Developing Key Professional Skills for Improved Performance

This report serves as a self-assessment tool aimed at identifying areas for improvement in key professional competencies such as leadership, communication, time management, and presentation skills. The author outlines specific goals and actions taken to enhance these skills, providing evidence of development through increased team performance and managerial recognition. Despite progress, further improvement is needed in written communication. The report emphasizes the importance of continuous self-learning and periodic evaluation to achieve personal and professional growth. References include authoritative texts on faculty development, motivation, employee retention, and professional identity.

Personal and professional development
1

Contents
LO1 HOW SELF- MANAGED LEARNING CAN ENHANCE LIFELONG DEVELOPMENT............................................................3
1.1 approaches to self-managed learning, there suitability, different learning styles and benefit to individuals....................................3
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning could be encouraged in personal and professional contexts, and mention the relevance to my
own learning methods..............................................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and to the organization................................................................5
LO4 BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE ACQUIRED INTERPERSONAL AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS........................................6
4.1 Identify one work based problem and select solution for it...............................................................................................................6
4.2 Learning styles which can be implemented to overcome the problems and communicate this information at various levels.........6
4.3 Evaluate different time management strategies and how they can be used by individuals to manage time more efficiently.
Discuss a strategy that works for you with proper justification..............................................................................................................7
LO2 BE ABLE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT..........................7
AC 2.1 Evaluate own current skills and competencies against the professional standards and organizational objectives.....................9
AC 2.2 Identification of my personal and professional development needs and identify what activities is needed to meet them.......10
AC 2.3 Identify the development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs that you have identified above.. 11
AC 2.4 and 3.1 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on your intended needs and also discuss the ...processes
and activities required to implement your development plan. 11
LO3 BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT AND CONTINUALLY REVIEW OWN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PLAN.........................................................................................................................................................................................................13
AC 3.2 Undertake and document your planned activities.....................................................................................................................13
AC 3.3 Reflect critically on your own learning against original aims and objectives set in your PDP................................................13
AC 3.4 Update your PDP based on evaluation and feedback................................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................................................................15
2

3

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is a process in which individuals in their daily life and within the organization engage
in learning process so as to meet up the work related and desired goals (Marchington and et.al., 2016). It is linked with overall
developmental needs of individuals as well as groups. An individual can spend his entire life in his personal and professional
development by learning in different ways (Matthews, 2014). The given study has thus laid emphasis on different techniques of
learning followed by identifying one’s own style of learning. Focus will also be given the concept of self-learning as well as various
aspects of time management. A personal and professional development plan will then be formulated so as to aid in identification and
achievement of personal goals.
LO1 HOW SELF- MANAGED LEARNING CAN ENHANCE LIFELONG DEVELOPMENT
1.1 approaches to self-managed learning, there suitability, different learning styles and benefit to individuals
Various approaches to self-managed learning and there suitability is as follows;
Approaches There suitability
Seminars and conferences These are an effective tool as they provide an opportunity to gain knowledge
from the experience of others. In case the learner is speaker himself then it
gives him chance to get confident in the area of oral communication (George,
2015).
Social networks It provides a great opportunity to socialise with people, share ideas and also
learn about different cultures. It aids in improving the overall knowledge base
and provides a means of communication (Moon, 2013).
Internet This self-learning source has been providing a lot of knowledge to the users on
4

any given subject from all around the world.
There is also a presence of different learning styles which have their own set of benefits.
 Visual – this learning style involves for usage of representation in form of diagrams, graphs, charts etc. that can otherwise be
presented via words. This style is beneficial as the visuals aid in better memorization and also help in gaining a proper
understanding about the subject.
 Aural – in this learning style, the learner makes use of his listening skills. This style helps in assimilating as well as
remembering information for a long duration (Noe and et.al., 2014).
 Read/write – this learning style provides the learners with notes so that they can have a record of what is being taught to them.
 Kinesthetic - in this learning style a person learns by doing things such as role plays, making presentations etc. The individuals
experience in role play as well as the one portrayed by others help in better learning (Megginson and Whitaker, 2017).
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning could be encouraged in personal and professional contexts, and mention the relevance to my own
learning methods.
Various techniques can be used to encourage lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts and there relevance is given
below;
 SWOT analysis – Analysis of my own strength, weakness, opportunity as well as threat is most likely to aid in my overall
personal and professional development. This as I am in a position to give an honest opinion about myself and would also take
proper steps for my overall improvement.
 Healthy competition - Putting myself into a healthy competition can engage in lifelong learning to a great extent. This is as it
can led to generation of results by getting motivated by the hard work done by others (Noe and et.al., 2014).
5

