Personal and Professional Development Report - Skills and Learning

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development, offering a comprehensive analysis of self-managed learning approaches and their benefits. It explores the VARK model for identifying individual learning styles and discusses strategies for fostering lifelong learning. The report also addresses a work-based problem, proposing solutions rooted in effective team management and communication. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of time management and presents various strategies to enhance productivity. The report culminates in a detailed evaluation of current skills and competencies, leading to the development of a personalized development plan, complete with short- and long-term objectives and a critical discussion of aims and goals. This plan is designed to facilitate continuous growth and adaptation in a dynamic professional landscape.

Personal and Professional Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning and the ways to identify the learning styles..............1
1.2 The ways to identify the learning style and discussing the ways to encourage the life long
learning methods..........................................................................................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning.........................................................................................4
4.1 work based problem and their solutions................................................................................4
4.2 Implementing the learning style to overcome the problem identified and the ways to
communicate at different levels...................................................................................................5
4.3 Different time management strategies...................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Evaluating current skills and competencies and preparing CV.............................................6
2.2 Identifying the personal and professional development needs..............................................8
2.3 Development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs...................9
2.4 Personality development plan..............................................................................................10
3.1 Short and long term objectives............................................................................................10
3.2 Documentation of the Activities..........................................................................................11
3.3 Critical Discussion on aims and objectives.........................................................................11
3.4 Updated Personal and Professional Development Plan.......................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
The growing competition and the volatile market conditions have given rise to seek the
perfection in skills and abilities in order to establish the prominent position in the market. The
fundamental components of the market are sellers (Business organizations) and the buyers.
Consolidating the larger stream of buyers demands the high degree of efficiency and capabilities.
To achieve the organizational standards, Personal and professional development plan is the
effective tool. Personal and professional development is the comprehensive and systematic
method of developing the skills and qualities and maximizing potential by facilitating the
learning opportunities (Hunzicker, 2011). This report outlines the benefits of self-managed
learning and the ways to identify the learning style and encourage lifelong learning. It throws
light on a work based problem faced by an employer and the methods to resolve them are
discussed. Further, development plan is prepared by identifying the strengths, needs and
development opportunities.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning and the ways to identify the learning styles.
To enhance the skills and capabilities self-managed learning is the initiative taken by an
individual to achieve professional goals. It is an intensive and collaborative method of learning
by encompassing learning opportunities in the systematic and the research oriented manner. With
the set of activities, the development plan is prepared with the help of expertise and the
experienced person in the field (Beausaert and et.al., 2013). In order to pursue the self-managed
learning the following approaches are used:
Initiation: Self-managed learning is the initiative taken by an individual itself after realization of
the need and the willingness to enhance the skills and quality of knowledge.
Goals: The process is pursued after the clear and determined goal is set. By achieving the short
and long term objectives with respect to the development of personality on professional grounds
the goals are accomplished.
Aims and requirements: The identification of the strengths and the developments needs is the
fundamental requirement to achieve any goal and targets.
Personal orientation achievements: It is the process of improving the quality of life and fulfilling
the aspirations and dreams on the personal and professional grounds (Kumari, 2011).
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Self-reflection: This is the evaluating stage in which the learning achievements are compared
against the goals and targets sets and the plan prepared according to the developing opportunities
and needs.
There are different ways through which the learning style can be identified in the very systematic
and planned manner so that the learning process can be improved and the more information can
be processed in the shorter duration of time (Smith and et. al., 2007). Two of them are explained
below:
VARK: This is the model in which with the help of questionnaire and the score card, the learning
style from among the different sensory modalities are identified (Learning style. 2016).
1. V: visual, Learner has the tendency to learn from the visuals in the better way.
2. A: Auditory, according to this the learner has more grasping through the auditory
methods such as the lectures, presentations and the discussions.
3. R: Read and write, if the learning understands the concept and theory of the actions by
reading and writing the content, the learner has sensitivity to this sensory modality.
