Developing Skills: A Personal and Professional Growth Plan

This report provides a detailed analysis of personal and professional development, focusing on self-managed learning approaches, lifelong learning encouragement, and the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and employers, using Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) as a case study. It includes an evaluation of current skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, identification of development needs, and the creation of a personal development plan. The report also discusses the implementation of the development plan, reflection on learning outcomes, and updates based on feedback. Furthermore, it addresses problem-solving, communication styles, and time management strategies, highlighting the interpersonal and transferable skills acquired. The document aims to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of personal and professional growth within a business context, offering insights into enhancing skills and achieving organizational goals.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1. Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning............................................................3
1.2. Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged..................................................................................................................................5
1.3. Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning.................................................................5
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................7
2.1. Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives.............................................................................................................7
2.2. Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them............9
2.3. Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.....10
2.4. Devising a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs..........10
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................11
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................11
3.1. Discussion of processes and activities required to implement the development plan......11
3.2. Undertake and document development activities as planned............................................11
3.3. Critical reflection on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan......................................................................................................................12
3.4. Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation......................................13
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................13
4.1. Selection of solutions to work based problems..................................................................13
4.2. Communication in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels...............14
4.3. Evaluation and use effective time management strategies.................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional Development can be defined as an element or practice, which
helps an individual in attaining both self and organisational goals and objectives. Including this,
it is also said that it has become vital for personnel to become much more effective and efficient
in nature, so that maximum benefits can easily be gained right on time (Gamrat and et. al., 2014).
Away with this, report is going to be enclosed with different elements like practical, personal
self-assessment and development, which will be covering proper understanding in regards to
how self-managed learning could effectively lead an individual to improve or enhance the
learning and lifelong development. Including this, assignment will also put light on number of
responsibilities that an individual carriers when it comes to developing the overall knowledge
and skills. Away with this, assessment will also cover implementation and continuous review
considering the professional and personal development plan, which will help individual in
attaining or grabbing a good position at a workstation in a short span. Lastly, assessment will
also be demonstrating the number of interpersonal along with transferable skills acquired by an
individual.
TASK 1
LO 1
1.1. Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning
Self managed learning are can be defined as a process, which helps an individual in
taking number of initiatives, so that he or she could effectively enhance the overall learning
process. Basically, it is said that self managed learning helps personnel to develop number of
clear goals, aims, objectives along with the targets as well, which helps them in developing a
much firm foundation at both personal and professional level. The reason behind executing a
personal and professional development plan is to improvise the existing skills and aid in attaining
or grabbing a good position within the workplace. Here, scenario which has been taken into
consideration is of a hospitality business organisation and i.e. Intercontinental Hotel Group.
Here, self-managed learning would directly be much more effective for the individual who is on
a job role of manager or willing to be a part of this group as a manager.
In present context, if it is talked about approaches in regards to self-managed learning
then there are various methods, which can be utilised and these are presented underneath:

 Online Communities: As digitalisation is continuously taking place of all the traditional
tools and mechanisms, it has also impacted on self-managed learning as well, where
individuals has started acquiring and taking into consideration of various online
communities. In present context, it can be said that there are several interactive virtual
conferences, that are continuously helping number of individuals within different sectors.
This approach is specifically efficient in delivering the number of advantages to
individuals where they can train themselves and perform the self analysis in much
effective and in efficient. Apart from this, online communities also carrying number of
drawbacks as well, that if personnel is not having a good internet connection, it will
directly hamper the learning process (Moss, Gibson and Dollarhide, 2014). Level Specific Training: This is being considered as an effective approach, which
consists of various training sessions, and these may lead the individual to enhance overall
skills and competencies in much effective and efficient manner. This could be understood
with a good example where, the individual is looking forward to become a manager.
Here, self learning training sessions considering a particular level, would directly deliver
number of advantages. Basically, self-managed learning effectively helps or allows
individuals to acquire knowledge as this would directly enhance number of competencies
of the manager. But, it is also carrying various disadvantages as well, where an individual
might slowly get trained because, hospitality sector is holding a wider context and it is
hard for the manager to carry the knowledge of every single element.
 Conferences and Meetings: This approach, specifically consists with number of
conferences along with the meetings that may aid an individual in acquiring knowledge
in much effective and efficient manner. Basically, there are a range of guidelines and
expectations that a manager's job role carries and here attending the meetings and
conferences an individual become able to perform all the responsibilities in rightful
manner (Olsen, 2015). Basic, advantage that can be seen of utilising conference as self
learning approach is that, it helps the individual in gaining the knowledge in regards to
how decisions can be made and so on, from taking advice from other individuals within
the meeting or conference.

