Personal and Professional Development Plan for Aldi Executive

This report presents a personal and professional development plan undertaken by a marketing executive at Aldi, with the aim of becoming a marketing director. The report begins with an introduction to the importance of personal development, and the executive's goals. It then details the benefits of self-managed learning approaches, such as reading, attending seminars, and using the internet, and their advantages for both the individual and the firm. The report includes a self-assessment of skills and competencies, presented in a table format, and a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The report provides a personal development plan, outlining activities and timelines for skill improvement, such as leadership and communication skills, and concludes with a reflection on achievements against aims and objectives. It is a comprehensive guide for personal and professional growth, available on Desklib.

Personal and
Professional
development
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
A). Self managed learning approaches........................................................................................4
B. Self managed learning advantages to individual and firm......................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
A). Auditing the personal skill as well as competencies.............................................................6
B). Analyzing my own personal SWOT factor............................................................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
A). Implementing the personal development plan.....................................................................10
B). Critically reflecting the achievements against aims and objectives.....................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
A). Recommending solution to the work based problem..........................................................11
B). Applying time management approaches..............................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
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INDEX OF TABLES
Table 1: Personal skill.....................................................................................................................6
Table 2: Personal development plan................................................................................................8
Table 3: Log sheet...........................................................................................................................9
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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development plan provides information about that particular
skills which needs to be developed among individual (Personal and professional development,
2015). The given plan is effective as with the help of this, individual can carry out significant
improvement in their capability of getting employment within the firm. This report will depict
benefits of self-managed learning for the individual. In addition to this, the report will also give
detailed description regarding activities with the help of which an individual can implement its
personal and professional development plan in an effective manner.
At present I am working as the marketing executive in one of the famous discounting store
of UK named as Aldi. My aim is to become marketing director of cited firm. This objective can
be fulfilled if I will develop skills in which I am lacking.
Brief description of Aldi
Aldi is a globally recognized discount supermarket chain which has its operation around 18
countries. The firm was founded in the year 1946 by Karl and Theo Albrecht. In addition to this,
the organization has team of around 250000 employees. Furthermore, the organization has more
than 10000 stores which are located in number of locations.
TASK 1
A). Self managed learning approaches
It is very important for the individual to identify own areas of development. However, the
given thing can be done by the individual if it take assistance from concept such as self managed
learning (Cardno, 2005). Thus, it can be stated that self-managed learning is the learning
approach which suggests ways with the help of which necessary skills can be developed among
individual. I will use number of self-managed leaning approach with an aim to perform
improvement in my employability skill. One of the approaches could be reading books and
articles which are published by authors who have specialization in the marketing field. In this
context, by reading books on marketing I will improve my understanding regarding theories
associated with the given field. In addition to this, with the help of books I can improve my
knowledge of basic concepts related to marketing. Thus, this approach will play crucial role in
the process of getting the desired job position in discounting organization named as Aldi.
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In addition to this, another self managed learning approach could be attaining seminars
and conference. By taking assistance from this approach, I can learn practical application of all
the marketing theories. In addition to this, this approach is appropriate as with the help of it, I
can resolve my all doubts very quickly. Furthermore, I can also get feedback regarding my
progress from the individual who is delivering training. Besides this, surfing the internet is also
considered as one of the approach of self managed learning. With the help of this mean, I can get
information with respect to all the developments associated with the field of marketing. Through
this way, I can give my best suggestions to the senior officials of Aldi. Thereby, I can raise my
probability of getting desired job position within the cited corporation.
In addition to this, I have identified number of ways with the help of which I can
encourage myself for lifelong learning. Taking the feedback from the trainer as well as
colleagues regarding the development in my skill, I can motivate myself for continuous learning.
This is because; by complying with the given type of activity, I can improve my knowledge with
regard to skill which is the biggest weakness. In this context, it has been seen that, individual will
always put its 100 percent efforts if it has full-fledged information about the skill in which it is
hindering and required improvement. In addition to this, lifelong learning can also be encouraged
by using the tool like SWOT analysis (Tetmore, 2005). With the help of this tool, I can assess
varied opportunity which is available within country. I can use these assessed opportunities with
an aim to improve that particular skill in which I am hindering. Overall, it can be stated that,
with the help of given two techniques I can improve my deficit ability and thus can get designed
position within Aldi.
B. Self managed learning advantages to individual and firm
By using the concept such as self managed learning, I can get varied benefits. With the
help of this approach, I can take measure towards assessed weakening skill. By improving the
assessed skill, I can raise my confidence. In addition to this, through this way I can also improve
my chance of attaining my goal to become the marketing director of Aldi in an effective way. In
addition to this, I can also get benefit in the form of getting employment in any organization.
With the help of self managed learning, I can enhance my employability skill. As the result of it,
I can increase my chance of getting the desired job in the market in an effectual way. Overall, it
can be said that, the self managed learning will be proved as beneficial aspect.
