Report: Approaches to Personal and Professional Development Analysis

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development, emphasizing self-managed learning as a cornerstone for achieving individual and organizational goals. It explores various approaches to self-managed learning, including visionary and opportunistic strategies, and highlights the significance of lifelong learning in fostering skill development and adaptability. The report outlines the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations, such as increased competitiveness, enhanced problem-solving skills, and improved organizational innovation. Furthermore, it addresses work-based problems, communication styles, and effective time management strategies. The report analyzes the importance of aligning personal skills and competencies with professional standards and organizational objectives and provides a framework for developing personal and professional development plans. The report concludes with recommendations for implementing development activities, reflecting on learning outcomes, and refining development plans based on feedback and evaluation.

PERSONAL
AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning...............................................................................1
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning in personnel and professional development...........................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals and organisation..................................3
4.1 Solutions to work based problems ...................................................................................3
4.2 Communicating in various styles and appropriate manner at different level...................4
4.3 Evaluating and using effective time management strategies............................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisation
objectives................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them........................................7
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.............................8
2.4 Personal and professional development plan of identified needs.....................................9
3.1 Short term and long term objectives, process and activities required to implement
development plan..................................................................................................................10
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned.........................................11
3.3 Reflecting own learning against original aims and objectives.......................................12
3.4 Development plan based on feedback and evaluation....................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
The process of leaning undertaken by an individuals in order to achieve his desired goals
and objectives, by taking challenges is known as personal and professional development. Process
of learning under this is directly associated with development of skills and abilities of personnels
and groups to perform various activities(McNiff, 2010). Self managed learning and self
assessment is an factor on which the principle of personnel and professional development is
completely dependent. Individuals have certain personal attributes which supports them in
achieving benefits of life long learning and assists in achieving desired targets in long term
effectively and efficiently. Self managed learning is also directly associated with setting up of
learning goals and objectives by assessing its purposes and way in which they have to be
achieved. Self managed learning provides opportunities to individuals to develop there own
learning strategies. In following assignment various approaches associated with self managed
learning and ways in which lifelong learning for personal and professional development is being
described effectively. Following report will help learner to study benefits of self managed
learning for individual and organisation. Needs of individuals development to perform activities
from meting goals is being studied in report.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning have different approaches which can be adopted by an individual. Main
approaches to this learning is being described as follows:-
Visionary approach:- It is a main approach to self managed learning which can be used
by a personnel for his development. Individuals who possess this approach, it enables him to
study future way and development of self managed learning. It supports personnel in identifying
future needs through which competencies can be enhanced accordingly. Goal setting under self
managed learning is a good strategy but it differs from this approach. Main difference in setting
goal is predetermination of particular aspect whereas visionary approach is heavier in term of
future trends. This approach assists in making individual flexible which is another strategy to self
managed learning after goal setting(Elliott, 2011).
Opportunistic approach:- It is the another significant approach to self managed
learning. Personnels who take immediate benefits of opportunities can easily enhance their level
1

of at large scale. Individual can learn from teachers, friends and family and they can increase
level of learning from various surrounding factors which are relevant. So, it is an important
approach which assist in developing respects towards others.
These approaches towards self managed learning significantly contributes in personal and
professional development(Moon, 2013). This supports in enhancing confidence and motivation
levels.
There are seven types of different learning styles which can be used in effective learning.
These learning style have some benefits for an individual which supports in increasing thinking
level. These learning styles and their benefits is being described as follows:-
1. Visual:- It is type of learning style which supports in understanding things through a
vision i.e. by seeing an image, colours and visual arts. This style of learning have a main
benefit that it is easy to understand and less time consuming which acquiring the
knowledge.
2. Aural:- It is style of learning where individuals can gain knowledge by the means of
audio listening. It is an effective style to learning which have main benefit that it can be
significantly used in transferring information to each other.
3. Verbal:- This type of learning consist of oral and written it a mixture of visual and aural
style of learning. It has a benefit that it includes only relevant information. This
eliminated the transfer of information which is not needed.
4. Logical:- It is a style which provides logical learning and it is difficult to understand. The
have main benefit that it provide accurate information which is actually needed to an
individual.
5. Physical: These are the “learn by the doing” people that use their body to activity in their
learning. The strategies are drawing diagrams and objects.
6. Social: These people are enjoyed the learning in groups or team and main objective is
work with the other people in an organization.
7. Solitary: These learners learn by their own, alone and through the individual study.
2