1.2. Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be encouraged
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plays an effective role in an individual's
life, because it directly contributes towards improvement of overall lifelong learning. In present
time, it has become vital for personnels to develop a lifestyle where they could effectively
develop various experiences, attributes and knowledge, to attain desired goals and objectives in a
rightful manner (Prosek and Hurt, 2014). In present context, if it is talked about encouragement
of the ways through which lifelong learning within the professional context could take place then
some of these are presented underneath: Enhancing Learning Ownership: This is said to be an effective ways that may lead an
individual, through which they could manage to encourage the lifelong learning. Away
with this, it is also said that life long learning directly impacts positively in an
individual's lifestyle. Here, if the person knows about how promoting ownership could
effectively lead him or her to deal with number of uncertain situations and so on. Along
with this, considering this way an individual might directly become able to engage
himself of herself in self-directed learning.
 Setting up Objectives: This is said to be one of the crucial way, that may lead an
individual's lifelong learning to effectively be encouraged towards number of desired
goals and objectives. Basically, it is said that setting number of objectives in regards to a
particular task, and continuously making changes among them in right time, would help a
person's lifestyle to get much more standardised in nature. Through this, an individual
could effectively feel much more motivated towards number of a range of goals and
objectives as this, enables them to develop effective directions towards gaining more
effective knowledge, which contributes in their personal and professional development.
1.3. Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning
At the time of considering the self managed learning, it has been analysed that an
individual or the employer could effectively gain number of benefits (Ramia and et. al., 2016).
Basically, it is important for a person to seek continuous developments, so that right amount of
skills, knowledge and learning in regards to different perspectives at workplace or at personal
level could take place. In present context, some of benefits that an individual can meet with, are
presented underneath:
Benefits to Employees (Individuals):

 Gaining Effective Skills: This is said to one of the major or effective benefit that can be
gained by an individual with the help of self managed learning. It has been found that, if
a person learns from himself of herself without taking help of an individual, it stays with
him or her for life long. Therefore, self learning would directly help the individual in
enhancing the skills in rightful manner, and in a short span as well. Managed Speed: With the help of self-managed learning, an individual as they would not
feel any pressure or a strict schedule to manage their learning. With the help of this, a
person could effectively enhance the overall speed of managing the learning in much
effective and in efficient manner. Appropriate Access: Another benefit for individuals is that they would be free to access
different sources, which they feel comfortable with. This would make their learning more
flexible, which would keep them encouraged throughout their career.
Benefits to Employers:
If it is talked about Intercontinental Hotel Group, then considering self-managed learning,
it can carry out number of benefits and these are presented underneath: Reduction in training costs: With the help of self-managed learning an organisation like
Intercontinental Hotel Group, would not require to deliver the training and this will
directly help the business company to reduce the training costs. This can easily be
performed considering the self-directed learning where implementation of this approach
takes place, company would gain higher productivity from it's staff members and might
face reduction among training costs. On the other hand, with the help of knowledge and
competencies, which has been learnt and self directed by staff, it will directly impact
positively upon their performance level. Improvisation in Culture: Another benefit of self learning approach is that, it helps an
individual at workplace like Intercontinental Hotel Group to develop effective working
environment. basically, common culture if followed by Intercontinental Hotel Group,
then it will directly lead the business company to sustain within the market for a longer
period of time, where there number of individuals at workplace would enhance their
dedication towards number of tasks, which has been given by the personnels (van
Aalderen‐Smeets and Walma van der Molen, 2015).

