Professional Development Plan for Retail Management at Kingfisher Plc.

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Executive summary
This particular section of the study explains necessity of communication and time management
skills in managing retail business. This is a reflective report in which as a manager of Kingfisher
Plc., the researcher has mentioned some critical challenges regarding retail business. The
researcher has also provided some pragmatic solutions of those critical issues that can arise in
Kingfisher Plc. Explanation of various kinds of communication styles and techniques has also
mentioned. In addition to that there is some useful strategy that entails how managers can
manage their time of working effectively.
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Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................19
Company background:...................................................................................................................19
LO1: Understanding lifelong development through self-managed learning.................................19
1.1: Self-managed learning approaches.....................................................................................19
1.2: Incorporation of lifelong learning in professional and personal context............................20
1.3: Advantages of self-managed learning.................................................................................21
LO2: Responsibility of taking professional and personal development......................................22
2.1: Evaluation of own competencies and current skills............................................................22
2.2: Identification of own development activities and needs.....................................................22
2.3: Identification of development opportunities for future and current needs.......................23
2.4: Devising professional and personal development plan.......................................................24
LO3: review and implementation of professional and personal development plan....................26
3.1: Process of implementation of development plan..............................................................26
3.2 Documentation of development activities............................................................................26
3.3: Critical reflection on development plans............................................................................27
3.4: Updating of development plan............................................................................................28
LO4: Demonstrating transferable and interpersonal skills............................................................30
4.1: Solutions regarding work based problems..........................................................................30
4.3: Application of time management skills..............................................................................31
4.2: Communication styles and manners...................................................................................32
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................34
Reference list.................................................................................................................................35
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Introduction
Professional or personal development plan can be considered as formal means through which a
person make goals, outcome of training or learning and prepare goals. Personal skills are those
which allow an individual to communicate efficiently with others, manage or self-express
oneself. Personal skills are difficult to measure or quantify because they are considered as soft
skills. On contrary to that, professional development plan used in enhancing job performances,
continuing education and participating in organisational works. Professional development skills
come under hard skills. Hence, it can be easily quantified or measured. This study focuses on
devising a professional and personal planning for development (PDP) and critically evaluating
own skills. As a manager of Kingfisher Plc., it is very important to understand various styles of
communication, time management skills and other important skills.
Company background:
Kingfisher Plc. is considered as one of major British multinational companies, operating from
London. There are over 1300 stores of Kingfisher situated across ten countries (Kingfisher.com,
2019). It generates average revenue of £11,655 million by retailing in major brands like B&Q,
Castorama, and Screwfix. There are approximately 79000 employees working with kingfisher
Plc.
LO1: Understanding lifelong development through self-managed learning
1.1: Self-managed learning approaches
Self-managed learning approaches can be defined as processes through which individuals can
make them learned or acquires knowledge on relevant topics. There are several approaches for
development of professional and personal skills such as self-study, watching training videos,
online researches and others (Corrall et al., 2019). These methods impact optimistically on
learner by building effective competencies and capabilities. Learning system through online
sources has changed self-learning processes effectively and efficiently.
● Internet resources: Accumulation of information or self-learning process is greatly
influenced by internet sources. Thorough and varied related information can be easily
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accessed via searching through internet. In addition to that there are several online video
tutorials available which not only provides information but explains entire learning topics
(Jackson, 2016).
● Attending conferences and seminars: At professional and personal levels, there are
several conferences and seminars are held. Information on various aspects can be
gathered through attending several conferences and seminars.
● Participating in Social networking sites: In order to share useful information and
learning through active interaction, role of social networking sites cannot be avoided
(Bennett-Levy, 2018). Sharing of understanding and interaction with more
knowledgeable and learned individuals allows one to learn better and effectively.
● Online video courses: Learning innovative skills via training video watching are another
feasible option. It is also considered as useful for managers of retail organisations like
Kingfisher Plc. It allows them to get overview about important procedure in which they
wish to gather knowledge and acquire techniques.
1.2: Incorporation of lifelong learning in professional and personal context
Lifelong learning or self-learning is considered as self-motivated and voluntary methods by
which managers of Kingfisher Plc. get to learn new for sake of professional and personal
reasons. Encouragement can be provided to managers for incorporating self-learning via various
ways (Bates, 2018). This should be mediated over a period of times so that development process
could be continued in both professional and personal level. This can be assessed by making
analysis of one’s own strength, weakness, threats and opportunities. In addition to that, taking
valuable feedback from seniors and co-workers can help in identifying one’s drawbacks in work.
It will also allow one to rectify faults in the workplace. On contrary to that, receiving positive
feedback from colleagues and hierarchical authorities, helps in getting motivated or inspired for
self-learning or lifelong learning. Encouragement in lifelong learning process can also be
assessed by evaluating one’s performance on graphical basis. According to Avgerou and
Walsham (2017), understanding of one’s weak links makes that person aware and motivates to
make significant improvement in that particular area. Continuous professional development and
self-reflective learning also allows individuals to better understand their shortcomings as well as
strength factors.
