Personal and Professional Development: Tesco Marketing Manager Report

This report provides a comprehensive overview of personal and professional development, emphasizing self-managed learning, skill assessment, and time management strategies. It begins by defining self-managed learning and exploring various approaches such as learning through research, learning from others, and utilizing the internet. The report then delves into different learning styles, including the Kolb learning cycle and VARK model, and identifies the author's preferred learning styles. Furthermore, the report outlines the author's identified learning and development methods, including skill assessment and lifelong learning tools. It highlights the benefits of self-managed learning for both individuals and organizations. A significant portion of the report focuses on a work-based problem related to communication skills within a Tesco marketing manager role, proposing interpersonal learning styles and various communication strategies. Finally, the report discusses time management strategies, such as setting priorities and using personal planning tools, to enhance productivity and achieve personal and professional goals. The report concludes with a personal development plan, outlining short-term and long-term objectives, documentation of planned activities, and reflections on learning.

Personal and
professional
development
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning....................................................................................3
1.2 Identification of learning and development method..............................................................4
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals and organization.......................................4
4.1 Work base problem................................................................................................................5
4.2 Learning style which can be implemented............................................................................5
4.3 Different time management strategies...................................................................................6
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Skills required to meet the organizational goals....................................................................7
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs..................................................................8
2.3 Opportunities to meet both current and future needs.............................................................8
2.4 Personal development plan....................................................................................................8
3.1 Short term and long term objectives......................................................................................9
3.2 Documentation of planned activities...................................................................................10
3.3 Discussion of own learning..................................................................................................10
3.4 Updated personal development plan based on evaluation and feedback.............................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
In current scenario, personal and professional development is very important for an
individual’s growth and success. People always try to develop personal and professional plans so
that they can learn new things and become more effective. Further, they set goals and define
strategies to achieve the same. One of the main objectives behind such kind of personal and
professional development is to meet the issues and challenges faced by an individual. The
present report highlights various approaches to self managed learning. In addition to this, it
includes some of my own development needs and a plan to satisfy them. Overall it can be stated
that the report covers various aspects of personal and professional development.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning can be termed as the self initiation of learning process in which an
individual try to enhance his knowledge by learning new things (Gregory and Thorley, 2013).
Some of the common approaches to learning are mentioned below as: Learning through research: It is an approach in which an individual try to learn new
things and enhances his skills by learning through researches. One of the main
advantages of this approach is that it helps individuals to cover each and every aspect of
learning. Learning from others: A person can also learn from other people with the help of
mentoring, coaching, seminars, conferences and interviews (Moog, 2014). It can be
termed as one of the most effective way of learning as in case of query and other
concerns; the person can easily resolve them on the spot.
 Use of internet- Internet has been emerged as one of the biggest platform to learn and
acquire new things. There are several sources available on internet and thus, using this
sources individual can easily enhance his knowledge.
There are various kind of learning styles which can be used by an individual as per his
need and requirement. As per the kolb learning cycle there are four major type of learning style
which can be adopted by a person (Pedler, 2011). The styles are discussed below as:
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 Accommodator: It is a style which involves learning by active experiment and focus on
experiments. Converger: As per this style an individual learn by abstract conceptualization and active
experiment.
 Diverger: Learning is done on the basis of reflective observation and concrete
experiments.Assimilator: Abstract conceptualization along with reflective observation is
used in such kind of learning style.
VARK LEARNING STYLES
The model of VARK demonstrates four major styles of learning which are discussion
blow as:
 Visual- in this type of learning style people have strong visual preference and learn with
the help of diagrams, graphs and charts.
 Aural- This learning style suitable for people which have strong aural preference and they
can learn with the help of stories and discussion.
 Read and write- Individuals can also prefer the learning style of read and write. In this
style people learn by reading about a particular things and then again writing it back.
 Kinesthtic- Such type of learning style can be used by those people which have strong
Kinesthtic preference. In this style people learn with the help of case study and practical
example.
On the other hand, different learning styles as per Honey and Mumford are explained
below as:
 Activist- This learning style can be used by the people which learn by doing things.
Along with this, the person are also required have an open mind approach. Some of the
activities whichich can be used by people in this style are brainstorming, group
discussion and role plays.
 Theorist- as per this style of learning people try to learn new things by understanding the
theory behind actions. The common activities which are included in this type of learning
are modls, stories and using the background information.
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 Pragmatists- In this style people learn new things by applying the things which have
lerned into the practical or real world. Case studies, discussion and problem solving are
the common form, of learning which are used in this style.
 Reflector- In this type of learning style, individual's learn with the help of observing and
thinking upon the subject matter. Time out, interviews and coaching are some of the
common activities which are included in this kind of learning.
