to successfully expand future growth and development of an individual.
Feedback from the Peers
In order to comprehend and assess my strengths and areas of improvement, I
looked for advice from my colleagues, and other associates with whom I work on
different tasks and assignment on a regular basis. This entire evaluation process
was conducted in order to gather information and knowledge concerning their point
of view towards my involvement in the teamwork, my personal approach and
performance, my principles and thoughts, and the skills and abilities that are absent
in me and assessment of my behavior as per them. The feedbacks that have been
obtained not only assisted me to distinguish and identify myself from the observation
of diverse individualities but also exposed me to the different features and
distinctiveness. As per the opinion of my colleagues and other associates, I am
particularly a welcoming personality with admirable communication skills, and good
understanding. Therefore, I can = get along with diverse individualities with simplicity
and self-confidence. In addition, one more feature pointed out by my peers was that
my management skills and sensible advancement towards certain situations are
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commendable. On the other hand, my uncooperative and extreme impatient nature
is a matter of apprehension, owing to which I an used to taking impulsive decisions
at times. My colleagues and senior managers defined me as an extremely controlled,
considerate, dependable employee who at some point in deficient in skill of
cooperation, patience and research skills. As a result, I repeatedly pay no attention
to the information given b the other team members and get the wrong impression
regarding it. Therefore, in order to work effectively with the other team members I
require building up the above-mentioned skills.
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