Report on Personal and Professional Development: Key Strategies

This report delves into the multifaceted realm of personal and professional development, emphasizing self-managed learning approaches, lifelong learning, and the benefits they offer to individuals and organizations. It examines diverse self-learning strategies like VARK and KOLB's learning styles, and stresses the importance of continuous learning to navigate competitive market conditions. The report explores the significance of self-assessment through SWOT analysis and reflective practices, particularly within the context of the health and social care sector. It addresses work-based problems, proposes resolution processes, and highlights effective communication methods at various organizational levels. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of time management strategies and includes a detailed curriculum vitae showcasing personal skills and professional experience.

Personal and Professional
Development
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Self-managed learning approaches............................................................................................3
1.2 Lifelong learning and personal and professional development.................................................4
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to individual and organisation............................................5
4.1 Solutions to work based problems.............................................................................................5
4.2 Communicating information to various levels to overcome the problems................................6
4.3 Time management strategies......................................................................................................6
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational
objectives.........................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Identify development needs and the activities required to meet them ......................................7
2.3 Opportunities required to meet both current and future needs..................................................8
2.4 Personal and professional development plan.............................................................................8
3.1 Short term and long term objectives along with its development plan......................................9
3.2 Documentation of planned actions............................................................................................9
3.3 Learning against original aims and objectives.........................................................................10
3.4 Action plan for development based on feedback.....................................................................11
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................12
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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is one critical learning that can amend the opportunities
for personnel within organisation by enhancing diverse factors. In other aspect, it can be said that it
plays a vital role in advancement of personal and professional skills. Improved focus on personal and
professional development learning provides information about diverse programs which are beneficial
for improvement in skills and knowledge of individual in context of various factors (Ashcroft, 2004).
With an assistance of personal and professional development plan the individual can attain long term
improvements in skills so that better opportunities can be identified. In the support of this, it also helps
in overcome various issues which can impact the frequent development in skills.
In this report, learning will focus on diverse subjects that can provide better understanding
regarding personal and professional development concept. It will assist in attaining information
regarding various self-managed learning theories which is beneficial for lifelong development. It will
also have spot light on various responsibilities that individual need to recognize for effective
development in context of personal and professional aspects. It will also provide learning regarding
diverse applications which can boost continuous development within individual skills. Furthermore, it
will also focus on number of interpersonal and transferable factors which is advantageous for better
career opportunities.
TASK 1
1.1 Self-managed learning approaches
In the support of this, it can be said that with an continuous focus on diverse self learning
approaches the individual can attain better career opportunities. Self managed learning is considered as
one of critical factor that provides better opportunity to attain improved knowledge and skills so that
weaknesses can be overcome in effective manner (Beausaert, 2013). In addition to this, it can be stated
that self managed learning will facilitate me to have improvement in communication skills so that I can
provide better support to team working activities. There are various self learning approaches that can
facilitate me to have improvement in skills such as VARK style and KOLB's learning style.
VARK learning is considered as model that mainly emphasis on four key factors. Visual
learning, aduitory learning, reading learning and kinesthetic learning are key factors of VARK system.
In this, I can focus on diverse seminars and conferences so that my personal and professional skills can
be developed in effective manner. Number of training programs regarding communication and other
skills is also beneficial for me as it will provide an ability to have face to face interaction with other
professionals (Cardno, 2005). On the other side, Kolb learning works on the basis of two levels which
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is classified in four key factors. Classification of key factors can be as concentrate experience,
reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation.
Individual VARK system
Skills Rank
Audio 0
Kinesthetic 4
Reading 5
Visual 7
Class VARK system
Skills Rank
Reading 1
Kinesthetic 3
Audio 5
Visual 8
In the support of above statement, it can be said that I can also focus on four key factors which
are classified as activist, reflector, theorist and pragmatist. This learning is style is also considered as a
self-development tool which provides better understanding using diverse experiences (Davies, 2005).
With an assistance of this learning I can attain better orientation regarding diverse adjustable
circumstances. Moreover, it has been identified that the I have good skills in context of activist,
reflector, theorist and pragmatist as my pragmatist skills are rated under 13 and my class reflector is
considered as 430.
1.2 Lifelong learning and personal and professional development
As per the analysis of current market conditions it can be said that individuals are facing issues
due to high level of business competition. In this context, it is significant for me to have continuous
learning in order to deal with various issues that I can face in my profession. It is beneficial for
continuous development and advancement in opportunities.
