Report: Personal and Professional Development at Travelodge Hotel

This report analyzes personal and professional development strategies, particularly within the context of the Travelodge Hotel. It begins by defining self-managed learning and exploring various approaches, including seminars, social networking, and different learning styles based on Kolb's theory. The report then proposes ways to foster lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations. The second part of the report focuses on identifying competencies, conducting a SWOT analysis to determine development needs, and outlining opportunities to meet current and future requirements. It includes a sample curriculum vitae and a personal and professional development plan, covering activities and reflection on learning outcomes. The report also addresses the implementation of the development plan and updates based on learning experiences, with a conclusion that summarizes the key findings and recommendations for enhancing personal and professional growth within Travelodge. The report is a comprehensive exploration of personal and professional development principles and practices.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Key approaches to self-managed learning........................................................................3
1.2 Propose different ways that help in lifelong learning in professional and personal context
................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning....................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Competencies against organizational objectives and professional standards...................6
2.2 Determine own development needs and activities...........................................................7
2.3 Identify development opportunities to meet future and current needs.............................8
2.4 Prepare personal and professional development plan......................................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Activities required to implement development plan......................................................11
3.2 Undertake document required in development activities...............................................13
3.3 Reflect own learning against aims and objectives..........................................................14
3.4 Update development plan...............................................................................................15
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................15
Covered in poster..................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................19
QUESTIONNAIRE..............................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional Development is a crucial element for an individual as well as
for business enterprise. These two components assist in developing effective skill and knowledge
that lead to achieve business goals and objectives in a systematic manner (Beach, 2012). It's
main purpose is to help a person in governing own growth and development throughout their
career. To ensure constant development, it is essential to update existing knowledge and skills
with passage of time and trend. The given report is based on Travelodge Hotel which is a UK-
based private company deals in hospitality and hotel sector. It covers different key approaches to
self managed learning, various learning styles and its advantage to individual and company and
identification of development needs and opportunities. Along with this, activities needed for
executing development plan, communicating learning styles and implication of effective
strategies are also discussed that provides right direction and guidance to person's professional
and personal career.
TASK 1
1.1 Key approaches to self-managed learning
Self-managed learning is a broad concept that deals in development and learning of an
individual. For gaining higher knowledge and experience in several ways, this method is
considered as the most effective method. In simple words, it can de define as way in which
person administer its own learning. This imply that company is having self-managed learning
programs that is in-built in their structure and that ensure employees are developing in a
particular direction. Such programmes are developed as per the different needs of individual.
Following are the approaches of self-managed learning which are mainly taken into account by
Travelodge are discussed below:-
Seminar and Conference: Any Person can learn or enhance its knowledge through seminars or
lectures. This approach is mainly used by large companies for effectively developing or
enhancing the existing skills or knowledge of its staff. It gives a platform where people needs to
demonstrate its own skills or knowledge in front of professionals and gain learning of other area
from different persons (Brody and Hadar, 2011). Along with this, it also boost confidence level
of an individual which help in their future growth and development.
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Social Networking: An individual can likewise gain learning from different social networking
sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Today, 75% of total population generally invest their
large proportion of time on surfing these websites.LinkedIn empowers the person to learn
creative, business and technological skills that help them in achieving both personal &
professional goal in an effective manner (Calderhead, Denicolo and Day, 2012).
Different Learning Styles:
Kolb's Theory: The Theory was proposed by David Kolb in 1984. He stated that learning can be
gained or acquire from past experience relying on the individual how they really sees it. Kolb's
recognizes four distinctive style of learning that exist in working environment and that help
personnel in gaining satisfactory knowledge. Discussed below are the description of four
learning style discovered by Kolb:-
1. Diverging: In this learning stage, individuals normally learn by viewing their other co-
workers. Such sort of individuals are imaginative and solve issues or problems via idea
generation process.
2. Assimilating: Under this learning style, individual acquire learning through reasoning
and watching approach. In general, these kind of people first investigate the situation and after
that think intelligently and logically amid the learning procedure.
3. Converging: In this style of learning, people use their knowledge while solving
problems. They more attracted to technical problems or tasks than inter-personal or social issues.
Person with this style of learning prefer to experiment with new ideas or thoughts.
4. Accommodating: An individual with this sort of learning style has confidence in their
instinct as opposed to think and respond practically to given situation.
From the above discussed various approaches and styles of learning, Travelodge must
adopt social networking approach and Kolb's model of learning style. Since the company deals in
hospitality sector, it is chiefly important for them to update themselves with current likes and
dislikes of target customer.