 Productivity Levels: This is being considered as another effective professional level
related benefit, where Intercontinental Hotel Group could find enhancement among
productivity and within the profit margins as well. Through this, a Intercontinental Hotel
Group would directly sustain and gain competitive advantages in today's business
environment. Therefore, contributing to their competence within their job roles, which
ultimately leads to rise in productivity levels.
LO 2
2.1. Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives
As, I am willing to become the manager of a restaurant in a famous organisation like
Intercontinental Hotel Group, it will be required by me to consider my own existing skills,
analyse them, develop an effective approach, set desired goals where I want to reach and find out
the gap. In present context, proper analysis would help me to enhance the existing skills along
with the competences as well, that would help in raising the professional standards and attaining
number of organisational objectives as well.
In context with my own performance and competencies, there are several tests which
were undertaken by me, which are described below:
Aptitude Test:
If it is talked about Aptitude test, then it is said to be one of the crucial approach, which
may help me out in looking at my own professional and personal skills. It will also aid me in
finding out the basic gap of my own skills and from the desired ones that a company like
Intercontinental Hotel Group seeking within an individual. In context with hospitality manager,
there are certain standards which are required to be analysed and these are presented underneath:
 The primal standard that came in front i.e. a hospitality manager needs to be much more
communicative, while serving to a business organisation within the hospitality industry.
 It is required by hospitality manager to become able to develop different practices and to
lead subordinates towards the common goal through motivating them.
 Another standard for a manager is to be effective within the time management related
skill. Through this, right amount of tasks could easily be performed right on time,
 Ethical frame of mind is a must for these individuals (Hildebrand, 2018).

 Along with this, a hospitality manager must possess essential and outstanding Analytical
and Technical knowledge
Moreover, it is also required by the individual to consider different organisational
objectives as well while making alterations among different competencies and current skills.
This could be understood with a good example, where hotel basically focuses to execute all the
operations considering a proper ethical framework. Including this, organisations also focuses
upon delivering right amount of services to customers based on their requirements. Therefore,
this can also be considered as something that will be required by individuals to focus, so that
their own goals and company's objectives could effectively be achieved right on time.
Considering this as a purpose, I have performed an aptitude tests with the help of Vskills
Practice Tests. This is being considered by me is to evaluate number of competencies that are
properly linked with number of standards along with organisational objectives as well. This test
has been done considering different elements like time management, workplace ethics,
responsibilities and duties while focusing upon needs of the restaurant and so on (Choy and
Chua, 2019).
SWOT Analysis:
This type of model is said to be a framework that helps in looking into different elements
like strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. In present context, I have performed my
own (personal) SWOT Analysis, which will put light on different weaknesses, strengths,
associated with threats as well as opportunities:
Strengths:
In my own knowledge, I can say that there are number of areas that are effective in nature
for me, which could be considered as some of strong competence and these are described
underneath: Communication Skills: This is being considered as one of the strongest point of my own,
which helps me in influencing others. Here, I can say that considering English as a
language that is helping me while communicating with others in both verbal and writing.
Including this, I am also having appropriate learning skill, which helps me in giving
suggestions to my subordinates. Analytical Skills: Along with the communication, I consider analytical skills as well, as
my strength. In present context, I am good at analysing the overall situation &