4. K: Kinesthetic, The learner understands the things better by applying the theory into
action.
Kolb’s learning style
According to this theory the learners are categorized in the following ways:
 Accommodate (Concrete experience): learns through practical doing
 Converger (Abstract conceptualization): Learns through the application of theories.
 Diverger (Reflective observation): The learner has strong imaginative ability and
discussion (Knight, Sperlinger and Maltby, 2010).
 Assimilation (Active experimentation): The learner has the strong ability of the inductive
reasoning and creation of theories.
1.2 The ways to identify the learning style and discussing the ways to encourage the life long
learning methods.
To identify my learning style and method I have used the VARK model.
Visual 9
Auditory 8
Read and write 10
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Kinesthetic 13
Total 40
Inferring the score it is identified that I have the strong learning tendency through visual and
Kinesthetic sensory modalities.
 That is, I learn better through the visuals and the videos.
 I have the better learning capabilities through applying the theories into the action.
Life long learning is the continuous method of assimilation of knowledge and skills
encompassing the various learning opportunities. Life long learning is encouraged through the
following ways:
 Self managed learning: The initiative taken by an individual to enhance the skills and
qualities in the systematic and the planned way is the life long process of learning. I have
adopted this process to improve my attributes at personal level and to bring career
progression.
 Academic degrees: The formal and fundamental method of acquisition of knowledge and
information through formal coaching and professional courses. This is the basic method
of attaining talents and bring improvement in the personality on the professional grounds.
 Higher degrees: The technical knowledge and the academic information can be enhanced
through the higher degrees and courses (Olsen, 2015). Government and the legislative
bodies has started some schemes and methods to help the students in pursuing the higher
courses. Higher professional degrees have helped me to develop critical thinking,
analytically skills and in-depth understanding of my core subjects. Along with this
through this process I have learned the applicability of information.
 Recognition of prior learning: An individual learns by articulating the knowledge and
formation from the surrounding. This is the life long process in which an individual adapt
the information and knowledge from the people around and the working happening in the
vicinity.
 Employment: The business organization has the prime focus to improve the ability and
the efficiency of the organization and employees for that purpose they organize the
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training programs and development sessions (Moon, 2013). At employment I have
developed leadership qualities and better time management.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
The comprehensive and the planned way learning by inculcating various methods and
techniques brings so much benefit to an individual and the organization. It helps in the career
progressing and the enrichment of personality in various aspects to fit into the volatile and the
competitive market place. The befits to an individual and the organization are enlisted below:
To an individual With the self evaluation and the assessment of the current skills and talents and the up-
gradation of the personality through self managed learning helps in establishing the
prestigious position in the work place (Bolton, 2010).
To the organization
 It enables the organization in hiring the efficient and the capable candidates and the
employees in the organization to increase the profitability and the efficiency of the
organization on the large extent.
 It minimizes the cost of training by encouraging the self managed learning among the
employees.
 Further it increases the morale and the self confidence of the employees due to the high
degree of skills.
 It makes the work culture of the organization very resources and healthy, as the
employees using the self managed learning techniques comes up with the innovative and
the creative ideas (Nicholls, 2014).
4.1 work based problem and their solutions
The mangers in the organization encounter the number of problems at the work place
while undergoing and performing the duties and responsibilities. The organization works by
assigning the tasks by forming the teams and groups with the specific goals and targets. One
such problem faced in the organization is the improper management of team and ineffective
coordination. Understanding the fact and importance of resolving the above issue and be
prepared with at before entering into the work culture, I seek the methods to address the issue.
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For that purpose after scrutinizing all the parameters and remedies inferences can be made as
follows. The ineffective team coordination may be due to the following reasons:
 The improper leadership: The lack of abilities in a leader to manage the team properly
results in the improper functioning of the members.
 Diversity in ideas and opinions: The higher degree of differences in the views and
opinions of the employees brings clashes among the members (Jain, 2013). The
employees face difficulty in adjusting and in maintain the compatibility with the other
members.
