Personal and Professional Development: Skills and Abilities Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of personal and professional development, focusing on self-managed learning approaches and their benefits for individuals and organizations like Travelodge Hotel. It evaluates various learning styles, including visionary, goal setting, and strategic learning, as well as Kolb's and Honey and Mumford's models. The report assesses current skills and abilities against set standards, identifies development needs, and outlines actions to meet them, culminating in a personal development plan. Furthermore, it reflects on the implementation process, addresses work-based problems, and evaluates communication and time management strategies, offering amendments to the development plan for continuous improvement. This document, contributed by a student, is available on Desklib, a platform offering study tools and resources for students.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Analysis of approaches to self controlled learning...........................................................1
1.2 Evaluation of directions to enhance learning in personal and profile context.................2
1.3 Analysis of benefits of self managed learning.................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Evaluation of own present skills and abilities against the set standards. ........................5
2.2 Analysis of own development needs and actions required to meet them.........................6
2.3 Assessment of opportunities to meet the present and future requirements. ....................7
2.4 Creation of personal development plan............................................................................9
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Analysis of process and task needed for implementation of plan....................................9
3.3 Critical reflection of self learning against the standards ...............................................11
3.4 Amendments in personal development plan...................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1Assesment of work based problem and appropriate solution..........................................12
4.2 Various communication style and in appropriate manner at various level......................1
4.3 Evaluation and effective time management strategies.....................................................1
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is considered as significant for the individuals
that includes competencies, skills and knowledge to achieve the key job positions in organization
(Stenfors-Hayes and et.al., 2010). It is also considered as significant to develop personal
branding of personnel among the organizations. In this context, as an assistant manager of
travelodge hotel there various approaches of self managed learning have been analysed that will
be beneficial for organization to increase the skills of employees at workplace. The main
objective of this report is to help an individual to become self directed and capable employee in
organization. It provide support to learner to increase its abilities to manage its present
performance and achievement of key position at workplace.
TASK 1
1.1 Analysis of approaches to self controlled learning.
Self management learning is considered as most suitable approach which is used by
individuals as well as organizations to control the pace, content and procedure of their personal
learning (Self-Directed Learning - Independent Learning, 2017). It can also be recognised as self
oriented learning that involves a personnel taking own initiative to analyse its own needs of
knowledge and skills. In this context, as and assistant manager of travelodge hotel, there some
significant approaches of self controlled learning style has been identified which are considered
as beneficial to increase the competencies of staff at workplace.
 Visionary approach: Most significant that enable to analyse the future requirements of
skills and develop a motivation to enhance self managed learning ( Moon, 2013). It also
supports in identifying the directions through which an individual will be able to its
personal objectives. Travelodge hotel can also use this approach to improve the skills of
employees by providing them training at workplace.
 Goal setting: In order to achieve success in personal as well as professional life, every
individual has to formulate short term and long term goals which are to be achieved in
particular time duration. For enhancing the self controlled learning, management of
travelodge hotel should encouraged its employees to develop specific short and long time
objectives which provide them motivation to improve their potential and knowledge at
workplace.
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 Strategic learning: This approach of learning provide significance on using the method
of evaluation to help a personnel learn from the activities and challenges taken by him so
that they will be able to adopt strategies at workplace (Yeh, Huang and Yeh, 2011). This
is most suitable approach for travelodge hotel to increase the efficiency and knowledge of
employees working at key positions within organization such as managers, supervisors
etc. It will helps in increasing their power of taking strategic decisions in critical situation
within organisation. Through training and performance evaluation management will be
able to identify the needs of employees and provide them motivation to enhance quality
of performance.
Apart from this, there are also some learning style which are beneficial for the cited
organization to enhance the efficiency of staff at workplace.
Kolb's model of learning: It is recognised as experimental style of learning which includes
various other learning styles that should be utilised by firms as well as individuals to enhance
their potential at workplace in personal as well as professional life (Eros, 2011). In this theory,
learner will gain the knowledge by going through the four stages in the self managed learning
such as concrete experience, reflective observation, conceptualization, and experimentation.
Honey and Mumford model: Most significant model which is developed after taking an
analysis of kolb's learning theories. It is the most effective style of learning in which the
managers of Travel lodge hotel will analyse the needs of employees by using questionnaire
method and develop appropriate strategies to increase their growth and development at
workplace.
1.2 Evaluation of directions to enhance learning in personal and profile context.
For the achievement of growth in personal and professional life of employees, it is
significant for the firms and management to follow the ways to encourage the part of learning.
The process of continuous learning helps the individuals to achieve expertise in work which he
has to accomplish regularly. In present context, there are various ways which are could be
utilized in travelodge hotel are a s follows:
 Activist: These are considered as individuals who are able to learn by doing. In this
learning style people like to take challenges and they fully involved themselves in new
experience (Little, 2012). Their activities are generally competition, problem solving and
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group discussion. It is most suitable learning style which I have used to increase my
potential skills and knowledge. By facing critical challenges and problems I will develop
my abilities like problems solving, planning, strategic thinking etc.
