Personal and Professional Development Plan for Hotel Managers

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PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
1

Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................. 4
LO 1................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 APPROACHES TO SELF-MANAGED LEARNING.................................................................5
1.2 WAYS IN WHICH LIFELONG LEARNING IN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS
COULD BE ENCOURAGED...........................................................................................................7
1.3 BENEFITS OF SELF-MANAGED LEARNING TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANISATION..........9
LO 2.............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1 EVALUATING OWN CURRENT SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES AGAINST PROFESSIONAL
STANDARDS AND ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES...................................................................11
2.2 OWN DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND THE ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO MEET THEM.................13
2.3 DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE DEFINED NEEDS
................................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN......................................................15
LO 3.............................................................................................................................................. 15
3.1 THE PROCESSES AND ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. .15
3.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN.....................................................................18
3.3 OWN REFLECTION OF LEARNING AGAINST ORIGINAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES SET IN THE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN...............................................................................................................19
3.4 UPDATE OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN...............................................................................20
LO 4.............................................................................................................................................. 21
4.1 WAYS TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES........................................................................................... 21
4.2 POSTER FOR EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION...............................................................................22
4.3 TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES.....................................................................................23
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CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................... 24
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................25
3

INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study is to analyse the personal and professional development while working for
the Travel Lodge. The processes that facilitate self-learning are analysed in the study. The
approaches that are best suitable for self-managed learning are studied in the research. The
ways in which lifelong learning can be done in both personal and professional ways is covered
in the study. As a manager, how can the learning process be managed is studied. The benefits
of self-managed study are also evaluated in the research on the said topic (De Vos et al., 2011).
The current skills and the skills needed to be a good manager is covered in the research by
laying emphasis on own development needs. The development opportunities to meet the
current and future needs are studied in the research. The project ends with a personal and
professional development plan which covers what are the needed skills, how are they going to
be achieved and by when will the skills be developed.
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LO 1
1.1 APPROACHES TO SELF-MANAGED LEARNING
Self-managed learning is a way where individuals can manage their own learning without any
external help. This includes that the individuals incorporate their own learning and set their
own targets to achieve. This allows them to lead and manage their tasks without being reliant
on other networks. The learning can be in any phase and include learning of any new skill or
developing knowledge in a certain criterion (Miner, 2015).
The need for self-managed learning is deeply felt as more and more people are now skilled
thereby increasing the competition. Nowadays skilling oneself has become tremendously
important to succeed in this fast-paced world that is changing at a rapid rate. Self-managed
learning is also helpful for individuals as they can plan and design their own course of learning
and set own goals and objectives for achieving their wants. They can design their own learning
mechanism that can aid them in their learning and knowledge seeking endeavour (Govaerts et
al., 2011).
APPROACHES OF LEARNING
There are many ways of self-managed learning. Some of the ways to self-learn are-
1) Learning through Research- In this method, the learning takes place through research
activities. The learner carries out various researches on the topic that interest him. The
subject is researched in depth to understand why and how a phenomenon occurs. This
gives a deep insight into the learner about the topic and makes him aware of the subject
that has been researched.
2) Mentoring/ Coaching- This is another way of learning. The learner learns the skill or
subject from an experienced teacher who mentors and guides the learner about the
subject. The benefit of this type of learning is that the learner can ask his doubts and
queries on a one-to-one basis from the mentor or the teacher who imparts the skill to
the learner
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3) Seminars/ Conferences- In these types of learning hubs, a gathering is held which is
presided over by a renowned personality who is an expert on the study. The seminar
involves the learned person to share his insights and thoughts on the subject and the
gathering listens and makes notes of the information that is being discussed. In a
conference also, many people who have learned a special skill or are very
knowledgeable discuss their thoughts which each other which gives new thoughts and
new ideas to the ones present (Govaerts et al., 2011).
4) Internet/ Social Media- Internet is a great way to learn new skills or knowledge about
any given topic. The Internet has vast knowledge about any given topic and the learner
can get all the related information from many sources on the internet. Many people
learn new skills through the internet like cooking, driving, designing and other skills.
These are some of the approaches to learning. A learner can make use of these and many other
approaches to learning his desired skill.
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1.2 WAYS IN WHICH LIFELONG LEARNING IN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
CONTEXTS COULD BE ENCOURAGED
Lifelong learning refers to learning new skills and knowledge for the rest of life. This is a good
practice to be a learner forever as it keeps the mind active and new skills are learned every now
and then. It also prevents the mind from rusting and keeps the mind active and engaged in
learning a new skill. Lifelong learners are always in the pursuit of learning new skills and
improving their talents. This makes them more knowledgeable and expert in their domain
(Bakker et al., 2012).
The ways in which lifelong learning can be encouraged at the Travelodge Hotel are-
Practising Skill While Working- One can encourage the better grasping of the knowledge
so learnt by applying it at work or by searching for a particular work that requires the