interpreting the situation as well, which helps me in taking right decisions in specified
time frame.
Weaknesses:
A person do not only possess strengths but, also carries number of weaknesses. These
mainly impacts negatively on overall performance level of my own being a restaurant manager.
In this context, there are some of skills are given underneath: Time Management Skills: Here, I can say that most of the time, I deal with number of
issues as I am not been able to manage the number of tasks on the basis of priorities. This
impacts negatively upon completing the tasks in right time. Ethical Practice: This is being considered as one of the weak point, where weakness is
directly connected and associated with particularly my mindset frame in relation to being
ethical.
Opportunities:
There are ample number of opportunities that are available for me, and linked with
number of key strengths as well that I am having. This could be understood with a good example
of mine, where communication skills along with some other issues that has been utilised by me
in an effective manner through satisfying number of standards in regards to practising and
developing organisational objectives as well. Including this, it is also said that I am having
number of skills like analytical and so on, which has allowed me to ensuring number of optimum
utilisation of resources, which impacts positively upon performance level of my own and on
profit margins as well of the business organisation.
Threats:
The biggest threat for me in relation with my competencies is that there are several other
individuals who are more competent than me, which requires me to appropriately and effectively
work towards enhancing the skills in order to be effective in my job role.
2.2. Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them
In connection with the above evaluation of my own professional skills along with the
capabilities, I understand that the skills which are required to be enhanced or improvised by me
are, Ethical Practice, Time Management, Stress Management and Managerial Abilities as well.
But, sometimes the development varies within these factors. This could be understood with a
good example of my own where, while generally time the executives is required to be created, I

simply need to concentrate on being fair inside hierarchical circumstance, to the extent moral
practice is concerned.
2.3. Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
There are a few opportunities that could effectively be utilized by me so as to fittingly
upgrade the extent of progress (Rockman, 2019). This, I can understand with number of training
courses which are especially useful for me to improve my capability in a short span. Along with
this, obtaining of criticisms from guides, alongside going to training classes would offer me a
proper opportunity in setting with upgrading my capability and assist me with exceeding
expectations in my job as a manager within the business organisation like Intercontinental Hotel
Group.
2.4. Devising a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs
GOALS ACTIVITIES RESOURCES OBSTACLES SUCCESS
CRITERIA TIME
Time
Management
In regards to
improving my
Complex Time-
related activities
and Time
Measurement
Tools.
Ineffective
tools for
measuring
time.
Better time
management
and
effectiveness
in time-related
activities.
1 Month
Ethical
Practice
To improve in
ethical practice,
I would
undertake
seminars.
Effective
modules of
ethical practice
Insufficient
improvement
methods
Unbiased
Decision
Making and
Ethical
Judgements
2 Months
Managerial
Abilities
I would take
workshops
wherein each
and every
aspect related
to management
Effective
Training
Journals
Inappropriate
Judgement
Criteria
Better
management
of activities,
teams and
complex tasks
4 Months

is taught.
TASK 2
LO 3
3.1. Discussion of processes and activities required to implement the development plan
In present context, there are number of processes along with activities, that are required
to I appropriately utilised in context with enhancing my competence in relation to improvise my
skill. These activities are discussed below: Training Sessions: This is one of the most crucial activity, which would enable me to
improve my time with the board abilities. Explanation behind the equivalent is that these
sessions contain formation of circumstances, alongside diagrammatic showcases of how
best to organize undertakings, which enable me to deal with my time in a superior way.
 Seminars: This is being considered as an action is course, which would enable me to take
an interest in an exchange identified with how to be moral as far as peace promotion.
Moreover,this would enable me to tune in to different people having a place with same
field, which would help in better learning the viewpoints for moral system (McDonagh
and et. al., 2019).
3.2. Undertake and document development activities as planned
ACTIVITIES DATE
COMMENCED DATE FINISHED PLACE
Training Sessions September 16th, 2019 October 14th, 2019 University
Seminars February 10th, 2019 April 6th, 2019 Internship
Workshops March 15th, 2019 July 10th, 2019 University
Therapy January 8th, 2019 June 22nd, 2019 Clinic