 Goal setting - Setting of long and short-term goal is another way to encourage lifelong learning as it will encourage me to get
an edge over my skill set in specific time duration. It will also provide me an overall direction to the course of my personal and
professional living.
1.3 Evaluate the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and to the organization.
Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual
Self-managed learning is of a huge benefit to individuals as it aids in their overall professional front. A self-managed person never
depends on the training session held in organization and keeps on increasing his learning in different ways. This paves a path for
increased career opportunities growth and advancement within the organization. He can also act as a source of motivation for other
which helps in boosting his overall morale (Austin and Sorcinelli, 2013). It is also easy for him to gain recognition within and outside
the organization which benefits him in personal front as well. There is further an increased chance of promotional opportunities as he
always has an edge over other colleagues.
Benefits of self-managed learning to the organization
Self-managed learning also benefits organization as management does not have to waste resources on training and development
sessions. Self-managed learner can himself act as a source of motivation for others which helps in maintaining a competitive
environment which is healthy. This also increases the overall success and growth of the organization and helps in getting an edge over
competitor firm (Marchington and et.al., 2016). The management also ensures that they do not lose individuals with self-learning traits
which saves the firm from the situations of recruitment training etc. Successive planning can further be done by firm in better manner
as there is a non-dependence on external recruitment.
6

LO4 BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE ACQUIRED INTERPERSONAL AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
4.1 Identify one work based problem and select solution for it
As a team leader of operational department of call center firm a work based problem was identified by me in the area of training and
development. The sessions that were taken by the trainer in the area of receiving and responding to incoming calls were not delivering
any satisfactory result in terms of overall employee performance for some of the staff members. A session with employees revealed
the issue in content delivered by trainer which was of extremely high level for some of the employees as they were not even aware
about the basics. Moreover there was also a presence of technical error in training room because of which the speech of trainer was not
audible till the end of room. The suggestion solution for the problem can be taking separate or extra training sessions for those
employees who had a problem in the basic concept (Moss, Gibson and Dollarhide, 2014). It was ensured that the trainer attended to
individual needs on a one on one basis. The technical glitch in training room was also resolved by taking help of experts. It was also
made sure that training sessions for new employees is kept entirely separate from the old ones so as not to face issue in getting the
requisite results.
4.2 Learning styles which can be implemented to overcome the problems and communicate this information at various levels.
Various learning styles can be utilized by the organization in order to overcome the issue of inefficient training that has been faced by
the organization. These learning styles will be beneficial for those employees that have been facing the issue with training module.
There can be usage of a combination of VARK learning styles so as to aid in better grasping of concepts. The basics can be explained
by making use of flow diagrams, charts and graphs so as aid in grasping the exact nature of topic (Megginson and Whitaker, 2017).
This can be followed by reading out the notes written in presentation aloud. This will aid those learners who learn via listening.
Special areas said by trainer can be written out by the learners so as to have a proper record of what all was taught in the class. A copy
of PowerPoint can also be circulated to all members that can be read by them during free time (Bastons, Mas and Rey, 2017). Practical
application can be conducted by the trainer when the learners start working on the concepts within office. There learning can then be
7

monitored by trainer on one on one basis. The information learnt about each learner can then be circulated at various levels being
strategic, tactical and operational. Here strategic level is concerned with top level management of the firm who can be communicated
about employee progress through an official mail. Tactical level is then concerned with middle management who can be informed
through one on one meeting and sending the report on mail (Marchington and et.al., 2016). The operational level which includes
immediate supervisors of the employees can be communicated through group meetings.
4.3 Evaluate different time management strategies and how they can be used by individuals to manage time more efficiently. Discuss
a strategy that works for you with proper justification.
Various strategies can be used by individuals in order to manage time in an effective manner.
First of all, there is a need to keep one away from all kinds of distractions when a crucial work is going on. These are inclusive of
unwanted calls messages Facebook chats etc. Second is to prioritize the work as per its urgency and time/efforts to be spent in it. The
priorities will assist in finishing of the tough and urgent work on an immediate basis. Enough room can then be left for less urgent
tasks and urgent activities (Noe and et.al., 2014). On a personal note the time management strategy used by me is preparing a to do list
for the entire day which is reviewed by me after each task is completed by me. This helps me in maintaining a proper focus towards
the works to be done by me. Other than this, if I am too much packed for a single day then I do not hesitate in giving a part of my
work to my team members such as supervising and monitoring the work done by new joiners, keeping record of the call attended,
resolving issues faced by fresher among others. This not only saves my time but also aids in their overall learning.
LO2 BE ABLE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
New CV which reflects my competencies
8