skill that the learner has. When the learner will use the skill so learnt at his work or for
other purposes, the skill will benefit the learner and will stay with the learner for a
longer time.
Engaging in Apprenticeships- The learners and workers of Travelodge Hotel who want to
increase their skills and improve their knowledge on any subject of their choice should
work under a professional company for apprenticeships which can give them a
professional insight on how to use the skill. During the apprenticeships, the learner will
get the insights from other mentors and experts who will guide the learners in learning
their skill in the best manner (Bakker et al., 2012).
To Recognize Learning as an Achievement- The employers and managers at Travelodge
hotel should appreciate the learning of their employees which will give the employees a
sense of recognition and acceptance. Identifying the employees learning capabilities is
also essential for the employees as it encourages the employees to learn more skills.
The employees who regularly engage in learning activities should be awarded by the
employer and should also be promoted at their level which will motivate them to learn
more and engage in the life-long learning process (Govaerts et al., 2011).
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Learning Goals as Important as Performance Goals- The managers and employers can
make the learning as necessary as the performance of the employees. The employees
will pay equal attention to their learning of new skills as their performance in the hotel.
It will create a good learning culture within the organization as everyone will be learning
and acquiring new skills which will also affect positively on the performance of the
employees.
Connecting Employees with Inspirational Mentors- The employees can be introduced to
some motivational speakers and inspirational mentors for the ease of employees. The
mentors can guide the employees and also address their concerns. The mentors or
inspirational gurus can visit the Hotel Travelodge to interact with the employs and
analyse them to see which skills do the employees lack and how can they be made
better at their work (Eisele et al., 2013).
These are some of the ways in which the employees can be motivated for lifelong learning
and can also learn new skills and improve their performance simultaneously.
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1.3 BENEFITS OF SELF-MANAGED LEARNING TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND
ORGANISATION
Benefits of Self-Managed Learning to the Learner-
It enhances the team working skills of the employees as they are more skilled to do their
job. The team working of the employee's increases which thereby increases the team
performance in the organization. For Travel Lodge, if the team performance increases
then the company can make more profits and earn more revenue (Miner, 2015).
Self-managed learning enhances the communication skills of the employees working in a
team. When the employees possess the required skills to do the job, the work is
completed efficiently and accurately. The employees have the necessary confidence to
talk about the project and discuss the project issues. This is how self-learning benefits
the employees in their communication skills.
Self-managed learning improves the decision-making skills of the employees also. The
employees are in a better position to make decisions on both their professional and
personal front as the knowledge that they have gained benefits them in all walks of life.
Those who learn on their own at their own pace are quick learners as compared to
those who wait to be taught. Self-learners are motivated and learn on their own pace.
As compared to conventional learners they learn skills quickly and also implement them
at their workplace. Self-motivated learners also accomplish their results faster than
conventional learners (Eisele et al., 2013).
These are some of the benefits of self-managed learning. Self-Managed learning can benefit the
learner in many ways.
Benefits of self-managed Learning to the Organization-
Just like the learner gains from self-managed learning, the organization also benefits from the
self-managed learners in many ways-
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The organization has a smarter and more learned workforce which improves the
organization’s image in the market as it has more skilled employees (Beausaert et al.,
2013)
The consumer experience increases as they are being served by more skilled and
knowledgeable workers at the hotel. At hotel Travelodge, the employees‘; learning skills
will be used in their daily schedules and will be reflected in the way they serve and cater
to the consumers
When the employees are more skilled and knowledgeable, the managers can delegate
the tasks and give more responsibility to the employees. The employees need minimum
input from the managers and are better adapt with their work
The Hotel Travelodge can also indulge in expanding their hotel group as it has many
killed persons working under the same roof. They can brainstorm ideas and can solve
many problems on their own. They can use innovative ideas and methods to serve
clients which result in brand expanding and better profits (Eisele et al., 2013).
These are some of the ways in which self-managed learning is beneficial to the organization
as well.
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LO 2
2.1 EVALUATING OWN CURRENT SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES AGAINST
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES
I have analysed my own skills as a Hotel Manager at Travelodge Hotel. My skill audit as a Hoel
Manager for Hotel Travelodge is explained below-
Commercial Awareness Organizational Skills Interpersonal Skills Teamwork Skills
I have to be aware of
the commercial market
around me to
incorporate better
managerial techniques
for managing my
employees (Beausaert et
al., 2013)
I have to improve my
organizational skills as
managing a large
organization is not an
easy task. The
organization’s aspects
have to be
understood deeply so
that the hotel can be
managed in the best
possible manner.
As a manager, it is
important for me to
have impeccable
interpersonal skills. As
a manager, I have to
interact with the
employees and clients
on a daily basis which
tests my
interpersonal skills
from time to time. It
is necessary to be
empathetic, active
listener and good
advice giver to
manage a hotel
(Chen, 2010).
I have to work on
improving the
teamwork skills as
without the team the
tasks of the hotel
cannot be done
properly. The hotel
works with the help
of various teams
which are engaged in
various activities of
the hotel. Hence
teamwork must be
encouraged and
appreciated so that
the teams give a good
performance.
Communication skills Attention to detail Numerical Skills IT Skills
I have to improve my
communications skills so
that I am able to give my
As a manager, I have
to focus on doing the
tasks with attention
As a manager, I have
to improve my
numerical skills as
I also have to improve
my IT skills like using a
simple PowerPoint
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ideas and suggestions to
the employees and
clients in a better way.
Good communication is
very important for
everyone working at the
hotel as it shows the
company’s tale on
handling their clients
and also gives an
impression of the hotel
as a whole
to detail. These small
efforts make the hotel
stand out among the
rest. Giving attention
to detail on all hotel
activities like menu
preparation, the
ambience of the hotel
and the facilities at
the hotel and rooms
makes the hotel
unique
well. I should be able
to do simple
calculations in mind
which will reduce my
dependency on
anyone else to do the
calculations (Lee,
2011)
presentation or
creating a simple
excel file. I should
also ask the IT team
to update the
company website
from time to time.
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