Evaluating Personal and Professional Development for Travelodge Hotel

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of personal and professional development within the context of Travelodge Hotel. It begins with an introduction to the importance of personal and professional growth in a competitive market, emphasizing self-managed learning as a key approach. The report evaluates various self-managed learning techniques, such as conferences, training, and research, and explores how lifelong learning can be encouraged within the organization. It assesses the benefits of self-managed learning for both Travelodge and the individual, detailing how it can enhance productivity, team spirit, and problem-solving abilities. The report then assesses the author's own skills and competencies through SWOT analysis and identifies specific development needs in areas like time management, leadership, and customer engagement. A skill audit is conducted to pinpoint areas for improvement, followed by the creation of a development plan. The report also examines the implementation of the plan, documentation of activities, and reflection on learning, along with addressing a work-based problem and communication strategies.

Personal and Professional
Development

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning........................................................3
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in context of professional and personal can be
encouraged.............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning to the organisation and an individual. 5
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Assessment of own skills and competencies against organisational objectives..............6
2.2 Identification of development needs and activities.........................................................7
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs...........................8
2.4 Devising a personal and professional development plans...............................................9
Task 3.......................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement plan.....................................................10
3.2 Documentation of development activities.....................................................................11
3.3 Critical reflection on own learning................................................................................12
3.4 Updated development plans according to feedbacks.....................................................12
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Solution to work-based problem ...................................................................................13
4.2 Communication through varieties of styles at various levels........................................14
4.3 Evaluation of effective time management strategies.....................................................14
Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................15
References................................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Looking at the current scenario of competition, every individual is required to develop
working skills, enhance knowledge and create awareness according to the changing market
environment. Personal and professional development approach is an effective way to assess
own knowledge and potentials. Present report hereby provides the learning opportunities to
comprehensively understand the personal and professional development along with the
identification of own current skills and competencies so that certain improvements and
betterment can be made (What is Personal Development?. 2016). This unit also emphasizes
on various learning styles and techniques in order to get rid of any hindrance or barrier along
with the development of progress file or portfolio which constitutes monitoring and planning
process. In the present unit, aspect of personal and professional development programme will
be undertaken with reference of Travelodge Hotel in Ilford. In addition to this, with the help
of several practical examples from my workplace, research will be carried out in an effective
manner. Furthermore, by assessing own knowledge and skills, I would be able to identify my
strengths and weaknesses.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluation of approaches to self-managed learning
As per the provided case scenario, Travelodge has embarked on the mission to
encourage and motivate its staff members and engage them in the self-managed learning
process. Self-managed learning is a learning technique and approach for individuals to learn
and think about their own qualities, knowledge, skills and talent. Furthermore, it can be
defined as a process of self-initiation learning where clear aim and objectives are defined in a
significant manner (Anderson and Bolt, 2015). Being the hotel manager of Travelodge, I can
suggest many self-managed learning approaches for my staff-members as well as for me.
After attending the learning event , I have realised that it is necessary to assess own skills and
qualities. Furthermore, I can take the assistance of following approaches to enhance my set of
skills and knowledge in an effective manner: Conferences and Seminars: By attending seminars and conferences, I can enhance my
knowledge and skills and can acquire new approaches to learning and development.
Moreover, by giving lectures in the seminars, I can improve my presentation and
communication skills (Arneson, Rothwell and Naughton, 2013). Training and developments: It is another self-managed learning approach in which I
can get training on the way to manage working activities of employees within