In order to have better understanding about key strength and weakness I can focus on swot
analysis as it will assist in long term sustainability. It will provide be improved level of understanding
about my own strength and weakness which is beneficial to effective analysis of work conditions. With
an improved level of information about these factors I can design various strategies which can boost
my career opportunities (Mumford, 2001). For example, I am working in health and social care sector
as nursing staff and I have enhanced level of information about my strength and weakness. It will assist
me to analyse the key needs of development so that action plan can be designed in order to resolve
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diverse issues.
In this support, I can also focus on self-reflective approach as it also provides better opportunity
in context of long term development. It will facilitate me to gather information regarding diverse
subjects which can provide better support to work culture (Scharf, 2002). It is also beneficial for
effective identification of challenges that influences overall execution. Moreover, with an improved
understanding about various successive factors I can easily design activities that is advantageous for
long term goals accomplishment.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to individual and organisation
Self-managed learning is beneficial for individual as well as organisation. In this support, it can
be stated that while working in health and social care sector I can attain personal development through
improved focus on self-learning. With an assistance of self learning I can acquire better awareness
regarding diverse factors that can boost my career opportunities and skills (Yu, 2004). I can also build
better relationship with diverse professionals in health care sector as training and seminars provide
better opportunity to have face to face interaction. Moreover, it will also develop strength to deal with
number of challenges.
Moreover, self learning methods also assist in effective advancement of diverse skills which
facilitates in resolving operational issues for enhancement in productivity. Other than this, better
relationship with diverse professional will also assist me to identify key trends of industry which is
beneficial for better opportunities in context of organisation (Eisele, 2013). Improvement in skills will
boost effectiveness of services and assist in attracting more service users towards business.
4.1 Solutions to work based problems
It has been identified by me that while working in health and social care sector, I have faced
number of issues that influences my overall performance in negative manner. Key issues was regarding
effective identification of service users needs. In order to defeat the work based problem I can consider
resolution process as one of key factor (Bennett, 2006). In this, it is essential for me to understand
diverse aspects of work culture and then design ways which can overcome issues. In this respect, I can
focus on few steps such as issue identification, spotting out alternative methods and implementation.
In the support of this, I can also focus on training and development programs as it will facilitate
me amend diverse skills in context of personal and professional aspects. With an assistance of learning
approaches the influence of work based problem can be decreased in order to have better opportunities
(Kira, 2010). I have also faced few issues in regard to planning and execution of activities so it is
necessary for me to focus on effective gathering of information in this context. Number of secondary
sources can be used in order to gather information about planning and execution techniques.
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4.2 Communicating information to various levels to overcome the problems
In this support, it can be said that there are number of communication methods that I can use to
overcome issues and improve communication at diverse levels. It is essential to overcome
miscommunication issues so that organizational and personal goals can be accomplished in better way.
With an assistance of open communication method I can have regular interaction with low level
management or workforce (Lifelong learning, 2013). It will provide effective sharing of information
with low level management in order to improve productivity. It will also allow me to share my
emotions and feelings with top level management so that issues can be identified in appropriate
manner.
Furthermore, formal communication is also beneficial for me while having interaction with top
level management of healthcare organisation. It will allow me to provide better feedbacks and reviews
regarding diverse factors that relates with the operational activities and work culture (Back, 2003). I
can also focus on email to communicate any significant information with my colleagues such as
policies and regulations. It is most useful while having communication with middle level management.
4.3 Time management strategies
Time management skills is one of significant factor for better development in personal and
professional context. In this support, it is essential for me to focus on diverse time management
strategies as it will assist me to accomplish goals in appropriate manner (Gallen, 2001). It will also
facilitate me to have effective allocation of time for diverse activities. It will also provide information
about importance of activity and then assist in allocation of time.
Moreover, work schedules is one of critical strategy that can be used to have proper
management of daily basis activities. It is beneficial for me to accomplish diverse significant task in
desired time period. I can also focus on listing of various activities that I need to perform in a week. In
this it is necessary for me to list all activities as per importance of work action (Klein, 2009). Other
than this, prioritizing of activities is also beneficial for improvement in time management skills. I can
allocate time to each activity as per their priorities. It will assist me to accomplish task in better way
during urgent situations.
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies against professional standards and organisational objectives
Curriculum Vitae
Personal information
Name: Aurica
Location: London NW9
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Contact: 074474531
Email: [e-mail]
I am very energetic person and always focuses on positive impacts. In this support, I am very
friendly in nature that helps me to become adjust in work culture. I am also good at communication
skills that helps me to share new ideas with my colleagues. I enjoy collective work culture as it also
provides better opportunities to my career.
Education and Training
 I have attended vocation school “Liviu Rebreanu” in Romania.
 I have also acquired average grade of 8.13 in Bacalaureate diploma in year 2007. I have scored 6.50 grade in Iealts diploma.