 Theorist: It is type of learning style in which the individuals will be able to enhance their
learning by applying various ideas and methods. It is also considered as the suitable
method, to encourage the perspective life long learning between the employees of
travelodge hotel.
 Reflective: this style of learning is style for personnel who are able to gain knowledge
through observation and analysing the performance of other individuals at workplace
(Postholm, 2012). In travelodge hotel, I have used this style to encourage my skills by
observing the performance of superiors and taking their guidance to perform the job. It
includes performing various activities like paired discussions, self analysis, coaching,
interviews etc.
 Pragmatist: This is the most effective for the individuals in Hotel who have the capacity
to perceive the knowledge of implementation of learning in to practice at workplace.
They try to experiment new ideas and methods to analyse the capability of enhance the
performance in present mode of action.
Honey and Mumford model helps in encouraging the perspective of life long learning
between employees in travelodge hotel and provide them ways to enhance there learning in job.
Along with this, there two important styles such as Activist and reflector which is beneficial for
me to encourage learning.
Kolb's learning theory
 Concrete experiences: In this stage, individuals will achieve experience by taking new
experience of critical situation or either by reinterpretation of present knowledge and
experience. Employees of cited hotel should generate new ideas to implement in their job
which will enhance their experience at workplace.
 Reflective observation: In this step learner reflects back consciously on the experiences.
Firstly I observe then make any judgements. Employees in this stage will be able to
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enhance their learning through by taking reflective of their current performance and set
standards.
 Abstract conceptualization: At this step, individuals in travelodge hotel will be able to
generate ideas from the refection of previous experience, modification of existing abstract
concept.
 Active experimentation: It is the last stage at which learner will apply its experience or
new ideas in professional life to analyse the results (Gibson, Dollarhide and Moss, 2010).
In this, employees of travelodge hotel will get an ability to influence the people and
events through their actions.
Further, it can be said that application of these learning style will help employees to
increase their learning and creates an ability to achieve success in personal and professional life.
In order to enhance life long learning, I will also perform the activities like decision making,
solving problems, managing employees or team members so that I also be able to develop my
skills and increase experience in personal and professional life.
1.3 Analysis of benefits of self managed learning
From the above analysis, there are several benefits of self controlled has identified and
evaluated that helps in development of personal and working life of individuals and as well
employee of travelodge hotel etc. These significant benefits are as follows:
Benefits to individuals:
In present competitive scenario, it is self essential for the individuals to increase there
learning and abilities to achieve key positions in multinational organization. Implementation of
self managed learning programmes will provide major benefits (Nicholls, 2014). Increase the
competencies of individuals like decision making, problem solving, critical thinking etc. through
continuous learning an individual will be able to develop its personal branding in market. It
provides an opportunity to person to analyse the skills which are required to preform the job at
workplace. In present context, this process of self directed learning will help the individual in
travel lodge hotel and raise there leadership, technological, communication skills etc. It also
provides opportunity to increase the growth rate by gaining experience through training,
seminars, conferences and management activities etc. It will also minimize the problems in
personal as well as professional life.
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Benefits to business firm
Along with individuals, self managed learning is also considered as suitable for the
organization as they will experience and qualified employees who posses the capability of
handling and managing key position so that crucial task could be assigned to them ( King, 2014).
In this scenario, Travelodge hotel will also encourage the employees to adopt self managed
learning process and also helps in increasing there opportunity so that they can work more
effectively at workplace. It will get benefit as the performance of employees will increase and
they will work with an aim to achieve the vision, mission and objectives of organization. Apart
from this, this approach will help the management of cited organization to gain the participation
of employees in decision making and will be able to sustain its competitive position in
hospitality industry.It will result in high innovation and most significant is that they will prove
their product as innovative. It has been considered that these employees act as role model for
other individuals and increase their involvement towards self managed attitude of learning.
Therefore, these are some particular benefits that will be enjoyed by the firm.
TASK 2
2.1 Evaluation of own present skills and abilities against the set standards.
Professional standards
for skills
Present level of
performance
Present capabilities Ways to improve
Communication Excellent
communication skills
will help me to make
positive relationship
with superiors as
subordinates at
workplace and also
helps in satisfying the
customers.
Self managed
learning is the best
approach to increase
the efficiency by
taking part in various
activities like training,
seminars, meetings
and conferences etc.
Leadership Better leadership skills
as I have performed
every task assigned to
me and solved various
problems of firm.
I will use reflective
learning style and
enhance knowledge by
observing superiors
and analyse their ways
of managing team
work.
