Personal Development Plan: Identifying Needs and Overcoming Barriers

This assignment presents a comprehensive personal development plan, beginning with an introduction emphasizing the importance of competency and capability development. The author identifies their learning styles (VARK, Honey and Mumford) and values, followed by a SWOT analysis to pinpoint strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The plan includes an analysis of potential learning barriers, such as work-life balance and financial constraints, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. Further, the assignment examines learning and development options, including training and coaching, and identifies support mechanisms for self and team development. A detailed development plan is provided, outlining objectives, timelines, success criteria, and action steps. Finally, the document concludes with a self-reflection, assessing the effectiveness of the plan and identifying areas for future improvement, and a plan to apply the learned knowledge for future career advancements.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development holds more importance since that aids the person
to develop competency and capability level (Webster, 2009). In this respect, researcher has
discussed researcher’s own learning styles and values which is being followed at the time of
undertaking different activities and practices. Moreover, in this context discussion has also been
included regarding potential barriers that affects the process of learning and that also changes the
development aspects.
TASK 1
1.1 Identify own learning style and for others as well
I have been using learning styles from past several years merely for the purpose of
enhancing my knowledge and capabilities. On the basis of VARK, there are basic three types of
learning styles are audio, visual and kinaesthetic.
 Audio style includes learning through listening in which a person can learn by listening to
others. The style is quite suitable for my team members as through that they will be able
to listen to me properly.
 Visual style states that a person learns through viewing others and this also has a direct
contribution in encouraging knowledge and learning facets. Since, I am involved in
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health care services for children; therefore I usually learn from visual style. This helps me
to learn about the ways to deliver amenities to children (Throop and Castellucci, 2009).
 Next is kinaesthetic in which a person learn more through adopting different techniques
to perform a work. Thus, I prefer this style in which I experiment things so that I can
manage and learn more. Prior performing any sort of work, I always ensure that I am
considering the conceptual framework in managing all the things.
Apart from this, I would also like to specify Honey and Mumford’s learning style which I
prefer mostly Activist wherein I learn by doing things with open- minded approach. Other styles
are Theorist, Pragmatist and Reflector which emphasizes on diverse ways to learn. Theorists are
those learners who like to understand the theory that is hidden behind the actions (Forsyth,
2013). This style is also suitable for me since I am interested in finding out key aspects that lies
in any dimension. Further, Pragmatists learners put learning into practice by adding new
elements and ideas in the work. This involves case studies, theories and techniques and such
style is suitable for my team members. I also a reflector learner in which I learn by observing and
thinking about the things that happens generally.
1.2 Use a simple technique for identifying own development needs and other’s needs
Strengths Weaknesses
Time management Lack of self confidence
Leadership ability Lack of resource handling ability
Communication management Lack of influencing power
Punctual Lack of scheduling aptitude
Analytical ability Lack of competitive strength
Opportunities Threats
Competitor’s vulnerability Weaknesses might reduce career building
opportunities
Development of career in other fields I have threats because of competition
Opportunity to become team leader Technological advancements
I can get numerous opportunity to work in
different areas of health care sector.
Shortage of resources
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Articulating the above table, I can say that I need to focus on conversions strategies so
that I can use my strengths to overcome my weaknesses as that will also develop my skills and
capabilities. For instance- I have good communication skills; hence it is essential for me to
develop such skill on higher extent so that I can develop confidence in myself.
Strengths Weaknesses
My team has the best capability to perform
work on time
My team members lack in communication
skills
Complex tasks are performed in my team Lack of potential to arrange different things
Team has proper bonding Lack of handling multiple tasks
Opportunities Threats
Team has the opportunity to provide suitable
childcare services to the patients
Improper leadership can affect the entire team
We can build a good team Threat of team conflicts
Complexity management can assist the team
to achieve more success and growth
Other health care entities can provide more
threats to my team
On the basis of above discussion, it can be said that as a team, it is vital for me to
undertake better options so that I can handle all my work processes in effectual manner (Freese
and Samaras, 2006). Conversion and matching strategies both needs to be adopted so that as a
team, we all can emphasize on delivering better services to the respective patients.
1.3 Identify potential barriers to learning
While learning different things, it is apparent to experience several obstacles and
challenges such as interruptions from children in the same room where I study (Lopper, 2007).
The major barrier which I am having is work life balance wherein I am unable to manage
personal and professional aspects of my life. For instance – I do not get time to manage personal
and professional aspects since I have multiple things to do in my schedule. I believe that I have
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work responsibilities and home life as well; hence this hinders both work and life. I can say that
sometimes I have various tasks which are almost same; hence that leads to duplication of
activities which wastes my time.