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Besides this, self managed learning not only provides benefit to individual but it has its
advantages for the firm also who employ people. This approach helps in reducing training and
development cost of the corporation like Aldi. This is because; here individuals will identify the
area in which they require improvement. Thus, through this way firm can reduce its task of
assessing development need of the employees. In addition to this, through this the firm can save
lot precious time which can be utilized by it for some other useful activities. Furthermore, with
the help of given technique, Aldi can also gain overall benefits in the form of increased profits
and sales. With the use of this approach, skill of cited firm employees can be improved as the
result of it they will deliver their best services to their customers. By complying with the given
type of activity, satisfaction of buyers can be enhanced.
TASK 2
A). Auditing the personal skill as well as competencies
I have the dream to become the marketing director of Aldi. In order to fulfill the given
goal I have carried out audit of my own personal skills. In addition to this, I have also assessed
different type of skills which I will use with an aim to work in the organizational setting. In order
to present these skills following format is prepared. I can use this format of personal and
professional development plan with an aim to achieve goals and objectives of organization in an
effective way.
Table 1: Personal skill
Current personal skill Abilities which are require for
the purpose to work
professionally within Aldi
Activities which will be
performed in order to improve
the deficit skills.
Able to manage my time
I am very capable to manage
my time in an effective
manner. Here, in order to
complete my time within the
given specified time limit I can
take help from time
Leadership skill
I face many difficulties when I
have to give direction to the
people who are aggressive and
do not like to take instruction
from other person.
I will attend seminars and
conferences. Furthermore, I
will also read varied books.
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management tactics.
Have a good knowledge with
respect to marketing concepts
I have good knowledge
regarding varied marketing
tactics which the firm will use
in order to attract buyers
towards it. In addition to this, I
also have full-fledged
understanding regarding
theories which are associated
with the field of marketing.
Communication ability
I also have some problem in
my communication skill.
Being in the position of
marketing executive, I must
possess good communication
ability. This is because, with
the use of this skill only I can
be able to direct my efforts in
terms of giving information
about the services provided by
cited company to the
respective customer in an
effective manner (Alsop,
2013). My nonverbal
communication ability is good,
but I face major difficulty in
the nonverbal communication
skill.
I will join training program on
verbal communication.
Highly committed to my work
I work very hard towards the
roles which I have been
assigned. Furthermore, I
always make sure that, I will
give my 100 % to each and
every task which marketing
manager of Aldi has assigned.
Planning and organizing
ability
I am able to complete my task
within given specified time
limit but I still feel that, I am
not the good planner as well as
organizer. However, in order
to work in the organizational
setting, I have to improve the
I will read the autobiography
of famous leader with an aim
to improve my understanding
regarding techniques that they
had used with an aim to plan
as well as organize their work
in an appropriate manner.
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given skill.
Have good problem solving
skill
I also found myself very
efficient enough in terms of
taking action against each and
every problem which may
occur within enterprises.
People skill
This skill is necessary for the
individual who is connected
with the marketing field.
However, I do not have good
people skill. Thus the need of
improvement of same arises.
In order to improve the given
skill I will read books.
B). Analyzing my own personal SWOT factor
The tool such as SWOT analysis has greater importance as with the help of this;
individual can get information regarding factors which are its strength and weakness.
Furthermore, the tool also specify about the factors which can be considered as opportunities as
well as threats for the person. My personal SWOT analysis is depicted in below:
Strength
 Have good time management skill
 Possess thorough knowledge regarding the
concepts associated with marketing field.
 I am good problem solver.
 I am highly committed towards my work
Weaknesses
 I found myself incapable in terms of
leading and directing the team of individual
 I do not possess good verbal
communication skill.
 I am not good planner as well as organizer.
 I do not have good people skill
Opportunity
 I have the opportunity to read the books
and articles for the purpose to improve
those skills in which I am lacking .
 I have the chance to attain training and
development programs which are
organized within the country.
Threat
 I have threat from the people who are more
capable than me.
