Personal and Professional Development Report: Skills Assessment

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development (PPD), examining various aspects critical for individual and organizational growth. It begins by defining self-managed learning and evaluating different approaches, such as utilizing the internet, attending seminars, seeking coaching, and participating in training programs. The report then explores how lifelong learning can be encouraged in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting the VARK theory and its application. Furthermore, it analyzes the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and companies, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment, meeting new challenges, and fostering constant reflection. The core of the report involves a skills audit, identifying areas for improvement such as communication, time management, and technical skills. Based on this assessment, a detailed PPD plan is designed, outlining short, medium, and long-term goals and strategies to enhance skills and competencies. The plan addresses key areas like corporate communication, time management, and technical proficiency, providing actionable steps for skill development and career advancement.

PERSONAL
AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction .....................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Evaluating the approaches to self managed learning ............................................................3
1.2 Proposing ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional context can be
encouraged. .................................................................................................................................4
1.3 The benefits of self managed learning to person as well as organization .............................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 and 2.2 Evaluating personal skills or competencies needed to meet the business goals......6
2.3 and 2.4 Design of personal and professional development plan ...........................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
3.1 and 3.2 Discussing the different activities to implement the personal and professional
development plan.......................................................................................................................10
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan.......................................................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 and 4.2 Discussing the work based problem and ways to communicate solutions.............12
4.3 Evaluating the application of different time management approaches in various situation 13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14
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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is process through which the company and
individuals involve in learning and knowledge building process to attain the required objectives
and goals. This further help in attaining personal and professional goals of individual. Overall, it
can be stated that personal and professional development is a formal which a person determines
the target, strategies and results of learning and training at workplace. In this report, various
aspect of personal and professional development will be studied (Brody, 2013). In this report,
learning will be shown about the different approaches to self managed learning along with its
benefit to company and individual. A PPD plan will be designed for individual on the basis of
personal swot.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluating the approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning can be defined as method through which individual determine its
learning needs, objectives, identifying source of gaining knowledge, selecting and implementing
suitable learning approach to assure continuous development (Munro, 2008). Therefore, with this
process individual take initiative of its own learning with out without the support of others. There
are various approaches to self managed learning that can be used by me to amend my learning.
Some of them are discussed as follows:
 Leaning through internet: The internet is source of vast amount of knowledge. It is cost
effective method which facilitate easy access to learning materials like, books, PDFs,
journals, news, published reports etc. They can be accessed by me to gain knowledge
about various aspect.
 Seminar: I can attend different seminars organised by well known speakers and thus
learn from the experience and knowledge of others.
 Coaching: I can improve its learning and skills from the support and development
provided by more experience and educated person. The coach provide valuable feedback
to individual that help in improving its performance in future.
 Training and development: I can take part in various training and development
programs to improve m y current as well as future performance. I can get enrolled in
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various on the job training programs organized at my workplace such as apprenticeship,
job rotation, internship etc. Other than this, I can also take help of off the job training
like, vestibule, case study, lab training etc.
1.2 Proposing ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional context can be
encouraged.
In order to encourage life long learning in personal and professional context there are
contrasting theories and models that can be used. Life long learning is concept through which
individual take initiative to enhance its knowledge throughout its lifetime ( Self directed
learning. 2009). Therefore, there are various learning theories that can be used by individual to
upgrade its knowledge. Such as VARK theory which is a effective way that suggest different
strategies that can be used by individual to enhance its learning. As per this theory, the individual
can use visual, aural, read and kinesthetic sensory models for gaining new information, concepts
etc. The detail of which is as follows:
 Visual: It represent the individuals that have strong preference of learning through visual
means. They use various graphs, diagrams, charts to enhance their knowledge (Rose,
2008).
 Aural: It refers to individuals that have powerful aural preference for gaining new
knowledge. Thus, they adopt methods like, taking part in discussion, seminars etc.
 Reading/ Writing: This style is beneficial for individual that prefer to gain knowledge
by reading or writing. In this respect, one can red different theories, books, learning
material. The individual can also prepare notes, prepare list etc (VARK Modal. 2016).
 Kinesthetic: It is approach related with the individual who have strong kinesthetic
learning preference. They further acquire knowledge through their senses, practical
exercises like solving case study, experimenting new things, trial and error method.
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Illustration 1: Vark model
(Source: Rock, 2010)
Furthermore, to improve knowledge specifically in business context, individual can take
part on various training and development programs organized in company. The person can also
seek mentoring and guidance provided by its supervisors and thus learn from their experience.
On the other hand in personal context, one can improve its knowledge through self evaluation. It
is effective method through which individual critically assess its own weakness affecting its
performance (Forsyth, 2013). Further, it take measures to overcome its weakness by developing
learning objectives etc.