organisation. Moreover, I can also organise development sessions for my employees
so that they can learn better and enhance their knowledge. Secondments: It is the best technique in which Travelodge can exchange the role of its
employees and provide them new career opportunities by improving current skills and
talent (Arora and Darzi, 2016). I also need to make many improvements which can be
possible by adopting these techniques and develop new set of skills. In this way,
employees of organisation tend to make efforts and bring improvements in their own
skills and knowledge.
 Learning through research: In the realm of technological advancements, I can make
effective use of internet sources to acquire the latest knowledge in accordance with
the market needs and demands. There are many sites, blogs, magazines and
newspapers which can improve my skills as well as of employees.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning in context of professional and personal can be
encouraged
Lifelong learning is a self-motivated approach to acquire high degree of knowledge,
skills and quality of life. Being the manager of Travelodge Hotel, I need to make
improvements through this ongoing process of self-managed learning (Baldwin, 2016). From
the following approaches, I can effectively encourage lifelong learning at Travelodge Hotel:
 Prior learning: By identifying my weaknesses and the area in which I am lacking,
effective measures can be taken into consideration for the development of my
personality as an efficient manager.
 Self-directed learning: It is an effective learning approach in which I can assess my
own performance, strengths and weaknesses and can learn the field in which I need to
work. Thereby, I would be able to take effective steps to bring changes in my
personality. Moreover, by playing different roles and characters in the hotel, I can get
many opportunities to improve my skills.
 Professional development: It can be defined as a method to enhance and improve
one's own capabilities by acquiring higher education and degree in marketing. In
addition to this, I can also attend various workshops to update my knowledge
according to the changing market trends (Bjork, Dunlosky and Kornell, 2013).

1.3 Evaluation of benefits of self-managed learning to the organisation and an individual
Travelodge is aimed to enhance the working skills of its employees by encouraging
and motivating them in an appropriate manner. Being an assistant manager in the hotel
Travelodge, I am also accountable to develop various strategies and tactics for the hotel as
well as for myself. Along with that, I would be able to sustain the competitive world and
attain success. There is great role of self-managed learning process to bring improvements in
my skills and knowledge. Furthermore, it is also beneficial for Travelodge in order to attain
competitive advantage and increase the potential turnover. Some major benefits of SML are
discussed as below:
Benefits of SML to Travelodge:
 Travelodge will also be able to increase its productivity and profitability in the
competitive marketplace if SML approach is successfully implemented on employees.
 Team spirit will tend to develop and employees will be able to make collaborative
efforts to attain success and sustainability (Blau and et.al., 2015). Workers of hotel
will be able to deal with different kinds of customers and satisfy their needs and
demands.
 Knowledge and skills of labours will be updated as they will be able to know their
strengths and weaknesses and can get the opportunity to grow and prosper (Certo,
2015). Moreover, in Travelodge, employees will be able to learn the hospitality
provisions and learn to implement those.
Benefits of SML to me:
 SML will provide great assistance to me as an assistant manager and thus, I have
develop team working skills in me due to which I am able to guide and support my
staff-members in a significant way.
 My strategic decision-making capabilities are also improved by implementing SML
process. Furthermore, I would be able to solve various issues and problems arising in
the hotel management process by assessing my own qualities, knowledge and skills.
 Moreover, it has also provided me assistance to assess my own loopholes and then
making improvements accordingly. I have adopted my strategies and tactics like the
way to deal with different nature of customers, suppliers and other intermediaries,
aspects of hospitality provisions, facilitating all facilities and services to guests
according to their demand, ability to convince others, etc.

TASK 2
2.1 Assessment of own skills and competencies against organisational objectives
As a assistant manager of the Travelodge, I need to assess my current skills an d
knowledge in an appropriate manner (Cummings and Worley, 2014). Self-reflective learning
is an effective tool, which I can use to evaluate my skills, according to which a development
plan can be formed. I have realised, there are also many skills, which I am lacking in the
competitive world. So, assessment of my strengths and weaknesses can be done by SWOT
analysis, which is as follows:
STRENGTHS
 Analytical skills
 Ability to deal with different nature of
customers
 Quick decision making skills
 Have latest knowledge of market policies
and trends
 Brilliant communicator
WEAKNESSES
 Lacking time management skills
 Need to develop leadership skills
 Ability to lead by examples
 Interpersonal skills
 Customer engagement skills
 Technical skills
OPPORTUNITIES
 To acquire masters degree in marketing
management.
 To broaden my relations and contact list
 Opportunity to get promoted in the
Travelodge and become senior manager
THREATS
 Threat of lack of knowledge of new
technologies and from other emerging
talent in the competitive world.
 Uncertainty of job in the same company
 Career opportunities in future
By assessing my strengths and weaknesses, I would be able to make an effective
development plan, which would comprises of several skills and resources from where I can
enhance my knowledge and make improvements. With the help of SWOT analysis, I am now
aware of the fact, where I am lacking and need improvements in an effective manner.