The solutions for the mentioned problems are:
 Effective leadership qualities in the manager.
 Resolving disputes and clashes in the effective manner.
 Motivating the team members to stay dedicated towards work and keeps their morale
high.
 Explaining the benefits of team work to increase the efficiency and the productivity of
employees and the organization (Cunningham, 2006).
4.2 Implementing the learning style to overcome the problem identified and the ways to
communicate at different levels.
VARK model can be used to resolve the problem of the ineffective team management. It
helps in the following ways:
 With the help of this learning style the strengths of the employees and their learning style
can be identified and the assignments are given according to their abilities.
 With the help of this techniques the employees can be keep motivated to work and stay
dedicated towards the tasks given to them for completion.
The different ways to communicate the officials at different levels:
 Strategic: This the group of the senior management where the strategies and the policies
are discussed. The communication at this level is done in the formal and the verbal
manner through the presentations and dictations (Tams, 2008).
 Tactical: The administrative level where the operational management is performed. At
these levels the communication is done through the formal way in the form of verbal and
the written methods.
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 Operational: The working staff and the employees who perform duties and execute the
strategies and policies framed by the senior management comes under this group. The
communication is done through verbal medium in the form of lectures, seminars,
conferences, Further the skills are enhanced by conduction the training programs and
development sessions (Cassidy, 2006).
4.3 Different time management strategies
In order to manage the work and the various kinds of tasks and duties in the effective
manner the proper time management by the higher officials of the organization is the
prerequisite. For that purpose the following strategies are adopted:
 Planning out things well: From the slew of tasks and responsibilities driving out the
profits demands the proper planning and categorization of work and duties. For that
purpose the effective planning tool can be used.
 Delegation: Stating the goals in the clear and precise manner to the employees saves time
and energy of both the employees and the employer. With the better understanding of
targets and goals, employees work efficiently.
 Avoiding delays: Procrastination is the biggest hindrance in the smooth functioning of
organization. For the employers must avoid delays in work and the task must be
accomplished on time or before target line (Professional and Personal Development.
2013).
 Prioritizing the tasks: Arranging the task according to the preferences and importance
brings the hassle free work in the organization.
Evaluation: From the above mentioned methods of time management, use of proper planning
tool and prioritizing the task as per their importance are the effective ways. As these tasks works
in comprehensive manner to address all the faults and lacunae in performing task effectively.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluating current skills and competencies and preparing CV
Taking the responsibility to enhance the skills and talents to match the organizational
standards I have identified my current competencies and the needs to match up the organsational
benchmarks. I desire to pursue my career as HR manager in the Travel and tourism sector. For
that post the following skills and attributes in the personalities are required.
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 Proficiency in the communication skills.
 The team management
 Stress management
 Delegation power.
 Knowledge of the industry and sectors
 Knowledge of the recruitment and hiring of efficient employees and staff.
 Dealing with the employees related issue (Eisele and et.al., 2013).
From the above mentioned attributes I posses some of them such as the intimate
knowledge of the operations and working of the travel and tourism industry, competency in
dealing with the employees and related issues, recruitment and selection of capable candidates. I
lack in the effective communication skills, team management and the stress management.
Skills Audit
Skills Current
position
Best=5
Evidence
Team work 4 Need to improve team building spirit as I lack in skills to
derive excellency from team members.
Leadership skills 4 Have manged my team members so that work can be
accomplished in prescribed time.
Punctuality 5 Understands value of time.
Hard Working 5 Always caters to give best in work.
Decision making 3 Lack of decision making power.
Professional
knowledge
5 Have competency and experience in professional
knowledge.
Responsible 3 So far not endowed with responsibilities hence seek advice
from expertise and specialists.
Curriculum Vitae
Alex John
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Mobile: [phone]
Career Objective
As a fresher, I want to be succeeding in an environment of growth and excellence to seek
challenging responsibility to prove my skills and utilize my knowledge with an opportunity for
career advancement as successful achievements.
