UK College: Personal and Professional Development Report - Travelodge

Verified

Added on  2020/11/12

|20
|6313
|445
Report
AI Summary
This report delves into the crucial aspects of personal and professional development, focusing on a case study within the Travelodge hotel context. It begins with an evaluation of self-managed learning approaches, exploring methods like conferences, internet resources, and social networks, and their impact on skill enhancement. The report then examines lifelong learning, emphasizing its importance for career advancement and employability, and suggests practical strategies for its implementation. A key component involves a skill audit, assessing the author's current competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, identifying development needs, and formulating a personal and professional development plan. The report further outlines the implementation process, documenting development activities, and critically reflecting on learnings. Finally, it addresses work-based problem-solving, communication styles, and time-management strategies, providing a holistic view of personal and professional growth.
Document Page
Personal and
professional
development
tabler-icon-diamond-filled.svg

Paraphrase This Document

Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
Document Page
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Evaluate approaches to self-managed learning.....................................................................1
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged..................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning to individuals and organisation................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives.............................................................................................................3
2.2 Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them.............4
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs........5
2.4 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Process and activities required in implementing development plan....................................7
3.2 Undertaking and document development activities.............................................................8
3.3 Reflect critically on learnings against original aims and objectives in development plan.. .8
3.4 Updating development plan based on feedback and evaluation...........................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Solutions to work-based problems......................................................................................10
4.2 Communicating in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels................10
4.3 Evaluation and usage of effective time-management strategies.........................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
Document Page
Document Page
INTRODUCTION
Skill enhancement is a vital need of every individual. Personal and professional
development is known to be a concept that aims at overall growth of a person's skills and
talent. Personal and professional development mainly is assumed to be a way which helps in
managing learning as well as implementing strategies for growth of individuals (PERSONAL
OR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS. 2012). This report has been based on
Travelodge hotel which is a private business entity. It is known to be second largest budget
hotel as well as third largest hotel chain in UK. This project deals with self learning skills of
managers for promoting future development. Also this report stresses on strengths and
weaknesses of an individual. This report is based on ways in which lifelong learning can be
practised. Furthermore, various ways and styles of communication have also been mentioned
here.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluate approaches to self-managed learning.
Approaches of self managed learning
Date: 29 January, 2019
Place: Llford, UK
Self managed learning is an approach which helps individual's in managing their own skills
and learning processes. This process helps in enhancing overall development and skills of an
individual. Many major business concerns use this approach for developing skills and
knowledge of their employees. This approach preparers managers to deal with any uncertain
and complex situations. This approach is used by managers of Travelodge hotel to timely
accomplish goals and objectives (Allen and Penuel, 2015) . Managers also consider self
learning for training employees thereby helping them in learning new techniques. Some
major key approaches of self managed learning have been explained as under :
Conferences and seminars: Conferences and seminars help managers of Travelodge
in learning new innovations and techniques. This approach further helps in managing self
learning and attaining goals and objectives. Managers and owners of Travelodge hotel
believe that attending conferences and seminars greatly helps in enhancing knowledge as
1
tabler-icon-diamond-filled.svg