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1.3: Advantages of self-managed learning
Self-directed learning procedures refer to a method of creating a situation where learning
requires be owning by particular person and integrating with organisational needs. Self-directed
learning method makes an individual responsible for their decisions related to working with
others or learning. Self-directed learning is also a composite learning skill in order to attain
knowledge in leadership qualities, time management skills, teamwork skills, presentation skills
and communication skills (Kavanagh, 2019). Additionally, it gives useful knowledge on how to
manage time effectively and make useful and strategic decisions in a difficult situation.
Teamwork: Efficient team management is feasible in a work condition where employees are
loyal to certain work community. Team members behave more responsible when they acquire
learning on relevant topics through self. Compatibility among employers and employees also get
boosted up by self-oriented learning. Brown and McWhirter (2016) opine coaching ability and
peer learning initiates from mutually supportive behaviour of entire team members. This process
is so fruitful that team members require minimal help from team leaders. Hence, team members
of Kingfisher Plc. becomes more self-dependant.
Communication: In order to receive useful information on management or other related topics,
capabilities to communicate effectively is very crucial. Professional communication techniques
and strategies can be better learned via self-directed learning. In includes observing and
empathising communication skills of senior managers of Kingfisher Plc and other successful
organisations. In addition to that, video classes or online tutorial classes can aid a lot in this
learning context.
Leadership skills: Creation of situational awareness and practising significant disciplinary
activities are an integrated part of leadership qualities (Jackson, 2016). In order to solve issues
like conflicts between customers and employees or among employees, managers need to have
skills for convincing.
Presentation skills: Presentation skill can be defined as ability of individual to express their own
opinion and thought processes in front of everyone distinctly. Organisational success can be
better achieved by self-managed learning in presentation skills. As managers of retail company
like Kingfisher Plc., having knowledge on presentation skill is very crucial. The reason is that
retail marketing is actively influenced by good presentation skill of employees as well as
managers.
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LO2: Responsibility of taking professional and personal development
2.1: Evaluation of own competencies and current skills
Self-assessment or evaluation aids in giving appropriate insights into true comprehension of
employees. Lacks or drawbacks in knowledge and understanding can be mitigated by this self-
evaluation procedure. It allows managers of Kingfisher Plc. to find out and understand their such
fields where they still needs improvement. In order to attain respective professional and personal
growth in management, generation of Meta cognitive skills are very crucial. Evaluation or
analysis of current skills helps in developing important Meta cognitive skills. The important
skills that is essential for being good managers at Kingfisher Plc (Kingfisher.com, 2019). are
social skills, communication skills, managerial skills, technical skills and entrepreneurship skills.
As manager of kingfisher Plc., those skills that can be identified as strength of mine are
communication as well as technical skills. I think, I have gained adequate knowledge and
understanding regarding professional standard. Resource management can also be considered as
area of expertise within me. On contrary to that, I still need to work a lot on how to manage time
and organise works according to time properly. In case of a retail industry, managers need to deal
with various customers from different region and languages (Corrall et al., 2019). Hence,
Managers of Kingfisher Plc., must have expertise in good communication skill and should be
able to speak in different languages. In addition to that, skills related to decision making also
need to be improvised a lot.
2.2: Identification of own development activities and needs
Analysis of both professional and personal skills helps in identifying gaps in one’s performance
and give a chance to make improvement in that weak area. I think, there are a lot of areas which
need to be further modified in situational context. Apprehension of managerial functions,
implementation of technical devices and knowledge on global standards are some area that needs
to be honed properly. In addition to that, leadership qualities and management of effective
timings are some fields that are lacking in me (Munyon et al., 2015). In spite of having some
skills like communication, convincing, planning and decision making, they need to be
improvised as per situational crisis. In order to be shifted in senior managerial position, I need to
work on my weak links and make significant improvement in my current skills. Hence, I am
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thinking of taking some video tutorials or online courses so that I can learn from their
demonstration what exactly I need to be done. Another option of which I am planning to depend
on is making review of my former activities. As per Patton et al. (2015), it will not only identify
my drawbacks in managerial actions but also help in rectifying those mistakes. In this context of
self-learning activity, making peaceful observations of senior managers’ activities in Kingfisher
Plc. may also give me useful clue to improve. Training in relevant skills can also help me to
attain required skills. Following these useful strategies, I will be able to make necessitate as well
as additional improvement of skills in me. Critical surveillance of senior managers of Kingfisher
Plc. and application of web content can help me in reaching my goals. This can also be achieved
through personal reading techniques. Regular monitoring and practising can be helpful in
rectifying communicational gaps in me. Rather it will help in betterment of communication. In
spite of communication skills, convincing and negotiation skills also need to be honed up by me.