Employment
 2 years work experience as a sole charge nanny for French family
 1 year experience as a florist and manager for waitress team in event management company. Four year work experience as a nanny for French family.
Personal skills:
 I have number of ambitions that motivates me to accomplish task in proper manner.
 I always desire to do perform various innovative actions.
 I am hard working that provides me best outcome.
 I am positive in attitude that helps me to deal with diverse work situations.
 I am more focused towards my responsibilities that motivates me to help others.
2.2 Identify development needs and the activities required to meet them
Being an nursing staff member that health care firm, it is one of my responsibility to
accomplish number of activities in effective manner so that objectives can be meet in appropriate
manner. It means it is necessary for me to have various improvements in my skills such as time
management, communication, planning, etc. It is essential as it facilitates in proper management of
diverse responsibilities (Paul, 2004). In the support of this, I can focus on various time management
strategies. Other than this, some time I faces issues regarding identification of service user needs. This
also reflects that it is necessary for me to consider observation skills as critical aspect. Improvement in
observation skills will provide better assistance to identification of user needs.
Moreover, it is also essential for me to gather better information about diverse subjects
regarding health and social care sector so that I can have better opportunities in industry. In this
support, I can also focus on sources that provides information about time management so that work
quality can be improved (Robbins, 2011). It is beneficial for effective management of day to day
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activities.
2.3 Opportunities required to meet both current and future needs
As per the above statements, it can be said that there are number of opportunities that can
amend by skills in order to meet my current and future needs. In this respect, it is necessary for me to
have concentration on training and development program in order to have improvement in diverse
skills. It will facilitate me to accomplish organizational goals in better way (Slater, 2010). With an
improved focus on training and development programs I can gather information about various subjects
in order to create awareness in context of health and social care sector. In the support of this, it can also
be said that the information about diverse new techniques can also be attained by focusing on various
secondary sources. I can read books and journals in context of health care sector which will develop
better opportunities in the future.
Moreover, I can also participate in diverse team activities so that I can amend my coordination
skills which is beneficial for improvement in productivity (Robbins, 2011). In this, support I can also
improve my skills in context of communication so that I can communicate with service users in
appropriate manner.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan.
It has been identified that in order to attain better development opportunities and advancement
in diverse personal and professional skills it is essential for me to concentrate on personal and
professional development plan. It will facilitate me to have improvement in various skills such as time
management, team work, presentation skills, confidence, leadership, etc.
Table 1: Personal development plan
Learning
Objective/Go
al
Current
Proficiency
5=strong
1=weak
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria For
Judging
Success
Time Scale
1 Time
management
skills
3 5 I can focus on
day to day
planning of
diverse
activities (Paul,
2004)
It is necessary
for me to
focus on self
evaluation
process
2
2 Collective
work style
2 5 With an
improved
focus on
meeting and
group activities
I can improve
I can take
feedback and
review from
my team
members
(Klein, 2009)
3
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team work
skills.
3 Communicati
on skills
2 5 I can focus on
various
activities that
can improve
individual
communication
skills.
I can take
feedback and
review from
my team
members
3
4 Problem
solving
3 5 I can focus on
regular
interaction
with my
colleagues.
I can also
have
evaluation
using test
papers
2
5 Leadership 3 5 I can also
focus on
diverse team
activities and
start taking
responsibilities
(Gallen, 2001).
By
satisfaction of
people under
me
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3.1 Short term and long term objectives along with its development plan
In this support, it can be said that every development plan must have some short term and long
term objectives as it provides better opportunities. In this respect, it is essential for me to focus on both
short term and long term objectives as it facilitates in attaining better development opportunities. It is
beneficial for advancement in diverse skills. In order to have better accomplishment of diverse short
term and long term objectives I can consider various methods and techniques which provides effective
designing of development plan (Back, 2003). In this respect I can focus on various methods such as
internal audit, determination of objectives, identification of actions, action plan development and
review.
Moreover, it is also essential for me to have enhanced level of information regarding my
strength and weakness as it facilitates in effective development of plan. Along with this, I must have
proper identification of objectives in order to perform diverse actions which relates with development
plan (Lifelong learning, 2013). Other than this, proper monitoring of actions is also one of most critical
factor and it provides effective implementation of development plan.
3.2 Documentation of planned actions
Name- Starting Date of the Plan-
Objective: To enhance personal and professional skills in order to attain better position in
organization.
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Identified Needs Goal Set on the basis of
needs identifies
Short Term Long Term
1
.
Communication
Skills
I must focus on competency
development
In this I can
focus on diverse
seminars and
conferences to
improve skills
(Ashcroft, 2004)
In this respect, I can
focus on diverse
sources like books
and watching videos.
2
.