Paraphrase This Document

Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
Document Page
well as experience. This also gives employees an opportunity to present themselves and
share knowledge that has been received by them.
Advantages: It raises knowledge level of individuals as they get to interact with numerous
people.
Disadvantages: Many a times even the speaker is not aware about the actual issue due to
which incorrect information can also be transferred to people.
Internet:It is a key approach that is used by managers in increasing and developing
their potential at workplace (Brody and Hadar, 2015). It also assists a person in assessing
various articles which help managers and employees of Travelodge in enhancing their
knowledge. This further leads to personal as well as professional development of managers
of Travelodge hotel. Also it helps in timely completion of assigned tasks and activities.
Advantages: Through the use of internet employees can get information about new
technologies and innovations that have arrived in market.
Disadvantages: There is risk of privacy as email id's get hacked and person's personal
information is leaked.
Social network: This approach helps an individual in gaining and managing self
knowledge as social media acts as an interacting channel between various humans. So
owners and managers of Travelodge hotel recommend their employees to engage in social
media and enhance their knowledge and area of expertise. Interacting with people across
globe helps in knowing their opinions and promotes new and innovative ideas (Bukor,
2015).
Advantages: Social media is an essential tool that helps in connecting people.
Disadvantages: Individuals have become entirely dependent over their cellphones and
cannot function without it.
Out of all these methods, after evaluating all these tools managers of Travelodge
consider use of social media for enhancing their learning skills . This also leads to timely
achievement of goals and objectives.
2
Document Page
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged.
Lifelong learning is basically ongoing, voluntary pursuit of knowledge that is
undertaken by individuals for both personal as well professional reasons. It helps in
enhancing social inclusion of a person. Furthermore, this process helps an individual in
reaching towards their goals and objectives. It is known to be continuous process that aims at
improving their knowledge skills and competencies. This process depends upon person to
person. By using this approach, managers of Travelodge can deal with all sorts of challenges
and complicated situations. Some key importance of lifelong learning have been mentioned as
under,
It provides staff members of Travelodge by providing them career advancement by
developing their knowledge and skills. Furthermore, it also enhances employability as well as
promotion aspects that lead to motivation and satisfaction level growth. Hence, it can be said
that continuous and lifelong learning is very essential in today's fast moving world so that
people can grab opportunities that are available. Various methods of lifelong learning which
manager of Travelodge hotel should consider are explained as under:
Self directed learning: Self directed learning is an approach that is used by
individuals for studying and accepting challenges without any guidance or help (Cottrell,
2015). This method is used by managers and employees of Travelodge hotel when they
want to implement new tools, techniques or strategies for achieving goals and objectives.
Continuous professional development: Continuous professional development is a
technique that is used by managers and employees of Travelogue hotel for continuous
learning, improving knowledge and skills. CPD assists employees in determination of their
overall qualities such as strengths, weaknesses and other key skills. It is beneficial for both
personal as well as professional growth of an individual.
All these tools and factors are considered by managers of Travelodge when they wish to
enhance skills and knowledge of their employees. For developing lifelong learning I as a
manager will use all these factors in an appropriate combination. Managers of Travelodge can
also initiate an e- learning portal for their employees where they can attend online training
sessions. Also a 15 days free workshop can be launched by owners of Travelodge where
employees are taught skills other then their work.
3
Document Page
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning to individuals and organisation.
Self managed learning is a structural process by which a personnel or managers take
necessary actions that lead to development. This process also helps in timely accomplishment
of goals and objectives in an individual's life (Dias and Cadime, 2016). Basically there are
two benefits of self managed learning which are as follows:
Benefits to Assistant manager:
Improving level of skills: Assistant manager should consider self managed learning
for enhancing their overall skills such as team building, leadership etc. Enhancement in skills
of assistant manager will increase his satisfaction level and promote smooth functioning of
business.
Fostering overall development: Self managed learning is a quite effective tool which
can be used by assistant managers of Travelodge for promoting or fostering their overall
personality development. This will further help them in timely achieving goals and
objectives.
Benefits for employees: This process is used by individuals for development of skills
and traits that are needed for carrying out operational activities within business premises. Self
managed learning is a flexible process as it helps me in developing effectiveness as well as
efficiency while delivering performance in Travelodge. Self managed learning helps me in
developing ways for dealing with complex and critical situations that arise unexpectedly in
business premises.
Benefits for business concerns: Self managed learning is quite beneficial for every
business concerns as it helps in cost reduction in a business entity. In present context, it helps
managers of Travelodge by enhancing and developing effectiveness in skills and knowledge
so that they can manage activities and operations of business concerns. When leaders and
managers in a company are effective they aim towards timely completion of tasks assigned.
This also gives a competitive edge to a business in competitive market by effective workforce
and management.
4
tabler-icon-diamond-filled.svg