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Following person and professional development plan is prepared on the basis of SWOT
analysis:
Table 2: Personal development plan
Activity (4 months) (Improving
leadership skill)
Skill acquired Time scale
Seminars and conferences Problem solving I will require 9 weeks time
in order to improve the
given skill
Role play Decision making Within 7 weeks
Activity (6 months) ( Improving the
people skill)
I will listen varied audios Listening skill Within 16 weeks
I will read books Technical HR knowledge Within 8 weeks
Activity (4 months ) ( Improving
communication skill)
Training programs Verbal communication Within 16 weeks
Activity (3 months) (Improving
planning and organizing ability)
Reading autobiography of famous
leader
Will became good
planner as well as
organizer
Within 12 weeks
Table 3: Log sheet
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Date Hours per day Activity undertaken
18/09/15 10am to 3 pm (5 hr) Seminars and conferences
07/12/15 4 Pm to 6 pm (2hr) Role play
07/04/16 10am-4pm (6hr) listening different audios
07/05/16 5pm-9-pm (4hr) Reading books
07/10/16 10am to 3 pm (5 hr) Training program on verbal
communication
07/01/17 4 Pm to 6 pm (2hr) Reading autobiography of
famous person
TASK 3
A). Implementing the personal development plan
I will follow two different types of steps for the purpose to carry out implementation of
the framed personal development plan. Here, I will identify that particular skill which is
important and needs to be improved as earlier as possible. After assessing the given type of
activity, I will search for the ways with the help of which identified ability can be improved. For
example, with regard to the given personal and professional development plan I will give first
priority to the leadership skill. This is because; by using the given skill I will be able to lead the
marketing team of Aldi in an effective way. Through this way, objective of the firm can be met
(Tetmore, 2005). In order to perform improvement in the given ability, I will attend seminars as
well as conference which are being organized within the country. In addition to this, I will also
perform role play activity for the purpose to improve my decision making capability.
Furthermore, my second priority is to improve the communication skill. This skill has its
importance as with the help of it only right information can be communicated by manager to the
respective person (Koprowska, 2010). Here, I basically face difficulty in nonverbal
communication skill. So in order to improve the same, I will read books which are written by
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famous authors. Besides this, my third objective is to improve people skill. This skill can be
improved if I will get knowledge regarding varied tactics with the help of which people who
work within the corporation can be managed. My last priority is to enhance ability to plan and
organize the activity. For this purpose, I will read the autobiography of famous leader.
B). critically reflecting the achievements against aims and objectives
I have analyzed my achievement against aims and objectives which I have identified in
the above mentioned personal development plan. My first objective is to improve leadership
skill. In this context, I have found out significant improvement. Thus, I now found myself
efficient in terms of managing the individual who are aggressive and will not follow the
instruction which is given by other. In addition to this, my second objective is to improve verbal
communication ability. I have assessed some improvement in the given skill. But, I still believe
that, much more improvement is also required in the given skill.
Furthermore, my skill of managing people who works within firm has improved when I
have mold and performed by work as per framed personal development plan. I feel that, now I
can manage the team of many individual in an effective manner. My ability to prepare plan and
organize activity has also improved. Overall, it can be said that, I have achieved majority of
objectives which I have put in the personal development plan.
Besides this, I will carry out comparison between my current and previous performance
with an aim to review plan based on outcome. For example, I have identified previously I will
not be able to direct my efforts in terms of leading the team of individual in an effective way.
However, after forming given personal development plan I have identified necessary
improvement in my ability to lead and direct people. Thus, through this way I can review
personal development plan against the framed aims and objectives.
TASK 4
A). Recommending solution to the work based problem
A solution is being recommended with respect to one specific work based problem. In
accordance with the given context, it is assessed that high dissatisfaction among workers in the
high work load type of condition is being regard as one of the most common work based
problem. This problem generally occurs in retail industry (Killian, 2010).
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In order to resolve the given problem, it is recommended to the manager of Aldi to
increase the team of employees during high work pressure (Boaden, 2006). In this regard, it is
suggested to the cited firm that, it must raise the team of part-time employees. These are the
employees who never work on any specific job permanently. w In addition to this, by complying
with the given type of activity, organization can maintain satisfaction of its existing workers.
Thereby, manager can get best services from its workers. This leads to corporation in terms of
increased profits and sales.
On the other hand, there are varied methods of communication which can be used by
manager of Aldi for the purpose of spreading information about given solution to the individual
who resides in the varied level (Dalakoura, 2010). For example, verbal communication style can
be used with an aim to communicate the solution to the individual who resides at the top level. In
accordance with the given context, manager of Aldi can organize meeting with them. In addition
to this, the combination of both verbal and non verbal communication style can be used in order
to give information about proposed solution of middle level employers. However,
communication method such as email can be used for employees who belong to lower level
management. Thus, by taking assistance from different mean of communicating with people,
organization can take action against the problem which is affecting its performance (Fitzgerald
and et. al., 2009.).
B). Applying time management approaches
The application of time management approaches largely depends upon situation which is
being faced by firm as well as individual. For instance, I have faced situation in which I have to
accomplish two or three task within specific time. However, lack of accomplishment of these
tasks will affect the sales and probability related condition of enterprises in a negative way. In
this situation, I can take help from prioritizing which is being consider as one of the type of time
management tactic. In accordance with the given context, I can set priority to each of the given
tasks. Thereby can fulfill entire assigned task within specified time limit in an effectual way. In
addition to this, there is some situation where individual has to fulfill framed goals and
objectives of the company within short time frame (Lopper, 2007). This goal can be met if short
and long term plan to the same will be prepared which is being regarded as another tactic of time
management.
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