1.3 The benefits of self managed learning to person as well as organization
There are large number of benefits of self directed learning to both myself and company
where I am employed. The discussion of them is provided as follows:
Advantages to Me Advantages to company
Ability to do self-analysis
In order to ensure self managed learning, it was
important for me to perform self- assessment.
This further helped me in knowing the
weakness and strength in me. Such as, I
Initiating new ideas in business
The self managed learning stimulated me to
take part in different training session, guest
lecture, seminars, conferences, etc. My overall
knowledge is improved about different thing.
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ascertained that I had difficulty in leaning
through reading therefore, I switched to use of
visual methods to build my knowledge.
It was beneficial in enhancing the creative
thinking within me which lead to initiation of
new concepts into company.
Meeting new challenges
With the help of self managed learning I was
stimulated to take new challenges that assure
my personal development. Such as, being
management student, it was difficult for me to
perform technical task. However, I took part in
various training program so that technical task
can be executed by me (Karp, 2013).
Improved productivity
My overall effectiveness has improved with
the help of self managed learning as I can
perform both managerial and technical related
task with less mistakes. My efficiency is
improved resulting into greater productivity of
business.
Constant reflection
Since, its inception that self managed learning
encourage self assessment. It further stimulate
me to review my performance on routine basis.
Thus, it enable me to identify my weakness on
time and take suitable actions.
Improved customer relation
With the help of self managed learning I
improved my communication, interpersonal
and problem solving skills. With the help of
this is I was able to provide effective services
to my clients resulting into greater customer
retention of firm.
TASK 2
2.1 and 2.2 Evaluating personal skills or competencies needed to meet the business goals
From the critical review of own self, it has been ascertained that I am lacking in different
abilities that are essential for me to assure growth in my career. Presently, I am professed as front
line employee in renowned Red Carnation hotel of UK(Webster, 2009). In order to meet the
benchmarks of hospitality industry there are various skills that are requisite for me. The acquired
skills will also help me in qualifying for superior position and higher monetary benefits in
future. In this respect, I can perform skill audit that will showcase the skills that are required for
meeting my career and overall goals of hotel ( Wright, 2009).
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SKILLS AUDIT
Competencies and knowledge which I
consider to be essential for improving my
current performance
Efficiency Rating (1-5)
(Strong / Weak / Moderate)
 Positive attitude Communication skills Customer service skills Inter personal skills Creative thinking Decision making skills Problem solving skills Critical thinking skills
3 (Moderate)
2.5 (Weak)
3.5 (Strong )
3 (Moderate)
2.5 (Weak)
2 (Weak)
4 (Strong)
4 (Strong)
Competencies and knowledge which I
consider to be essential for improving my
future performance and career growth
My Ability Rating (1-5) as of now
( strong / weak / moderate)
 Motivation skills Corporate communication skills Presentation skills Leadership skills Time management skills Team building skills Technological skills
 Self management skills
3.2 (Moderate)
2 (Weak)
3.5 (Strong)
3 (Moderate)
2 (Weak)
4 (Strong)
2 (Weak)
2.8 (Weak)
From the critical assessment of own self, it has been identified that I have to work really hard to
attain my future goals of becoming front line manager. As of now, it is essential for me to
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develop my communication, inter personal and creative thinking skills etc. so that finer services
can be rendered to customers (Sail and Alavi, 2010).
On the basis of the aforementioned skill audit I can conduct my personal swot. It will also
help in determining my development needs:
Strengths
 Problem solving skills
 Critical thinking skills
 Team building skills
 Presentation skills
 Positive attitude
Weakness
 Communication skills
 Time management skills
 Technical knowledge
 Creative thinking
 Self management skills
Opportunity
 Training and development program
 Apprenticeship program and workshop
participation to enhance knowledge
 Self learning or PPD course.
Threats
 Barriers in taking training
 Lack of career growth opportunities at
work-place
 Job cutting
2.3 and 2.4 Design of personal and professional development plan
Short Time Frame Medium Time
Frame
Long Time Frame
Part 1
Corporate
communication
skills
I will concentrate on
functions that can
improve my writing
and speaking skills.
To learn corporate
communication skills
I can take part in
various group
discussions,
presentations and
meetings. I can write
blogs and read
I can attend number of
seminars so that I can
learn from
communication skills
of others.
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published articles to
improve my writing
skills.
Part 2
Building time
management skills
I can concentrate on
avoiding
multitasking
functions so as to
overcome the
problem of poor time
management skills.
In order to ensure
proper time
management, I can
prepare work chart
and schedule and
manage work
In order to ensure
effective time
management in long
run, it is important for
me to prioritize my
work. Proper
delegation of work
will help in
completion of work
within provided time
frame.
Part 3
Technical skill
It is necessary for me
to focus on
improving my
technical skills to
assure overall
effectiveness. I can
concentrate on the
technical task
performed by my
seniors and learn by
observing.