Illustration 1: Different learning styles
sources: (Zepeda, 2012)
1.2 Ways of lifelong learning in personnel and professional development
Personal and professional learning can be encouraged through various ways for an
individual. Setup of long and short term goal and objective by individuals supports them in
encouraging towards there development of skills and potential which will directly increase scope
of learning. Determination of long and short term goals defines the path for an individual where
lifelong learning can be achieved for long period of the time. All the organisations are dynamic
in nature where many changes takes place in long course of time, which supports individuals in
life long learning. Challenges and pressure on an individual is also a factor which directly
increase individuals capacity of learning and supports in encouraging towards lifelong learning
process. Personnels can set challenges for themselves which can motivate them for lifelong
learning. It is a best technique which develop attitudes toward learning. Putting an individual into
a fair competition which focuses of achieving realistic targets effectively and efficiently
encourages them for lifelong learning. Use of significant technique works effectively in
influencing for learning in relation to personal and professional development.
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1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals and organisation
Self managed learning have great benefits for both personnels and organisations. Some
benefits for them are discussed as follows:-
Benefits to individuals:- Main benefits for individuals is that they can set their goals and
objectives. Personnels having positive attitude towards self managed learning can easily enhance
competitiveness. It benefits them in getting higher position in organisation. Self managed
learning help individuals directly in increasing intelligence and enhance confidence towards
working. This assist them in grabbing opportunities due to increase in their capabilities. Learning
supports personnel in eliminating errors which improves growth rate (Zepeda, 2012). These
improvements in personal and professional term can be determined as biggest advantages for
individuals through self managed learning.
Benefits to organisation:- Self managed learning have great advantage for organisation, it
supports in providing significant individuals with good capabilities in respect of handling roles
and responsibilities effectively. Organisations are dynamic in nature so it requires dynamic
employees who can adapt changes effectively this is only possible through self managed
learning(Robertson, 2016). Business have many employees where self managed learning helps in
increasing its competency and develops brand value. Innovation within organisations can be
handled easily through learning. These are some benefits of self managed learning which can be
achieved by organisations.
4.1 Solutions to work based problems
Employees with an organisation faces many works based issues. It is necessary for
employees to take necessary action for eliminating these issues to maintain flow of work in
organisation. Some of the employees take these issues in positive way and tries to solve them
with complete dedication. This problems help in determining skills and capabilities ODF
employees. A work based problem and involution to it is being described as under:-
Work based problem:- In the organisation an issue related to collaboration between employees
is to be evaluated as an important work based problem. Problem of discrimination in relation to
distribution of salary due to targets is a major work based problem which have been occurred
within the organisation(Elliott, 2011).
Solution to problem:- Above discussed issue i.e. collaboration between employees can be
solved by creating supervisors and teams. Dividing the employees within a team of 5-6 members
4

helps in increasing collaboration and bonding between employees. Goals, identification of issues
and solutions can be provided by theses supervisors. The qualified individuals should be give the
responsibilities to organise the team. The qualification of an individual will support in
organisation certain activities within team members which will lead to increase in bonding and
collaboration. These issue can also be solved by providing training to employees.
4.2 Communicating in various styles and appropriate manner at different level
There are different types of leaning style which are significant in problem solving. From
four different styles of learning the visual and audio is best and appropriate for the organisation
in solving problems faced by organisation through learning. Through this organisation can
communicate easily at different level by using effective chain while passing information. Visual
learning will help employees to get the knowledge regarding how to provide effective knowledge
to customers. It is necessary for organisation to provide proper time schedule in which they have
to perform activities. If employees fails in completing activities necessary action has to be taken
on them. The following information can be used in a best style to solve the issues. Effective
manner is being described as follows:-
1. Strategic level is the first level where the plans and strategies is being formulated
regarding all the activities of an organisation.
2. The tactical level is next after the strategic level under this information is passed to
individuals who all are responsible for the problems and main purpose of this level is to
implement learning in a significant way.
3. The last level is operation where the individuals are taken in consideration who needs to
learn these styles and perform on it. If these stages flows in effective way it helps in
solving problems effectively and efficiently.
4.3 Evaluating and using effective time management strategies
It is not possible for individuals to manage time they can manage events in respect to
time. To achieve goals and objectives within time effectively it is necessary to utilize time by its
management. Individuals can use time management strategies which completely depends upon
individuals personality, their discipline and motivation.
Some of the time management strategies is evaluated below:-
5