Jeff Jackson
56, Guild Street, London
123 Main Street, San Francisco, CA 94122
Home: 000-000-0000 | Cell: 000-000-0000
[e-mail]
Professional Summary
Experienced Call Center Team Leader with a know how about how to motivate team members for reaching at sales goals. Possesses
excellent leadership and communication skills.
Core Qualifications
 Strong sales track record
 Good supervisory abilities
 Expertise to Track and monitor calls
 Initiates discipline when needed
Experience
Call Center Team Leader
6/6/2017 – 7/11/2017
AT&T Call Center, London
 Provided inspiration to team of call center operators on inbound and outbound calls.
 Supervised team to ensure that the members answered questions wisely.
 Carried out spot-checks listening on calls to ensure that team follows script.
Education
Associate’s Degree in Business Management from The University of Edinburgh in 2014
9

AC 2.1 Evaluate own current skills and competencies against the professional standards and organizational objectives
On carrying out an evaluation of my current skill set and competencies against professional standards I focused on areas such as
leadership, communication skill in the area of oral and written, time management, IT skills, team work skills, organizing as well as
negotiation skills. These are the skill set which is required by me to meet up the organizational goals and objectives as a team leader of
a call center. The audit of same has been done in the table as mentioned below. The ranking of 1, 2, 3 has been given which is
represented by poor, average and good respectively.
skills and competencies Current level professional
standard level
Leadership 1 3
Oral communication 2 3
Written communication 1 3
Information technology skill 3 3
Team working 3 3
Organizing 3 3
Negotiation 3 3
Supervision 3 3
10

Time management 1 3
It can be said that I am good in the area of information technology and also in working with my team members, negotiation in order to
attain results; organizing work flow as well as supervising there overall work flow. However I am required to bring some
improvement oral communication skill, managing my time, written communication as well as leadership traits.
AC 2.2 Identification of my personal and professional development needs and identify what activities is needed to meet them.
The personal and professional development needs as well as the set of activities needed to meet them have been described in below
mentioned table.
personal and professional development needs Activities needed to meet them
Leadership – Need to develop the art of motivation and
delegation
Learning from the leadership style of my seniors
Reading about leadership style of famous personalities
Communication - Good in oral communication skill but
need to work on my written skill set.
Taking self-evaluation test on internet to improve writing skill
Preparing small pieces of writing under the supervision of seniors
Taking help from colleagues (Marchington and et.al., 2016).
read more newspaper such as Guardian, Financial times etc. to enlarge my
knowledge area and communicate properly
Time management - I am good in managing my
time in an effective manner however required to leave
the habit of multitasking. However I am required to
stop unnecessary waste of time and work on it to
increase overall productivity.
Avoid habit of multitasking
Preparing a daily task planner an reviewing at end of day
Using watch to manage time
11

Presentation skill – I am Competent enough to deliver a
presentation in front of small group but get nervous in
front of senior managers. As a target proficiency, I am
required to deliver a presentation of professional
standard with full confidence and expertise.
Taking help of internet videos on how to make a successful presentation
Practicing in front of mirror
Learning about professional standards of presentation from senior managers
(Megginson and Whitaker, 2017).
Attending presentation given by seniors
AC 2.3 Identify the development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs that you have identified above.
Various development opportunities are present in front of me in order to meet my current and future needs. I can focus on making
myself a successful presenter so that I can present my company in front of the clients and can also gain expertise in the area of training
my team members whenever the need arise. This is most likely to pave growth for my future growth and development opportunities.
Written communication skill is also a must to be developed in order to communicate with my senior managers in a better manner with
the help of professional mails (Marchington and et.al., 2016). Other than this, as a team leader I am required to work on my flaws such
as inability to motivate employees so as to garner future growth opportunities within the organization.
AC 2.4 and 3.1 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on your intended needs and also discuss the
processes and activities required to implement your development plan.
Intended
needs
Development opportunity Processes and activities
required to implement
development plan.
Timescale Criteria to evaluate success
Presentation
skill
As of now I find myself better in
presenting myself in front of the
Taking help of
PowerPoint template to
1 month Getting a chance to give presentation
in front of clients
12