It is essential to
improve technical
skills by attending
various training and
development
programs organized
in company.
I can emphasis on
varied activities that
enhance my technical
knowledge for this, I
can consult with
professional and
practical practice with
them.
Part 4
Creative thinking
To assure creative
thinking within me I
can experience new
things
I can use my
imagination
developed from
reading new books,
journals to evolve
I can take part in
various brain storming
groups to evolve
invention, new ideas
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new ideas. etc.
Part 5 Resources
required
It is important to
assure accessibility
to appropriate
resources so that
objectives can be
attained in minimum
time period.
This aspect need
technical updates so
that benchmarks can
be attained in desired
time frame. I require
accessibility to
various tools,
techniques,
computer, internet,
books and PDFs etc.
Traditional sources
can be used to
accomplish long term
objectives. The
support from skilled,
team members is
required.
Part 6 Time
Schedule
4 months 8 months 1 year
Start 01/08/16 01/12/16 01/06/17
Finish 01/12/16 01/06/17 01/06/18
TASK 3
3.1 and 3.2 Discussing the different activities to implement the personal and professional
development plan
To attain the targets determined in personal and professional development plan, it is
important for me to concentrate on different aspect. Primarily, it is important for me to conduct
critical assessment of own self. On the basis of it, I can identify the areas where I am doing good
and those where I need improvement. Also, it will provide me opportunity to learn from past
mistakes by doing self assessment. Further, to practically employ the PPD plan first of all it is
important for me to determine learning objectives (Robbins and hunsaker, 2011). Thereafter, its
is significant for me to ascertain the actions that can be taken by me to attain these targets. Such
as, to improve communication skills I can take part in seminars, group discussions etc.
Thereafter, I can prepare action plan that help in setting short, medium and long term goals that
must be attained in specific time frame. The action plan will help me in ascertaining the
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resources that will be needed to attain such targets. At last I can compare my performance as per
the action plan. This will help in knowing the success of action plan so far.
Further, the documentation of development functions planned so far is as follows:
Career goal Action plan Time frame
To improve financial
management skills
I can get enrolled in financial
management course
6 months
To learn graphic designing To attend computer and
software training program so
that attractive brochure can be
designed to attract customers
towards hospitality business
3 months
To assure personal and
professional development
I can attend various work
shop, seminars, training and
development programs to
improve my skills. I can read
the vast of litterateur available
on internet etc (Whitefield,
and Kloot, 2006).
8 months
To upgrade my leadership and
motivational skills
I can read various motivation
and leadership theories to learn
how to encourage other
towards developed goal.
5 months
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the development
plan
From the critical assessment of own learning I can determine my progress towards set
objectives. It has been identified that my different skills and competencies are improved with the
help of PPD plan. The communication skills are improved to great extent. I can effectively
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communicate with my subordinate give them instructions. I can communicate in proper way
with the guest of Red Carnation hotel and provide them information required by them. This
further help in maintaining effective interpersonal relationship with them in long run. In addition
to this aspect, I am able to resolve issues faced by co-workers with the help of my improved
learning. With the help of financial management skills, I can become competent to qualify for
the superior position in hotel. I can decide how to make optimum use of available funds. With
the help of time management skills, I will be able to complete the assigned task on time and
attain targets. The graphic designing knowledge will help me in designing creative brochure to
improve footfalls in hotel. Further, it has been identified that I am able to perform the technical
task properly with less mistakes. My work is appreciated by my superiors and thus opening new
ways for career growth in future. However, still I am lacking in leadership skills and thus it is
important for me to watch the actions of my superiors. Similarly, my personal and professional
development skills need improvement. I can devise new PPD plan and take actions accordingly.
Other than this, there are areas where I need improvement such as, stress management. To
maintain the quality of work and interpersonal relationship at workplace it is important to
manage my stress level. For this, one can take help of meditation, maintain work-social life
balance etc (Wilkins, 2007).
TASK 4
4.1 and 4.2 Discussing the work based problem and ways to communicate solutions
Being working in Red Carnation hotel I have learnt many things that helped in the growth
and development of my career. I had best work experience that provided me with improved
knowledge regarding hospitality industry. However, there were many issues that were faced by
me that impacted my career growth. Some of the issues faced by me are related to poor time
management skills ( SEisele and et.all., 2013). I was not able to complete the assigned work
assigned front office manager on appropriate time. Such as, I was asked to ask for the
confirmation of guest arriving in morning for business meeting. Due to lack of time management
I was not able to do so leading to inconvenience to guest as they could not get rooms cleaned,
had to wait for allotment of room etc. The major reason was I was pre occupied by other work
was required to perform other task. Therefore, I should communicate the issues faced by me to
my manager so that it delegate work effectively between me and my workers. I can opt for
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