Determine how to utilize time:- Individual must record time involved in performing activity
which supports in time management and determining how it is used. It helps in evaluating
activities which consumes more time(Zepeda, 2012).
Setting priorities:- Individuals must set priorities i.e. defining of activities which has to be done
first. Performing activities as per priorities supports in eliminating wastage of time.
Getting organised:- Activities must be organised effectively disorganisation leads to poor time
management. If individuals activities are not organised it will directly consume more time so it is
necessary to have activities organised for saving time.
Elimination of multi tasking:- Time management strategies fails mostly because of the multi
tasking. Some individuals have mindset that multi tasking helps in saving time by in reality it
don't. People involved it more that one activitie it distracts their concentration of single task
which reduces the performance and leads to errors. These errors further consumes more time for
ratification(Robertson, 2016).
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisation
objectives
A personal is responsible towards personal and professional development. Personal
development is our responsibility other individuals are not involved in it. Individuals can develop
their skills by self managed learning and experiences. There are certain skills which should be
posses by an individual such as leadership skill, management of time, communication skills and
managerial skills. These skills of individuals helps in attaining organisation objectives.
Organisation has an objective to provide products and services effectively to its customers and
gain its brand value. For attaining goal of business I have determined my positive skills which
helps me in attaining goals and negative skill which acts as a barrier toward achievement. I have
good communication skills which support me in communicating effectively with all members of
organisation and assist me in motivating them, towards good working also this skill helps me in
building good relation with customers which aids in increasing brand value of organisation. I
have lack of leadership skills, managerial and writing skills which act as a barriers and creates
mismanagement within business and declines competencies.
6

Positive Skills (Strengths) Negative skills (Weaknesses)
 I have good communication skills
which supports me in communicating
with other employees effectively.
 I posses effective time management
skill with the help of which I can
complete my activities within time
frame.
 I have lack of leadership qualities
which declines my performance.
 I do not posses good managerial skills
which creates mismanagement in my
work.
Curriculum vitae
Name:
Address:
Contact Number:
Email ID:
Carrier objective:- To make a good position in business world and perform enthusiastically in
term to achieve objectives of organisation with dedication.
Academic Qualification:
 Graduate Masters in Social media.
Experience: Fresher
Personal Skills:
 Competitiveness
 Honesty
 Team spirit Communication skills
Declaration:
I solemnly declare that all above provided details are valid.
Following are the skills which are required to achieve organisation objectives:-
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1. Leadership skills are highly required in order to attain the goals of organisation. This
quality helps in commanding other employees effectively and helps to build team spirit.
2. The managerial qualities is mostly required which supports in eliminating
mismanagement and assist in achieving goals effectively within time frame.
3. Effective communication skill is needed to attain organisation objective which help in
elimination of miscommunication while performing activities.
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them.
Strengths Weakness Opportunities Threats
I posses good
communication
qualities and time
management skills this
fosters my
performance by
achieving objectives of
organisation within
time period by
communicating
effectively with all
members.
I have lack of
leadership skills,
managerial and writing
skills which decline
my performance which
act as a obstacles in
attaining desired goals
and objectives of
organisation(Croft and
et.al., 2010).
There is good learning
opportunities for me
from others.
Lacks of funds
For increasing my performance it is important for me to develop these skills in order to
attain business objectives and for my personal development. For eliminating negative factors I
have under done through various activities which have supported me in my personal and
professional development.
Some of the activities undertaken by me is described as follows:
Training:- I have gone through different training programmes related to management. These
training programmes have provide me significant practical and theoretical knowledge about
managerial activities(Trede, Macklin, and Bridges, 2012). The knowledge have benefited me in
8

conducting practical in field of management which have supported in development of personal
skills and assisted in performing managerial activities of organisation effectively.
Learning from others:- For developing my leadership skills I have gone through process of
learning from many individuals such as friends, relatives and family members. These individuals
have provided me various knowledge in relation to how to deal with employees they have
provided proper guidance to me which have developed my leadership skills which supports me
in handling employees of organisation significantly.
Research:- I have conducted various research on case studies and gone through books and
journals provided by researchers. This have assisted me in developing my writing skills which
are relevant for attaining objectives of organisation.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
Current needs Future needs
I have observed that my current level in good
which supports me in completing organisations
activities effectively and efficiently. Currently
I have adopted multi cultural environment of
organisation significantly by which I respect
all members of organisation without any
differentiations. I still lack behind in some
aspect currently which hinders my
performance. Currently I need to develop my
communication skills for betterment of myself
and organisation. Currently I have a need to be
a strategic planner and there is a significant
need to develop my leadership and personal
qualities.
In future I have a need to develop my
personality to reach higher level of
understanding. There is a significant need of
emerging new skills which supports in changes
which will take place in the future. I have a
need to develop change management skills,
developing employees and balancing
professional and personal aspects of life in the
future.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan of identified needs
SR. No LEARNIN
G
CURRENT
PROFICEN
TARGET
PROFICEN
DEVELOP
MENT
CRIRERIA
FOR
TIME
9