1.2 Propose different ways that help in lifelong learning in professional and personal context
An individual is for the most part concerned about gaining knowledge and learning as it
is important for lifelong goals. Lifelong Learning refers to the way in which a person can
enhance his/her skills that results in improving their profitability which last with them
everlastingly. It mainly include two key way of learning namely formal and informal way
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through which an individual can grow and develop both personally and professionally. It is
constant procedure which empowers a person to learn and grow at whatever point they find an
opportunity. It is totally depend upon learner that the learning they comprehend is advantageous
for them or not. It is a fundamental component that help in personal and professional
development of a person. Some key areas are discussed below:-
 By reading newspapers, books and journals etc. life long learning in personal &
professional career and growth can be encouraged. It provide right direction to exploit
the opportunity in best possible manner.
 For determining strength, weakness, threats and all possible opportunities, SWOT
examination is useful to a person as well as for firm.
 By engaging in many social and cultural activities, adequate learning can be acquired that
help individual in their personal and professional career.
One of the major benefit related with concept of lifelong learning is that it hep an individual
to make his future much better then past and present. For an example if an individual lacks in
communication skills then with help of lifelong learning an individual can improve the same and
can take part in presentation and various other programmes.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning
Self-managed learning is important for both individual and firm to acquire more success
and benefits. This learning is helpful in regulating information from various resources so to
achieve defined goals and objectives in an effective manner. It is beneficial for both Travelodge
and its employees. Discussed below are some of its key benefits:-
 Personal benefits: Self-managed learning is essential in the life of each person for
getting simple and consistent life. It helps with expanding the level of competitiveness
attain from different groups of people (Glogowska and et. al., 2011). It govern additional
support to a person so that they can cope up with challenging situations in an effective
manner. Self-learning helps with making great abilities and state of mind that can help a
person to increase high position. This may help in decreasing the proportion of conflict or
issue arises in professional and personal development of a person.
 Organisational benefits: For attaining higher growth and success, self-managed learning
plays key role in organization in term of hiring skilled and knowledgeable employees in
Travelodge. Effective recruitment and selection process is led by given firm with the goal
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that the best hopeful will be enlisted who has certain abilities and information that meets
the criteria defined by company only. Key roles and responsibilities must be given to
employee on the basis of their skills and knowledge (Hadar and Brody, 2013). Along
with this, Travelodge also conduct various training and development session with an aim
to improve existing knowledge and competency of its workers.
Conclusion
From the above given information, it can be summarised that various approaches of self-
learning are there that can be utilise by an individual. Concept of self-managed learning offer
various benefits to both individual and organisation. Further, various ways are there that an
individual to professional and lifelong learning.
TASK 2
2.1 Competencies against organizational objectives and professional standards
State of mind of an individual depends on religion and culture. Each individual have their
own skills and capacities to attempt particular obligation and task develop at working
environment of Travelodge. Some of my core skills are listed below:-
1. Learning ability: I have great learning aptitudes that helps me in embracing tools and
technologies and make best utilization of them. I underline on adapting new things that
helps with managing benefits for both long and short term.
2. Listening ability: It is my significant quality that I have great listening aptitudes. It helps
me in doing work successfully according to the direction given by my pioneers. Through
this ability, I will have the capacity to accomplish objectives and targets (Moon, 2013).
3. Communication Skill: In my both personal and professional career, communication
plays great role as it help me in conveying any message or information in a clear manner.
This expertise is my significant quality by which I will viably speak with others
Curriculum vitae ( C.V.)
 Name:
 Address:
 Contact Number:
 Email ID:
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 Carrier objective:- Seeking for a platform where I can use my potential and skills to
achieve organizational objectives in an effective manner.
 Academic Qualification:
Bachelors of Commerce
Masters in Business Administration
 Experience:
Minimum 2 years of experience is required in Marketing Department as Marketing Head.
 Personal Skills:
Strong inter-personal skills
Effective communication skills
Positive attitude and high commitment towards work Declaration:
I hear by declare that all above informations is true in regard of my knowledge and experience.
2.2 Determine own development needs and activities
Keeping in mind the end goal to accomplish high growth and development, personal
learning of an individual is must. It includes assessing person's own particular strength,
weakness, threats and opportunities (Pallisera and et. al., 2013). It oversees appropriate
explanation about individual's development needs.
SWOT Analysis: -
Strength:  It characterizes as an ability of a person, that helps them in
accomplishing objectives and targets to reach at higher position.
 The manner in which an individual talk in a company impact its
working condition.
Weakness:  Lack of communication skills
 My technical skills are not so good.
 Further, I require to develop leadership skill.
 My writing skills are not up to the standard.
Opportunities:  I generally take an interest in social and corporate workshops. It
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causes me in getting new information and face challenges
adequately.
 I generally stress on learning new things and innovation that is
useful in improving my aptitudes and capacity to perform well.
Threats:  My biggest threat is my hesitation that limits me to convey or share
my thoughts with others.