It is very crucial in resolving conflicting situations and making customers convince about
purchasing any services or products (Ratka, 2018). On the other hand, online sources can be
conquered for acquiring better knowledge regarding global trends in retail business. Management
of financial and human resources and planning of management operations can be learned by me
via online sources as well.
2.3: Identification of development opportunities for future and current needs
Development of both professional and personalised abilities can be bettered through recognising
external as well as internal opportunities. In order to be promoted in higher managerial posts,
above mentioned capabilities must be improved up to great extent. Necessity of developing
communication, leadership, gap analysis and decision making skills are significant so that I can
be an example for future managers. Both optimistic and pessimistic feedback from peer staffs
and customers are necessary to receive as they can be used for assessing own working abilities. It
is helpful in recognising one’s own competencies and efficacy and also to receive motivations. In
spite of that, attainment of those aforementioned capabilities provides me additional strength for
applying in better fields (Ratka, 2018). Other similar professional areas can be explored by me as
well due to attainment of such skills. Through minute observation of activities made by senior or
hierarchical managers and professional activities of great leaders leadership skills can be
incorporated in me. Additionally, time management skills can be honed up by prior planning
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practices before initiating of a work and practicing scheduling methods. Being manager in a
particular organisation cannot be considered as an easy job because they have the responsibility
to not only manage human resources but also financial and stock management jobs (Patton et al.,
2015). Responsible managers need to obey certain guidelines and rules of Kingfisher plc. while
performing their managerial role. Hence, I should always keep in mind those regulations and
never opted to violate that in any situation. In case of any emergency situations, I would prefer to
talk with hierarchy or senior managers before taking an action.
2.4: Devising professional and personal development plan
Activities Target Duration Resources
Workforce
analysis
Workforce analysis in field of Kingfisher
Plc. can be maintained by attaining of stock
management and human resource
management skills. It can be actively learned
through regular monitoring of task force of
employees.
2 months Human
resource
managers,
equipments and
subordinate
employees
Forecasting
Forecasting can be improved by undertaking
help from online courses as well as video
tutorials (Bennett-Levy, 2018). Assistance
can also be taken from certain software
analysis devices.
20 days Technological
machineries,
marketing
managers and
financial staffs
Gap analysis
Analysis of gaps can be improvised by
regular monitoring of activities of employees
as well as colleagues. Through major
observation of others activities, gaps or
drawbacks in one’s activities can be easily
3 months Senior
managers,
stakeholders,
specific
software,
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identified. interrelationshi
p between
employees and
managers
Improvement in
Communication
Basic idea can be achieved through online
classes via internet surfing. Offline classes
can also be joined for improving
communication skills (Bates, 2018). Finally,
repeated practicing with employees and
various customers can be helpful in this
context.
4 months Board meeting,
conferences,
communication
software
Monitoring
Monitoring skills can be improved by being
optimistic and flexible in decision making
procedure. Subordinate employees can be
regulated via giving active feedback to them.
4 months Employees,
senior
managers,
computer
applications
Table 1: Planning for Professional and personal skill development
(Source: Given by researcher)
LO3: review and implementation of professional and personal development plan
3.1: Process of implementation of development plan
Before leaning towards a large project related to management, proper planning for development
of professional and personal developmental skills are mandatory. Moreover, I must prepare
strategic plans with available resources and time in order to complete my daily activities swiftly.
● Practice based personal knowledge development: Practise of mediation can help in
acquiring certain personal skills like self-motivation, self-control, adaptability and
decision making abilities. As per (Avgerou and Walsham 2017), proper harmony
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between both development planning and work can be maintained by this process.
Additionally, it also helps individuals to release stress generated from high impact
managerial work pressures.
● Knowledge based business skill development: Regular monitoring and observation of
hierarchical managers are important in understanding marketing and sales services,
customer preferences and networking. Scheduling workloads according to available
resources and time helps in honing delegation and management of time.
3.2 Documentation of development activities
Development of effective development activities in challenging market in competitive market,
managers of Kingfisher PLC should enable different steps for their employees. Hence, managers
can access following documentation process for development of organisational activities.
Aim and objective:
The first step of documentation process is to set target among their employees including all
organisational staffs. Additionally, these development activities can helps employer to increase
their interpersonal skills to reduce various issues in challenging market. Respectively, managers
needed to identify different areas of ineffective performances to implement development process
(Charter and Tischner, 2017).
Separate staffs into several groups:
In order to introduce successful development programs in business environment for employees,
Kingfisher PLC can divide their all employees into numbers of groups to supply quality training
for personal as well as professional skills. Proper documentation process may enhance flexible
performance of employees of various organisational departments in challenging market. Thus,
managers or supervisors must be check different activities precisely.
Recruit development officer:
In similar to separation process, managers of Kingfisher PLC must recruit development officer
who has adequate skills and knowledge regarding advance business environment. A professional
trainer can deliver necessary professional strategies to employees regarding organisational
development process.
Monitoring and recording:
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