Motivational Through good Positive interaction
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communication I have
also provided
motivation to my team
members and as well
accomplished all the
task at workplace.
with employees will
develop motivation
and provide
confidence to face
critical challenges.
Planning and
managing
Effective planning and
managed skills as I
have performed all
duties in specific time
and effectively.
With effective time
management and team
work I will all
activities.
Problems solving Faced problems in
taking decision under
critical situations like
decline in sales,
profitability and
employee turnover etc.
By taking guidance
from superiors and
reading various case
studies.
Presentation Good presentation
skills as I have given
presentation in various
meetings and
conferences.
Participation in
decision making and
providing innovative
ideas.
2.2 Analysis of own development needs and actions required to meet them.
In order to achieve the key position in organization, it is significant for an individual to
analyse the potential and development needs and the ways through which it would be achieved in
the future (Richter and et.al., 2011). In the present context, for the achievement of key position
of hotel manager in travelodge hotel, I have analysed some key skills which I have to achieve in
specific time duration. These potential skills are as follows:
 Decision making skills: In every firm, there are various roles and responsibilities have to
be performed by manager to manage and accomplish the business operations effectively.
Making effective and appropriate business decision is also a responsibility which requires
knowledge and strong conceptual skills etc. In this, I have required this ability to take
effective decisions and increase sales and profitability of organization. Through effective
communication and observing superiors I will develop these skills and potentials. It can
also be achieved by undertaking research and analysis of various case studies and articles
of popular leaders.
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 Problems solving: This most significant ability of individual which provide him support
to develop his image among superiors and subordinates within organization. In this
context, I have also required the ability to face critical situation as it is requirement of
travelodge hotel and making effective decisions at workplace.
 Team management skills: It is also an essential capability which is required to manage
achieve the mission and objective of business firm (Moss, Gibson and Dollarhide, 2014).
With effective team management skills I will be able to regulate all business operations
effective and satisfy the customer. With appropriate communication I will be able to
manage workers and satisfy the client's in hotel.
Moreover, it can be said these some key knowledge and abilities which are needed to manage the
responsibility of manager and can be taking initiative of self managed learning at workplace.
2.3 Assessment of opportunities to meet the present and future requirements.
In the analysis, it has been recognised that identification of development opportunities is
very crucial task that wide research practices. In this context, there some effective development
opportunities are analysis through which I will be able to develop my potential and achievement
of personal objectives.
Strengths
 Strong conceptual knowledge and
experience of hospitality sector.
 Excellent communication skills and
potentials.
 Participative, motivation and self
confident personality.
 Innovative and effective presentation
skills.
Weaknesses
 I am not appropriate in making
effective decisions and face problems
in critical situation.
 I don't' have proper technical skills to
perform the task on software.
 Faced problems in resolving problems
and resolving disputes at workplace.
Opportunities
 I have opportunity to improve my
decision making skill by undertaking
research, attending seminars and
Threats
 Lack of time for taking part in training
sessions as well as seminars etc.
 Strong competition in organization.
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conferences.
 Through application of activist style of
learning
 I have opportunity to improve my
problem solving skills by learning
various theory based on problem solve.
 No proper communication with
superiors.
Apart from this, there are various other opportunities to develop required skills like
internet surfing, e books, articles and market analysis etc. these are the most effective important
that provide supports in development of abilities to compete with others and achievement of
knowledge to develop skills at workplace.
2.4 Creation of personal development plan
Requirements /
objectives
Short term goals
1 to 3 weeks
Long term frame
1 to 3 months
Personnel
effectiveness like
communication skill,
problems solving,
decision making, self
initiative, motivational
and time management
skills.
Participation in various seminars
and conferences I will develop my
communication and motivational
skill.
Taking challenges, participation in
group discussion, research and
organizing management activities I
will resolve all the critical
problems of firm and improve
competencies.
Leadership and
management skills like
strategic planning,
influential, innovation,
critical thinking etc.
By taking guidance from superiors
I will develop a influential skills
and handle all the employees at
workplace.
By using internet and analysing
case studies of management I will
develop strategic planning ability.
Business skills like
planning and
Ways to develop short term skills
such as communicating with
Development of strategies and
facing critical challenges I will
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managing, technical,
financial and non
financial, performance
management, projects
development etc.
superiors as well participation in
decision making.
improve my performance.
TASK 3
3.1 Analysis of process and task needed for implementation of plan.
In order to accomplish the personal development plan there are some activities or
process that is to be followed by individual to achieve the required skills and objectives at
workplace (Chetcuti, Buhagiar and Cardona, 2011). In this context, I have also determined a
specific process through which I apply this plan to increase the competencies in the specific
tenure which is determined above. These stages are:
 Initial stage: It is most important stage that involves the task of defining main objective
behind development of plan. In the present context, I have mentioned that my important
goals is to become a manager of travelodge hotel. In order to achieve this goal I will
analyse all the responsibilities and role which a manger has to perform within
organization. I will also analyse all the rules and regulation which to be followed for the
regulation of business operations. My previous experience in hotel as assistant manager
will also beneficial for me to handle the workers and accomplish the task effectively.