senior but there is further a need to
work on making professional
presentation
deliver successful
presentation
Taking classes from
seniors in MS
PowerPoint
Feedback from colleagues and seniors
Increasing understanding of my team
members and delivery of better work
output.
Written
communicatio
n skill
I have started communicating in
English with my seniors but I tend
to make grammatical mistakes
while writing
Taking English grammar
classes
Reading books of well-
known authors
Taking self-grammar
tests on internet
2 months Positive feedback from family, friends
and colleagues in the usage of English
grammar (Noe and et.al., 2014).
Passing of all stages of self-evaluation
test on grammar
Leadership
skill
I find myself good in the area of
delegating responsibilities however
need to develop myself in
motivating team members
Reading about art of
motivation on internet
Utilizing several
motivational strategies
on my team members
under the guidance of
my seniors
1 month Creation of motivated team work
Increased in employee morale and
performance
Reduction in employee turnover rate
13

LO3 BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT AND CONTINUALLY REVIEW OWN PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
AC 3.2 Undertake and document your planned activities.
Various steps can be utilized in order to undertake and document the planned activities that have been done above. Undertaking can
only occur when the specific set of activities have been performed which can be followed by documenting them (Megginson and
Whitaker, 2017).
 The very first stage is to gather initial thoughts followed by capturing all the information and include them in document.
 Meeting notes and decision taken or to be taken will also be included (Marchington and et.al., 2016).
 This will be followed by preparing draft of document and working on flaw if any.
AC 3.3 Reflect critically on your own learning against original aims and objectives set in your PDP.
The aim and objective that was set during my own learning was of bringing an improvement in leadership, communication, time
management and presentation skills. After taking the intended activities as mentioned in PDP I find myself to be quite good in above
mentioned traits. A substantial improvement has been seen in me which is reflective of increase in overall performance of my team
members as well as constant recognition from the manager. However I am still required to bring an improvement in my written
communication skill.
AC 3.4 Update your PDP based on evaluation and feedback.
intended needs Processes and activities required to implement
development plan.
Timescale
14

Written
communication skill
Taking English grammar classes for 2 more
months
Communicating more in English
2 months
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that every person needs to develop personal and professional traits for a better life. This can
be done by self-learning approaches which aids in process of continuous learning. The need is further to evaluate one’s own skills and
abilities and taking developmental actions to bring improvement wherever a necessity is felt. The plan must be such that it must be
improvised after every quarter so as to generate better results.
15

REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Austin, A.E. and Sorcinelli, M.D., 2013. The future of faculty development: Where are we going?. New Directions for Teaching and
Learning. 2013(133). pp.85-97.
Bastons, M., Mas, M. and Rey, C., 2017. Pro-stakeholders motivation: Uncovering a new source of motivation for business
companies. Journal of Management & Organization. 23(5). pp.621-632.
George, C., 2015. Retaining professional workers: what makes them stay?. Employee Relations. 37(1). pp.102-121.
Marching ton, M., Wilkinson, A., Donnelly, R. and Kynighou, A., 2016. Human resource management at work. Kogan Page
Publishers.
Megginson, D. and Whitaker, V., 2017. Continuing professional development. Kogan Page Publishers.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice. Routledge.
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.
Noe, R.A., Wilk, S.L., Mullen, E.J. and Wanek, J.E., 2014. Employee Development: Issues in Construct Definition and Investigation
ofAntecedents. Improving Training Effectiveness in WorkOrganizations, ed. JK Ford, SWJ Kozlowski, K. Kraiger, E. Salas,
and MS Teachout (Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1997. pp.153-189.
Online
Matthews, R., 2014. The difference between personal and professional development. [Online]. Available through:
<https://brayleinolearning.co.uk/blog/2014/october/09/what-is-the-difference-between-personal-and-professional-development/>
[Accessed on 3rd December 2017].
16