2.3 Identify development opportunities to meet future and current needs
It is vital for each person to determine the opportunities available for high growth and
success with a specific end goal to meet present and future needs adequately. These are:
Current needs: There are some specialization criteria on which I have strong command
It is important to distinguish current needs. Based on present needs, future needs are recognized
by considering standards and facts associated with current needs (Trede, Macklin and Bridges,
2012). In existing situation, it is hard to identify actual requirement and I do numerous efforts
keeping in mind the end goal to distinguish my necessities. Identification of actual needs gives
guidance to achieve objectives and targets of present and additionally future. Additional
aptitudes and information helps in creating imaginative thoughts. Individual and expert
improvement, compelling business arranging and participative administration helps with
managing right bearing keeping in mind the end goal to create aptitudes of an individual.
Future needs: There are some specific goals and objectives that has been set by an individual
for their future. So as to achieve these objectives, adequate efforts are made. Future needs are
assessed as circumstances that are produced in past planning to accomplish targets and goals in
systematic manner. It is important to determine future needs as it empower person's abilities and
knowledge in regard of attaining future goals.
2.4 Prepare personal and professional development plan
Personal and professional development plan is required by every single person.
Necessities and requirement of each individual contrasts according to their interest. Keeping in
mind the end goal to get high development and growth, people needs to do various efforts (Von
Haenisch, 2011). It is important to investigate ranges of abilities and knowledge so as to exploit
all possible opportunities in a better and planned manner.
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Short term Medium term Long term
Communication skills
Writing skills
Leadership skills Technological skills
Short term goals
What How When (Start
date)
When (End date) Review
Communication
skills
Undoubtedly, I
take active
participation in
numerous
seminars and
workshop that
helps in
developing my
existing skills &
knowledge.
05 August 2018 05 August 2019 Review of peers
Writing skills In order to
improve my
writing skills I
will start to read
various journals
and articles and
after that I will
write some
useful material
on a relevant
topic in order to
improve my
writing skill.
01 October 2018 01 October 2019 Review of team
members and
peers
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Medium term goals
What How When (Start
date)
When (End date) Review
Leadership skills By take part in
different type of
team activities
and by lead the
team.
01 July 2018 01 July 2020 Review of peers
Long term goals
What How When (Start
date)
When (End date) Review
Technological
skills
My core strength
is my range of
abilities and
learning about
new technologies
and innovation.
Basically I tries
to get data
concerned with
tools and
techniques for
viable and
proficient
utilization of
resources.
05 September
2018
05 September
2023
Review of team
members and
technical experts
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TASK 3
3.1 Activities required to implement development plan
Development Plan is important for each person keeping in mind the end goal to build up
their own personal and professional development plan. Some vital prospect that are fundamental
for implementing development plan are discussed below:-
 Time frame: It is essential and imperative aspect for each activity. A legitimate time plan
regulate right heading to detail an arrangement in which particular day and time is
characterized for the consummation of work.
 Identification of skills and knowledge: In Travelodge, it is important to assess capacities
and abilities of its workers. This procedure helps the firm to assign specific task to
correct person who have suitable learning about how to perform it (Cleary and et. al.,
2011).
 Learning Strategies: Effective training and development sessions are led by Travelodge
for its representatives keeping in mind the end goal to build up their skills and
knowledge.
 Identify resources: Resources are essential element of each task. It is important to
remember it before playing out any task. HR are fundamental piece of an association.
 Getting criticisms or feedback: It is extensively used process for gathering data about
workers. Travelodge takes suggestion and review from clients in the wake of providing
services.
Key performance indicators (KPI): This is a type of performance measurement and this help
enterprise to examine the success of an enterprise of a specific activity. Further, it can be
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summarised that KPI is a measurable value that demonstrate how effectively a company is
attaining its business objectives. This is use by business entities to examine their success at reach
goals. This can be utilising by an individual to attain his set objective against personal
development. Cycle of key performance indicators can be understood by the following given
points:
 SMART objective: To improve my communication skills in coming 1 year.
To improve my technical skills in 2 years.
To improve my leadership skills in 5 years.
 Key performance indicator: In case of communication skills the KPI will be the how I
communicate with my peers and how I present my views when I take part in meeting.
In case of technical skills, KPI will be my knowledge about different technologies use
at workplace. In context of leadership skill KPI will be how able I am to my a team or
their work.
 Time line
Communication skill 1 year
Technical skills 2 year
Leadership skill 5 year
 Review:
Communication skill Review of my superiors
Technical skills Review of team members of technical team
members
Leadership skill Review of my peers
 Intervention:
Communication skill For improve my communication skills I
will take part in debates, presentation and
seminars.
Technical skills To improve my technical skills I will try to
perform my job role with help of new
technology.
Leadership skill In order to improve my leadership skills I
will take part in various team activities.
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