Apart from this, I can also say that I am unable to access numerous websites at a time
because of lack of financial capability. I find myself unable to afford expensive studies since I do
not have much money to spend (Miles, 2012). In order to complete my studies, I have also taken
loans which further also creates economic burden on me. At the same time, geographical barriers
also impacting my learning aspects as I have to travel a lot in order to attend my classes. Further,
I have to get to work as well after completing my classes. I do not have a car; hence I have to
travel by bus and train.
1.4 Explain how barriers to learning can be overcome
 Since, I am having problems in managing my work as I have to give time to my family
and work both; therefore it is essential for me to develop a suitable schedule so that I can
manage all the activities accordingly.
 In this area, I will be able to manage work and personal life both. Moreover, in order to
attend the classes, it is also vital for me to make a chart so that on alternate basis, I can
attend the classes (Nixon, 2006).
 Besides this, while studying in the room, I need to keep privacy so that nobody can get
inside to disturb me.
 I have to manage studies along with my work; therefore I need to devote time on both the
activities accordingly.
 I also need to focus on team management aspects so that I can work appropriately with
the team members.
TASK 2
2.1 Briefly analyse learning and development options to meet needs of self and other team
members
According to the above mentioned SWOT analysis, I can say that I need to focus on
learning and development aspects so that I can improve my skills and capabilities. Thus, in this
respect it is crucial for me to focus on developing self-confidence so that I can enhance the
opportunities of learning and development. To meet development needs, it is vital for me to
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undergo with numerous training and coaching session so that I can learn many aspects that are
essential to build my career (Ottewill, 2002).
At the same time, I also need to develop convincing skills so that I can become more
capable in meeting all the needs and demands of the patients. This will also aid me to
communicate properly with other team members and patients both. However, on the other hand,
to develop the capability of team, I also need to arrange several training development sessions.
This will not only encourage my team efforts; but also it will enhance the work aspects of each
of my team member. Thus, for more development, I will be getting assistance from the experts
so that I can learn and develop more.
2.2 Identify support mechanisms for the development of self and another member of the team
I have been experiencing many problems in managing my work aspects; hence in such
respect I need to focus on diverse approaches and mechanisms so that issues and constraints can
be resolved prominently (Thompson, 2001). Training from expertise is one of the methods which
I will be adopting as that will also contribute in amending my work aspects. Moreover, the team
is also handling a lot of activities together; hence there must be proper coordination and
delegation of work. This will assist the team members to perform all their duties in effective
manner. Apart from this, it is also crucial for me to emphasize on conversion and matching
strategies so that weaknesses and threats can be managed accordingly.
2.3 Prepare a development plan to achieve a learning objective for yourself
I have prepared this personal development plan so that I can look upon the areas that
needs further development as they are important for my career building aspects. At the same
time, I can also say that it is essential for me to focus on self-learning and team learning and the
specific activities are being stated in the below plan.
Objectives of
development
Priority Time period Success criteria Actions I will
use to achieve
my learning
objectives
Communication
skills
I need to focus
on
communication
Within the
period of 2-3
With the help of
expert advice, I
will be able to
In order to
develop my
communication
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skills so that I
can enhance my
confidence level.
This will also
assist me to
avoid all sorts of
issues among
team members
and clients.
months determine the
success criteria
ability, I will
make use of the
internet access so
that I can learn
more.
Focus on meeting
different needs of
the team
I need to focus
on all the
requirements of
the team
members so that
they can become
productive
element of the
organization
(Webster, 2009).
Within the
period of 5
months
I will be getting
feedback from
the teams.
I will conduct a
discussion
session so that
team members
can specify what
need to be
improved
(Throop and
Castellucci,
2009).
Conflict
management ability
This is vital for
developing team
bonding and also
for creating
proper
environment in
the team
Within the
period of 2
months
Through
observing
interaction level
among the team
members
I will ensure to
listen to each and
every aspect of
the team work.
2.4 Describe a method that could be used to monitor the development of self and another
member of the team
What did I do?
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I have undergone with several learning style which can contribute in my skills and capabilities.
How do I feel about this?
This analysis seems to be useful for me as I have identified the areas of improvements.
How well did it go?
I went well as I had the time to specify on each and every aspect.
My learning
I have learned a lot with this analysis; since I know that this will contribute in encouraging me
more towards productive work.
How have I put any theory into practice?
While applying theory into practice, I ensured that I am considering conceptual framework.
What have I learned about myself?
I have learned that I need to focus more on conversion and matching strategies so that I can
meet all the requirements of skill development.
How can I use this plan in future?
I will use this plan as a learning guidance and study for further development
What will I do differently next time?
In order to do something different, I will be emphasizing on several learning courses and study
materials that can underpin my skills and efficiency.
CONCLUSION
Articulating the study, it is clear that personal development includes all such activities
that contributes in enhancing learning aspects of the person. It is vital for me to focus on
matching strategies so that I can convert strengths into opportunities and that will also aid me to
develop my capabilities. Thus, I will also be adopting different learning styles according to the
requirements so that it can aid in meeting the defined aim and objective of the team.
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