3.3. Critical reflection on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan

3.4. Update the development plan based on feedback and evaluation
GOALS ACTIVITIES EXPLANATIONS TIME
Time
Management
In order to manage
time in correct
manner, mock trail
will be very benefits
with the training.
Mock trials are considered as a
effective tool for developing
capabilities as well as
managing time in effective
manner. This is also useful in
increasing competencies also.
2 Weeks
Ethical
Practice
It is very important to
consider feedbacks
from superiors as it
could be used for
ethical functioning.
I consider feedbacks as an
effective techniques which
will help in enhancing my
performance as well as skills.
This will help me in analysing
where I am lacking and where I
should improve.
5 Weeks
Managerial
Abilities
In order to practice
various principles of
management
simulations would be
very helpful.
This will help me in handling
complex situation as well as
managing difficult problems in
better manner. This would help
me in applying different
principles of management in
correct manner.
6 Weeks
Stress
Management
For managing stress
autogenic training
would be very
helpful.
Training is very effective tool
in order to enhance my skill.
This will allow me assess the
sensation that would have
impact over my mind set.
8 Weeks

LO 4
4.1. Selection of solutions to work based problems
PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS
Conflict between subordinates
Conflicts are considered as one of the major problems that
arise while changes in management. It is very important for
company to manage these conflicts in effective and efficient
manner. For this manager of respective company needs to
carefully understand as well as evaluation the problem. They
should not be biased towards any side in order to take better
decisions. Company should motivate employees in order to
work in collective manner. This will help in develop better
relationships as well as achievement of set goals.
Hiring and training staff
Employees are crucial part of company as they are considered
as a most useful assets. In order to achieve success in
restaurant business, company needs to hire more capable and
skilled employees. This will help in performing business
activities in effective manner. It is important to train
employees so that skills and capabilities of employees could
be enhanced.
4.2. Communication in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels

4.3. Evaluation and use effective time management strategies
STRATEGIES USE EVALUATION
Delegation
Supervisor needs to delegate
task and responsibilities to
different members. Delegation
techniques could be used when
there are large number of
orders in restaurant at same
time.
This will be very help full in
order to reduce employees
burden. This will help in
developing better relationships
in organisation.
Scheduling of time
This is useful when supervisor
of restaurant is facing time
issues.
This would be very helpful for
organisation to achieve set
goals and objectives within
desired time.

CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that it is very important for a person to
develop its personal as well as professional skills. This will lead to improvement in person's life
as well as professional career. Self management is an effectively technique that leads to
continuous improvement in a person and professional development also. Apart from this, by
evaluating current skills as well as competencies in respect of organisational objectives,
individual will be able to analyse their strong as well as weak points.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Gamrat, C. and et. al., 2014. Personalized workplace learning: An exploratory study on digital
badging within a teacher professional development program. British journal of
educational technology, 45(6), pp.1136-1148.
Moss, J.M., Gibson, D.M. and Dollarhide, C.T., 2014. Professional identity development: A
grounded theory of transformational tasks of counselors. Journal of Counseling &
Development, 92(1), pp.3-12.
Olsen, B., 2015. Teaching what they learn, learning what they live: How teachers' personal
histories shape their professional development. Routledge.
Prosek, E.A. and Hurt, K.M., 2014. Measuring professional identity development among
counselor trainees. Counselor Education and Supervision, 53(4), pp.284-293.
Ramia, E. and et. al., 2016. Mapping and assessment of personal and professional development
skills in a pharmacy curriculum. BMC medical education, 16(1), p.19.
van Aalderen‐Smeets, S.I. and Walma van der Molen, J.H., 2015. Improving primary teachers’
attitudes toward science by attitude‐focused professional development. Journal of
research in science teaching, 52(5), pp.710-734.
Hildebrand, J., 2018. Bridging the gap: A training module in personal and professional
development. Routledge.
Choy, W. K. and Chua, P. M., 2019. Professional development. In School Leadership and
Educational Change in Singapore(pp. 69-86). Springer, Cham.
Rockman, I. F., 2019. Promoting professional development: A local approach. College &
research libraries news. 50(10). pp.902-904.
McDonagh, C. and et. al., 2019. Enhancing practice through classroom research: A teacher's
guide to professional development. Routledge.
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