OBJECTIV
ES
CY CY OPPORTU
NITIES
JUDGING
SUCESS
SCALE
1 To improve
leadership
skills
I do not
have good
leadership
skills which
creates
rivalry
among
members.
To develop
leadership
strength by
which I can
eliminate
rivalries
among
employees.
With the
assistance of
my co-
workers.
I can
effectively
judge my
developmen
t by taking
feedbacks
from co-
workers.
2 Weeks
2 To improve
managerial
skills
Currently I
do not
posses
managerial
qualities
which
hinders my
performance
and creates
mismanage
ment in
organisation
.
To increase
strength
which make
me able to
manage the
organisation
effectively.
With the
help of
training and
friends.
By
determining
the
management
of
organisation
after
developmen
t.
3 Weeks
Planning is very important term in association with personal and professional life of an
individual(Busse, Aboneh and Tefera, 2014). It is necessary to design a significant plan for
individual by themselves in order to determine current position and future requirements and fulfil
them. I have prepared a significant plan for my future development by considering requirements
of organisation. Plan will assist me in adapting changes at every point of life to acquire
10

significant knowledge and expand my abilities to perform. I have planned personal SWOT
analysis which will helps me in evaluating my strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats.
Evaluation will help to make a watch on my strengths and my weak point. Through this I can
increase my strengths by eliminating weak points by taking necessary action. This analysis will
also support me in predetermining opportunities for me which has to be acquired. As
opportunities is determined it will provide me knowledge to take necessary action for attaining
them(Avalos, 2011). I have planned time frame analysis which will help me in professional
development for initial stage of my profession till present and future time. I have planned for
attending various eduction programmes and plans which will help in my personal learning and
develops my professional life.
3.1 Short term and long term objectives, process and activities required to implement
development plan
Personal and professional development is not concept there are certain changes which
takes in this concept as per new changes in organisations. Personal and professional development
plans prepared by an individual must be implemented significantly to achieve objective of plans.
Form implementing these plans certain action has to taken by considering key points which are
described as follows:-
 Scope and content of personal and professional development plan:- Staff of
organisation must use main objective and focus of personal development plan. Personal
development plan forms will be provided to staff members with proper guidance to them
in respect of development for specific area. To support personnels as per needs of
development competences is being used.
 Relationship between development plan and its links with other activities:- For
effective performance in existing job personal and professional development plan must
focus on specific need. It assists in development as and next step towards career. The
approach assist in encouraging individuals towards personal and professional
effectiveness and needs of development(Sutherland, Howard and Markauskaite, 2010). It
is necessary to consider that how individuals grab opportunities and acquires satisfaction
through plan.
 Implementation:- Personal and professional development plan may face issue in
implementation and support. Plan which have to be implemented on employee need
11