2.2 Identification of development needs and activities
After assessing my own set of skills and knowledge, it is required to identify the
development needs, and then according to which several activities and processes need to
perform (Dubrin, 2015). I have identified that, I lack leadership, time management, customer
management and interrelations skills and being an assistant manager in the leading travelling
company, it is very important to build these skills and attain success. Hence, it is required to
assess skill audit of myself, so that I will be aware of areas, where I need to make
improvements in an effective manner. The following skill audit would significantly help me
to develop required skills and knowledge:
Skills Typical Descriptors Skill Level
Low High
Specific Comments
Time management
and organisation
Planning and
organising the
working activities;
scheduling all tasks
and using time
management
techniques
1 2 3 4 5 My time management
skill is very poor,
which I need to
improve within a
certain period of time
by adopting several
time management
strategies
Planning Setting an objective
and goal; consulting
with mentors or
supervisors and
organising the
activities
1 2 3 4 5 My planning skill is
at minimum level,
Therefore, I need to
organise an plan all
working activities
within a specific time
period. I can also
taker the assistance of
my mentor and
supervisor.
Decision making Selection of 1 2 3 4 5 I am excellent in

skills appropriate strategy
in different situations
and analysing the
problem in an
effective manner.
decision making
skills, as I take right
decisions by
analysing and
evaluating the
situation from all
prospectives.
Presentation skills Participating in group
activities; giving
lectures and attending
many seminars and
conferences
1 2 3 4 5 By utilising all
learning opportunities
in the company and
while dealing wit
customers, I can
enhance my skills
Interpersonal skills By building good
relationship with
others and being
assertive with
colleagues and family
members; providing
feedbacks and being a
good listener I can
improve my
interpersonal skills.
1 2 3 4 5 It is necessary to
enhance this skill in
an effective manner
by getting involve
with team, workers,
suppliers, customers
and other
intermediaries, I can
enhance my contact
list.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
In order to meet the current and future defined needs, it is required to identify the
development opportunities in the workplace or outside the company. There are numerous
ways by which I can update my knowledge and develop skills (Ford, 2014). In order to
improve my technical skills, I can attend coaching classes or take guidance from my mentor.
Moreover, I can also attend various workshops and seminars organised within the company.
There is also opportunity to participate in different kind of technical workshops, that has

conducted by some other organisation. So, that I would be able to get expertise knowledge in
latest hotel management and marketing technologies. Moreover, by implementing advanced
software packages in the hotel, I can ease my work and increase the efficiency. Furthermore,
there are also many other learning opportunities, like attending development and training
sessions outside the company and by getting involve with other travelling company, I can get
to know various strategies and tactics, along with their implications.
On the other hand, I can manage my time management skills by self-practising and
prioritising my work activities. Furthermore, there are also other time management strategies
and techniques, like to-do list, electronic planner and others. Customer handling skills can
also be improved by role play some real life business situations and taking proper training.
2.4 Devising a personal and professional development plans
I need to make a development plan on the basis of identified needs and demands. The
personal and professional plan will be developed in an effective manner, which will
comprises of three issues, that are what skills need to build; how those are going to improve
and when intended skills will be developed (Gonzales and Lambert, 2014). The following
personal and professional plan will reflect several skills and qualities that need to improved in
a standard time frame, with the help of various activities and processes.
Skills required Activities Time frame Review date
Time
management
skills
By prioritising activities,
reducing involvement in
time wastage elements,
planning and scheduling
daily work-based
activities.
10/07/2016 to
15/08/2016
20/08/2016
Leadership skills By participating in role
play, taking guidance
from attending
conferences and seminars,
I would be able to
enhance my leadership
skills
12/07/2016 to
25/07/2016
05/08/16