Paraphrase This Document

Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
Document Page
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives.
Professional standards: Professional standards refers to set standards that are
followed by a business concern. These standards can be different for different organisations.
Some major professional standards of Travelodge hotel are mentioned as under:
ï‚· Employees in Travelodge need to follow a proper and effective code of conduct while
serving customers.
ï‚· It is important that employees and managers should both comply with all laws and
rules.
ï‚· Adopting fair and ethical practices while doing business.
Organisational objectives:
ï‚· Maintaining a higher stake in competitive market by adopting a customer centred
approach.
ï‚· Increase the sales volume with a aim to ensure long term sustainability.
Skills are known to be set of traits that are needed by almost every individual for
development of one's personal as well as professional abilities for performing activities. For
measuring effectiveness of skills, managers and personnels use a technique called skill audit
(Grima-Farrell, 2015). Main aim behind conducting a skill audit is identification of skills and
knowledge that is required by employees to carry out business operations effectively. I have
also conducted a skill audit for evaluating my own skills as per current and future needs. For
doing my own skill audit I even took feedback from my subordinates where they rated me on
a scale of 10. For taking feedbacks in Travelodge, a complete 360 feedback form has been
designed by owners so that overall personality traits of an individual can be rated. This skill
audit with ratings has been mentioned as under:
Skills and Competencies Professional standards Travelodge and job role
objectives
Communication skills Being able to communicate in
an effective manner. It is an
important skill that helps in
In Travelodge, I need to
possess effective
communication skills
5
Document Page
both oral as well as written
communication.
along with being
passionate about customer
service.
Collaborative working Collaborative working will help
in achieving goals and
objectives within a specified
time frame.
Collaborative skills will
help me in training my
employees and also
provide platform for team
development.
From evaluation of above given skill audit on the basis of ratings given by
subordinates, I have analysed that I need to stress upon certain skills that will help me in
timely completion of duties. Also, I have given myself scores after taking feedback from my
peers and subordinates. It has been analysed that my communication and decision making
skills are quite effective for operating in renowned hotel chain (Knott and Scragg eds., 2016).
Also it has been evaluated that my collaborative working, time management and analytical
skills are below satisfactory levels as required by organisational standards.
2.2 Identification of own development needs and the activities required to meet them.
An assistant manager of a business concern plays a quite crucial role in managing
operations and activities within a business concern. In context of Travelodge, an assistant
manager works in complete co-ordination and collaboration with head managers. To be an
effective assistant manager, I should have excellent leadership skills along with
communication skills. A set of skills that I need to improve for developing my performance
have been mentioned as under:
Time management skills: Time management is quite essential for every manager in a
business concern. It is considered essential that managers should be aware about behavioural
characteristics of employees working within an organisation. Keeping record of employees
based on working abilities will help me in understanding their skills and hence I will be able
to delegate responsibilities to my subordinates as per their skills and area of expertise
(McMillan, McConnell and O’Sullivan, 2016). Doing so will further result in improving my
overall growth and efficiency and also make functionality of Travelodge faster. Assigning of
6
Document Page
duties and tasks to individuals within specified time will help in ensuring that organisational
goals and objectives are achieved within a set time frame.
Collaborative working skills: In any entity, leaders or managers need to possess
intelligence, adaptability, intellectual skills to lead individuals of the company towards
timely accomplishment of organisational goals and objectives. I can enhance collaborative
working skills by way of ascertaining my strengths and working upon utilising it more. Also,
it is essential that I analyse my weaknesses in relation to communication and leading
employees of Travelodge so that I can ensure that there is no discrepancy in individual as
well as collective performances.
Analytical skills: These are essential skills to be effective as a manager in any
organisation. I can develop my analytical skills by adopting certain practices like possessing
positive and optimistic thinking, maintaining emotional stability, collaborative working etc.
Also, I have decided that I will enrol myself in seminars which provide training about
problem solving. Here I will also be able to learn new and innovative ways in which issues
and conflicts can be resolved thereby resulting in improved efficiency. Moreover,
maintaining healthy relationship with employees helps in ascertaining their queries and
resolving them within time so as to create a positive atmosphere at workplace (Olsen, 2015).
2.3 Identification of development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.
Development is an ongoing process which helps employees in developing their skills,
making them competent and knowledgable . This further leads to timely completion of tasks
and activities that have been assigned by managers. Development happens to be an effective
way for growth of workforce in a desirable manner. This provides business concerns with a
competitive edge over their competitors (McMillan, McConnell and O’Sullivan, 2016).
Various development opportunities that help in enhancement of existing skills have been
mentioned as under:
Training: It is an effective tool by which helps me as a manager of Travelodge to
improve my time management skills so that they I perform effectively as per laws set by an
organisation. This acts as a motivation channel as well as development approach for me. It
assists personnel in making employees competent enough for performing roles assigned to
them within their powers. Also top management of Travelodge has initiated a skills academy
named training centre where their employees are given all sorts of training. This training
7
tabler-icon-diamond-filled.svg

Paraphrase This Document

Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
Document Page
academy has been initiated specially for employees of Travelodge so that they do not have to
look out for any other classes or huge sums of money in skill enhancement.
Welfare Programmes: Welfare programmes are an impactful way in which
individuals can develop their skills and knowledge by learning from line managers. Welfare
programmes generally are started in a coordination between government of UK and
Travelodge. These programmes provide a safe and secure environment to employees and their
families and thereby promote growth. Also, I can work in accordance with the needs and
requirements of organisation and deliver performance to the best of their potential.
Furthermore, it also assists in making personnel carry out work in a formal and structural
manner within the premises of organisation. This also reduces chances of failure in business.
Monitoring and Supervision: Monitoring and supervision refers to a process that
helps in in improving overall performance of employees in Travelodge and also achieve
better results. They are both considered as an optimum tool that inculcates professional skills
and knowledge in personnel as well as supervise them while they are carrying out roles and
duties within organisational premises. As a manager of Travelodge, I use this practice to
keep a check upon employees so as to identify any discrepancy or variances between actual
and desired performance objectives.
2.4 Devise a personal and professional development plan based on identified needs.
Personal and professional development plan refers to a strategic means that is used by
individuals for setting their future goals and objectives. These strategies also help in finding
skills that lead to skill development and also help in finding variances between actual and
desired proficiencies.
S.
No
.
Learning
target
Present
Proficien
cy
Target
Proficie
ncy
Development
Opportunities
Person
responsib
le for
Judging
Skills
Time
Scale
Start
date
End
date
1 Analytica
l skills
7 10 I can enhance
my analytical
skills by
Managers
and senior
executive
45 days O2/03/1
9
17/04/19
8
Document Page
attending
mentoring and
brainstorming
sessions with my
seniors. These
interactive
sessions will help
me in assessing
my strengths and
weaknesses.
s
2 Collabora
tive skills
6 10 I can enhance my
collaborative
working skills by
attending
personality
development
classes like that
of Bafel's where
trainers make
people work in
groups. Main
features of these
classes are inner
personality
development,
SWOT anlaysis,
filling the gap
etc. This thereby
leads to
development of
Peers and
colleague
s
1 month 22/03/19 22/04/19
9
chevron_up_icon
1 out of 20
circle_padding
hide_on_mobile
zoom_out_icon
[object Object]