significant efforts in terms of training and communication to achieve objectives of
prepared plan. In implementation self managed learning is an challenge as employees
may consider their personal judgements in development. For implementation support of
all employees is necessary. This will assist in effective implementation of plan.
 Impact:- The effect of personal and professional development plan implemented on
employees must be evaluated. The feeling of staff towards their own development must
be determined after implementation(Lamote and Engels, 2010).
Short term objectives:- I have determined my short term objectives on the basis of my
weakness which are required to develop immediately. According to this development of
leadership and managerial qualities are my short term objective which for which I will be
attending seminars and training sessions.
Long term objectives:- For future I have planned long term objectives such as building new
strengths which will help me for long period in my personal and professional life. I have
determined my long term goal i.e. to build decision making strength which will support me in
taking right decision at right time. For attaining these objective it is necessary that it should be
completed under SMART objectives i.e. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned
As per the above stated objectives which I have set for my development , it is necessary
for me to go through certain activities for achieving them and improving my skills. These
objectives and plans is must needed for my own growth and development. For attaining these I
have to go through certain process which is being described as follows:-
1. Firstly I will work effectively on my long term objective which is being related to
building new strength in decision making. For this I have to go through research available
on internet sources and training programs for a period of 2weeks. I will transfer this
knowledge which will be acquired in period of 2weeks in my work life to take effective
decisions.
2. Another weakness of mine is that I have less leadership qualities for which I have to
attend seminars and motivation lectures.
3. The other weakness of mine is low skills of management for improving this I have to
attend management sessions which help me in developing these.
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3.3 Reflecting own learning against original aims and objectives
By using best learning styles and skills I have set some aims and objectives for myself
which has to attained effectively. For the following firstly, I have to determine sources by which
I can get proper knowledge which supports me in own development. After identification of
sources to acquire relevant knowledge I have to go through them within the time frame with
complete dedication and hard work which will support in gaining knowledge. If these things
goes within time frame effectively it will lead to development and will support in garbing
opportunities.
3.4 Development plan based on feedback and evaluation
The continuous review through personal view point and reflection must be undertaken
(McNiff, 2010). This must consider points such as How do we feel that research is going on?, Is
current methodology perfect for research or need for change? It is important to measure level of
satisfaction and important achievements and why. After analysing and reviewing there is a need
to develop future plans for performing work in right way for this planning is necessary. The
planning will include action plans to achieve goals and research development plan. This
development plan is successful when more of feedbacks are received and evaluation is done on
determined goals which have been set for ourself. These feedbacks motivate individuals in future
development of action plan to achieve objectives which is set by individuals. Positive feedbacks
and comments received by other for change made helps in motivating to achieve other aims and
objectives effectively. When individuals get proper assessment for how and where to move helps
in further development.
The below given is a updated personal development plan required for development after
evaluation and feedbacks:
SR. No LEARNIN
G
OBJECTIV
ES
CURRENT
PROFICEN
CY
TARGET
PROFICEN
CY
DEVELOPMENT
OPPORTUNITIE
S
TIME SCALE/
REMARK
1 To improve
leadership
skills
The skill
have yet not
improved as
To develop
leadership
skill within
Training sessions
and internet
sources are the
Now 1 more week
is being required to
develop this skill
13

per target
set.
a time frame
effectively.
opportunities
available for
development.
2 To improve
managerial
skills
Improved Target
achieved as
per the plan
The significant
improvement is
being seen by
evaluation and
feedbacks.
CONCLUSION
Every individual have a significant need to develop their personal and professional skills
in order achieve success in their work life. Above report concludes that various approaches to
self managed learning and life long learning supports individuals in personal and professional
development. It can be studied that determining individuals skills by different approaches helps
in identifying their strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats. By determining these they can
develop plans and implement them for their skill development. It is also being concluded that
time management is necessary for individuals to increase their performance.
14

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Avalos, B., 2011. Teacher professional development in teaching and teacher education over ten
years. Teaching and teacher education. 27(1). pp.10-20.
Busse, H., Aboneh, E.A. and Tefera, G., 2014. Learning from developing countries in
strengthening health systems: an evaluation of personal and professional impact among
global health volunteers at Addis Ababa University’s Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
(Ethiopia). Globalization and health. 10(1). p.64.
Croft, A., and et.al., 2010. Job-Embedded Professional Development: What It Is, Who Is
Responsible, and How to Get It Done Well. Issue Brief. National Comprehensive Center
for Teacher Quality.
Elliott, J. ed., 2011. Reconstructing teacher education. (Vol. 221). Routledge.
Jimoyiannis, A., 2010. Designing and implementing an integrated technological pedagogical
science knowledge framework for science teachers professional development. Computers
& Education. 55(3). pp.1259-1269.
Lamote, C. and Engels, N., 2010. The development of student teachers’ professional identity.
European Journal of Teacher Education. 33(1). pp.3-18.
McNiff, J., 2010. Action research for professional development: Concise advice for new action
researchers. Dorset: September books.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Robertson, J., 2016. Coaching leadership: Building educational leadership capacity through
partnership. New Zealand Council for Educational Research. PO Box 3237, Wellington
6140 New Zealand.
Sutherland, L., Howard, S. and Markauskaite, L., 2010. Professional identity creation:
Examining the development of beginning preservice teachers' understanding of their work
as teachers. Teaching and teacher education. 26(3). pp.455-465.
Trede, F., Macklin, R. and Bridges, D., 2012. Professional identity development: a review of the
higher education literature. Studies in Higher Education. 37(3). pp.365-384.
Zepeda, S.J., 2012. Professional development: What works. Eye on education.
Online
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The Five Communication Styles. 2017. [Online]. Available through.
<http://www.clairenewton.co.za/my-articles/the-five-communication-styles.html>.
[Assessed on 29th September 2017].
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