 Key activities: In this stage, I will analyse all the task to be accomplished to perform the
implement the plan. In this, I have analysed various key activities like training and
development, seminars, reading books and research on internet etc. with effective training
I will be able to gain knowledge and information about the functions as wells as financial
position of organization.
 Prioritizing: In this stage, I will prioritize all activities and task which I have to
accomplish at workplace and make appropriate schedule so that I will be able to manage
time between learning and work.
 Monitoring: It is also an effective task which I have to perform by taking analysis of
previous performance and growth after application of learning activities. By reviews the
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schedules and current performance I will be able to monitor and recognise the growth and
development.
3.2 Undertake and documenting the planned activities.
In this analysis, there some important activities which I have planned and have to perform in
different stages in order to achieve the personal objective.
First step involves identification needs of self learning, I have accomplished an evaluation of
personal skills and also the strengths as well as weaknesses. It also helps in understanding that I
have strong need to focus on decision making, problem solving , team management and develop
critical thinking in order to accomplish the job and resolve all the problems art workplace.
The next step involves identifying own development opportunities and development of
actions plans to meet them in specific time period (Brody and Hadar, 2015). In personal
development plan I have described that I will have various opportunities to develop the required
skills and also determined time to accomplish them.
Thirst step involves identification of resources through which these actions plans will
accomplish and individuals will achieve the desired goals and objectives. It also involves
accomplishment of development at workplace.
Last stage of cycle in will analyse the results of activities that I have accomplished and
evaluate my performance at workplace. Through this I will analyse the changes that are required
in personal development plans.
3.3 Critical reflection of self learning against the standards
It critically involves an analysis of various issues and problems which are faced by
individuals in application of personal development plan in personal as well as professional life
(Huber, 2011). It is also analysed that there various challenges which are faced by individuals in
the organization to achieve the required skills and potentials to accomplish the job at workplace.
In this context, reflection of own learning against set standards have provided an understanding
that there I have to improve my present skills like problems solving, leadership and decision
making skills in order to achieve the key position in organization. Through effective time
management I want to manage my work so that I will be able to accomplish the roles and
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responsibilities and provide guidance to team members as well. Many problems can be arises at
workplace for solving it the problem solving skill is one of the best skill. Quick decision making
skill is very helpful in for personal life and professional life.
3.4 Amendments in personal development plan.
Skills Task period
Problem solving By making effective
communication with top
management I will be able
develop knowledge of
resolving critical problems at
workplace.
1 to 3 weeks
Decision making skills By doing effective research
and analysis of case studies I
will develop an conceptual
knowledge of self managed
learning and improve critical
thinking
2 to 4 weeks
Technological skills Through participation in
training programs and research
I will develop my
technological to handle critical
jobs at workplace like online
bookings, checking
performance, maintaining
records etc.
1 to 2 months
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TASK 4
4.1Assesment of work based problem and appropriate solution
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4.2 Various communication style and in appropriate manner at various level
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4.3 Evaluation and effective time management strategies
It is necessary to effectively manage time for better development of personnel growth.
Some of effective time management strategies are as under:
 Know how you spend your time- It is important to have proper guidance of how you are
utilising your time. To effectively know this one must keep a time log and determine his
actions in using the time effectively. It helps in estimating the time taken to complete the
task and how it can be effectively done (St‐Jean, 2012).
 Set priorities- One must make priorities to complete the given task as it helps in
completing the work in the prescribed time. To manage the time effectively it requires
knowing what is important and the urgency of the work. To overcome such issues it is
essential to make priorities for the urgent work and manage time according to it.
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 Using planning tool- This planning tool helps in improving the productivity or helps in
maintaining a decent workforce. It helps in making proper arrangement for the work and
ideas to complete the work in the time scheduled for the work.
 Get organised- Disorganisation leads to poor time management, so it is recommended to
organize work and complete the task in the time prescribed for its completion. It is also
essential to have complete result of the work and to make arrangements according to it.
Conclusion
From the above it is concluded that to increase the knowledge individual need to have
self managed learning that benefits their personnel and professional development. It is also
beneficial for business firms to enhance their skills at the workplace. Individuals also have
opportunities to enhance their personal growth and organisation objectives. This helps in
evaluating their skills and knowledge that is beneficial for development of personality as well as
helpful in achieving the targets. This also helps them to manage time and make a suitable and
clear professional development for the achievement of desired goals and objectives.
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Online
Self-Directed Learning - Independent Learning, 2017 [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.basicknowledge101.com/subjects/selfdirectedlearning.html.>
[Accessed on14 October 2017].
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