Leadership Skills Improved level of quality I can concentrate
on various day to
day management
activities.
I can organise event
for better
opportunities.
3
.
Team work Improve coordination I can emphasis on
various group
meetings and
discussions with
team members.
I can take assistance
of various experts.
4
.
Presentation skills Get skilfulness I can take part in
various team
activities.
I can take part in
conferences to
improve skills
(Beausaert, 2013).
Development plan.
In order to have better development of skills i can focus on diverse steps such as:
• Internal audit
• Determination of objectives
• Identification of actions
• Action plan development
• Review
3.3 Learning against original aims and objectives
In order to have better development it is necessary for me to design activities as per diverse aims
and objectives. It has been spotted that the improved focus on key objectives has enhanced my skills in
a positive manner (Cardno, 2005). Moreover, with an assistance of various techniques my
communication skills has also enhanced which is beneficial for better confidence level (Kira, 2010). In
the support of this, it can be said that the I can also have regular conversation with diverse services
users in order to identify their key needs.
Short term and long term objectives plays key role in improvement of time management skills and
allocate proper time for each and every task. In the support of this, I have also noticed that my
motivation level has been also improved which provides better assistance in accomplishment of
personal and professional objectives.
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3.4 Action plan for development based on feedback
With an improved focus on feedback, it is essential for me to have changes in action plan so that
skills can be developed in appropriate manner. It is essential for me to have concentration on stress
management skills so that I can easily overcome diverse issue in context of work stress. It will provide
information about various ways that can boost effectiveness of development plan (Davies, 2005).
Moreover, I can also focus on meditation practice as it also facilitates me to reduce stress level. Other
than this, it is also necessary for me to have improvement in leadership skills so that various challenges
can be overcome.
CONCLUSION
As per the above discussion it can be concluded that the personal and professional development
plan is essential for improvement in skills. It has been spotted that with an improved focus on self
managed learning and various techniques professional can amend skills in context of both personal and
professional aspects. Moreover, time management strategy also plays key role in increasing overall
performance as it provide proper allocation of time to each activity.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ashcroft, L. 2004. Developing competencies, critical analysis and personal transferable skills in future
information professionals. Library Review. 53(2). pp.82-88.
Back, D., 2003. Interpersonal Skills in Organizations with Management Skill Booster Passcard.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Beausaert, S., 2013. Effect of using a personal development plan on learning and development.
Journal of Workplace Learning. 25(3). pp.145-158.
Bennett, B., 2006. Personal development plans: evidence from research on their use. Development and
Learning in Organizations. 20(6). pp.13 – 15.
Cardno, C. 2005. Leadership and professional development: the quiet revolution. International Journal
of Educational Management. 19(4). pp.292–306.
Davies, B. 2005. Educational Leadership – Personal Growth for Professional Development.
International Journal of Educational Management. 19(3). pp.269-270.
Eisele, L., 2013. Employee motivation for personal development plan effectiveness. European Journal
of Training and Development. 37(6). pp.527 – 543.
Gallen, D., 2001. Personal Development and Practice Professional Development Plans in Primary
Care: A Practical Guide to Getting Started. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Kira, M., 2010. Crafting sustainable work: development of personal resources. Journal of
Organizational Change Management. 23(5). pp.616 – 632.
Klein, R. C., 2009. What Do We Know about Interpersonal Skills? A Meta-analytic Examination of
Antecedents, Outcomes, and the Efficacy of Training. ProQuest.
Mumford, A. 2001. Planning and Organizing Personal and Professional Development. Industrial and
Commercial Training. 33(7). pp.270-273.
Paul, L. D., 2004. A field study of the effect of interpersonal trust on virtual collaborative relationship
performance. MIS Quarterly. 28(2). pp.183-227.
Robbins, P. S.., 2011. Training in Interpersonal Skills: Tips for Managing People at Work. 6th ed.
Pearson Education, Limited.
Scharf, F., 2002. Developing export management competencies and skills among undergraduate
business students. Journal of European Industrial Training. 26(7). pp.327-332.
Slater, R., 2010. Team Management. Harper Collins.
Yu, H., 2004. Leadership and Management in Education: Developing Essential Skills and
Competencies. Journal of Educational Administration. 42(1). pp.116-119.
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Online
Lifelong learning. 2013. [Online]. Available through:
<http://radiographics.rsna.org/content/29/2/613.full>. [Accessed on 7 January 2016].
Personal development review. 2013. [pdf]. Available through:
<http://www.learning.ox.ac.uk/media/global/wwwadminoxacuk/localsites/
oxfordlearninginstitute/documents/careerdevelopmetreview/
PDR_handbook_for_reviewers_new.pdf>. [Accessed on 7 January 2016].
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