Key Skills
Recruitment and hiring of employees and the dealing with the employees related issues
Possess the sound knowledge of the operational working of the travel and tourism industry.
Strengths
Proficient knowledge of computer
Hard working
Responsible
Team work
Interpersonal Skills
Academic Qualifications
Associate degree course in Human resource management.
CIPD certificate in human resource.
2.2 Identifying the personal and professional development needs
To identify my personal and professional development I have performed the SWOT
analysis. HR manager are required to possess several qualities.
S(Strengths): I possess the profound knowledge of the travel and tourism industry. Knowing the
different methods of recruitment and selected I possess the qualities to hire the most efficient and
capable employees in the organization and dealing with various work related issues.
W(Weakness): The strong verbal and written communication skills are required to consolidate
the larger number of customers and maintain effective relational constructs with the suppliers. I
need improve in that attribute. Further the skills such as effective team work and the stress
management among the employees are needed to be improved. Further with the use of
processors such as word, powerpoint, spreadsheets presentation skills can be improved.
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O(Opportunities): These skills can be enhanced by joining the professional courses and training
from the expertise and the specialists. Further, the talents can be developed through joining the
seminars and conferences.
T(Threats): The highly volatile and unpredictable market demands the high proficiency in skills
and talents.
2.3 Development opportunities required to meet both the current and future needs
To enhance the skills and talents to fit into the organizational standards in the travel and
tourism industry. The following opportunities can be availed.
 Communication skills can be developed through joining professional courses and
bringing more interaction with the other employees and customers.
 Using effective modals and techniques improves the team management skills (Ottewill,
2002).
 Effective delegation can enhance the productivity of the employees with the clearly stated
goals and targets.
Skills Gap analysis: It refers to the comparison between talents needed to be enhanced and
current abilities. At present my communication skills are below the professional standard set
hence needed to be improved. Adopting such methods helps me built better relations on personal
and professional grounds. Presentation skills are not at par, it shall be improved by using better
techniques. Other interpersonal skills such as decision making and leadership skills are needed to
be improved to that with better enganment of other employees better and productive results can
be procured.
2.4 Personality development plan
Learning
Objectives/
Goals
Current
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunitie
s
Criteria for
judging
success
Time scale Evidence
Technical
Knowledge
Good hold
on the
information
and
knowledge
Optimum
level of
knowledge.
Guidance
from the
senior
management
and
Feedback
from
customers.
6 Month Good
customer
base
9

of travel and
tourism
industry.
expertise.
Leadership
skills
Lack of
management
of team.
Better team
work and
employees
performanc
e.
Using
different
leadership
models and
methods.
Better
coordination
of
employees.
6 Month Employees
and
organization
’s
performance
.
Communica
tion skills
Below the
organization
al standard.
Effective
verbal and
written
communica
tion skills.
Reading
books,
professional
course and
more
interaction.
Better
customer
engagement.
2 Month Feedback
from
customers
and
management
.
3.1 Short and long term objectives
It is required to determine long and short term objectives so that effectual measures can
be taken in this regard. In this context, my personal development plan also possess short and long
term objectives that helps me in undertaking appropriate step. Developing communication skill is
my short term goals so that I can able to make contact with different individual in effectual
manner. Also, my goal is to become HR manager and in this regard, communication is must. I
have to make contact different individual for fulfilling my job responsibilities (Avalos, 2011).
On the other hand, my long term objectives are to gain technical knowledge and leadership
skills. For technical information, I will read books and use internet so that handful amount of
information can be attained (Von Haenisch, 2011). For leadership skill, I will incorporate
different set of leadership models and theories so that I can able to lead a team.
3.2 Documentation of the Activities
In order to develop my communication skills, I will undertake use different types of
communication method so that my skills can be developed in this context. For this, I need to
focus on using more of verbal communication so that I can make proper contact with different
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