Technical skills With the help of internet,
like YouTube and other
blogging sites, attending
workshops and seminars,
I would be able to update
my technical knowledge.
Moreover, practical
implication of my
theoretical knowledge
would also help me
enhance my skills
05/07/2016 to
05/08/2016
25/08/16
Customer
handling skills
By attending training and
development sessions and
taking guidance from
mentor, I would be able to
acquire these skills. Also,
by taking participation in
role play also, customer
handling skills will be
able to develop these
skills.
16/07/2016 to
30/07/2016
10/08/2016
TASK 3
3.1 Processes and activities required to implement plan
An effective personal and professional plan is required to develop, which can assist
me to improve my skills and knowledge in a significant manner. In the changing business
environment, it is required to own various skills and qualities, so that I can achieve success in
future and enhance my career (Griffith and Hoppner, 2013). Moreover, it also necessary to
posses the qualities of assistant manager. Therefore, various activities and processes need to
perform to bring enhancement and improvement in my skills and personality. Furthermore, I
would be able to contribute major portion to the success of the company. The following

activities and processes will be required to access the development plan in an effective
manner: Setting time frame: A time frame of 2 years will be required to acquire masters degree
in hotel management. So, within 2 years I will become enough knowledgable and
capable to sustain in the competitive marketplace. Assessment of skills and knowledge: It is also required to assess my own skills and
degree of knowledge. With the help of several skill audit methods and techniques, like
SWOT I would be able to get to know about my shortcomings and further, will be
able to utilize available opportunities (Polly and Hannafin, 2011). Learning strategies: I can develop many strategies and techniques to improve my
skills, like I can make my routine in such a way that all work activities will complete
on time. Moreover, with the help of various time management techniques attending
seminars and conferences, I will be able to acquire some understanding and
knowledge.
 Learning resources: Many sources are available, like newspapers, attending lectures,
participating in group activity, accessing latest knowledge from internet, books,
journals, education paperworks and taking guidance fro supervisors or mentor, I can
enhance my skills and knowledge and perform in a better way.
3.2 Documentation of development activities
According to structured development plan, it is also required to document all
processes and activities accordingly. The implementation of PPD plan is mentioned below: Organising and planning: Initially I need to write down all skills which I lack sand
require to make improvements to sustain in the changing competitive market.
Furthermore, I need to make an effective plan, including all my current skills and
qualities. Being an assistant manager of the Travelodge, I need to update my skills
accordingly. Supervising and mentoring: I can also take the help of my senior manager, supervisor
or mentor regrading how to make improvements in time management skills and
interpersonal skills (Porcerelli and et.al., 2015). Furthermore, I can also take the
assistance of modules, assignment and other study materials.

 Training and development sessions: In order to gain latest market knowledge and
technological advancements, I can attend many workshops and seminars. So, that I
would be able to implement those in the Travelodge.
 Consultations: It is also required to consult with senior regrading my plan, whether it
will be fruitful and able to enhance my capabilities. Moreover, by taking feedbacks
and reviews from staff-members, I would be able to know where I am lacking.
3.3 Critical reflection on own learning
Critical reflection of developed plan is also necessary, such that it will let me know,
whether I successfully able to attain it according to desired objectives and goals. Being an
assistant manager of the Travelodge, it is very crucial have an understanding of customer
handling approach, time management and other set of working skills. By critically evaluating
my current skills and capabilities, I got to know that, there is still some improvements are
required to enhance leadership skills and time management skills. However, there are many
skills, like interpersonal skills and customer handling skills has improved in a significant
manner (Potter and Rockinson‐Szapkiw, 2012). Thus, I am now able to significantly
contribute to the success of the Travelogue in the competitive marketplace. My perceptions,
views and mind-set have been changed, now I am successfully able to solve several issues
and problems arise in the hotel. Also, I am capable now to encourage and motivate my staff-
members to improve their skills and enhance knowledge according market requirement. So,
now I will make an updated personal and professional development plan according to the
requirement of Travelodge.
3.4 Updated development plans according to feedbacks
By assessing all feedbacks and reviews from my critical reflection, it is required to
update my PPD plan. My updated plan is as follows:
Learning
Skills
Short term
goals
Development
opportunities
Criteria for
judging success
Time scale
Time
management
skills
My short term
goal is to mange
my time and
work according
I can take the
assistance of
many time
management
I can judge my
skills by
finding
difference
3 months