In terms of learning it can be stated that refectory, theorist, activist and visual are the
forms and styles of learning which I mostly prefer.
1.2 Identification of learning and development method
I have identified my learning and development method on the basis of my needs and
objectives. First of all I have carried out an effective skills assessment process which has helped
me to identify some of the skills which I am required to adopt and enhance. It can be stated that
before choosing the most appropriate and suitable method I have developed some aim and
objectives which I wanted to achieve through learning. Further based on those need, I developed
a list of various method and tools which I can use. After analysis all the methods, I have selected
the best and most suitable one.
It can be recommended that people should select suitable learning method after carrying
out self assessment and determining their learning style. People can carry out lifelong learning
with the help of various tools such as continuing professional development through their life
(Bjork, Dunlosky and Kornell, 2013). Other than this, an individual can also continue his future
education so that he can learn some new concepts and things.
In order to carry out life long learning individual's are required to carry out and continue some
sort of activities. Examples of such learning are apprenticeships which is a job training program
in which a person learn new things by working with a skilled and experience individual. On the
other hand, HND can be also used for carrying out lifelong learning. A person can also learn this
by doing work and learning the skills which can be used to accomplish a particular job.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals and organization
Self managed learning has various kinds of benefits to an individual as well as to an
organization. With the help of such type of learning a person tries to learn new things and
concepts which make him more productive and efficient. Further, it assists an individual to
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become upgraded about new models, concepts, technology and other areas. The benefit of this is
that it helps in overall growth and development of individual and also provides him with better
opportunities future (Fee, 2012). Such kind of learning also helps in enhancing the skills set of
people which results in improving their overall productivity and makes them more effective.
On the other hand, it not only the individual who is benefited from self managed
learning. An organization achieves competitive advantage over other market players by having a
team of highly skilled and effective workforce. Further, implementation of change become very
easy as the people in organization are upgraded with new technologies and changes which the
businesses is going to implement during the change process. Every individual has a flexibility to
learn new things and concept as per his/her own learning style and preferences. Further based on
the need and suitability learning styles can be adopted by person to acquire new things. On the
other side of this, sometimes organizations also provides various kind of opportunities for self
learning. Training and developments programs are conducted by businesses to make the
employees more skilled and competent.
4.1 Work base problem
I am working as a marketing manager in Tesco and one of the major problems which I
faced was related to communication skills. Sometimes I do not consider the views and opinions
of other which creates dissatisfaction among my colleagues and other workers. Other than this, it
has been also observed that sometime I find it very difficult to communicate my ideas and
suggestions to top level of management. In order to become effective, communications skills are
one of the major skills which are required in an individual. Further, it can be stated that those
people which cannot communicate with all level of management are the one which do not find
adequate growth and development opportunities. Thus, I am required to enhance my
communication skills to become more productive and develop better relationship with my co-
workers. For this aspect, I can work with other people which will help me to improve my
communication skills. I can also attend training session where I can resolve my doubts and
queries regarding the above mentioned skills. This will help me in making my listening skills
more effective which is one of the major problems which I am facing.
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4.2 Learning style which can be implemented
As per my need and objective, I think interpersonal learning style will be the best and the
most suitable one. In such type of style a person aim at working with other as much as possible.
As per the work based problem which I have identified, it can be stated that this style will help in
making my communications skills more effective. I can also use techniques such as role play
which will assist me in communicating my ideas and messages to other people. One of the main
advantages of such type of style is that it will help in developing coordination among me and
other members of the company. Better relationship will be developed between me and other
employees.
In order to communicate information at strategic level, I will use the form of written
communication. The fact cannot be denied that all the plans and information at strategic level are
very important and lack of communication can affect operations of entire organization (Boud,
2013). One of the main advantages of written communication will be that the information will be
understood in desired manner and the evidence of the same will be also presented. At tactical
level, I will use different forms of oral communication such as team meetings and conferences.
This will help in getting some important opinions and suggestions from other team members. At
last in order to communicate the information at operational level, I will use email and notice.
4.3 Different time management strategies
Time management is one of the most important aspects of an individual's growth and
development (Schmeck, 2013). It can be also stated that successful people are the one which are
always able to manage their time in an effective manner. Some of the time management
strategies are discussed below as: Setting priorities- In order to manage time effectively, every individual is required to
determine difference between what is important and what is not (Developing Your
Personal and Professional Capabilities, 2010). Thus, it can be stated that to manage the
time, a person need to set priorities of his each and every activity and important activities
should be perform earlier. Using a personal planning tool- An individual can also use personal planning tool such
as electronic planners, pocket diaries and wall charts. Sometimes people are so busy that
they forget some activities (Pritchard, 2013). Further jotting down important activities
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along with their deadline in personal planner will help in accomplishment of activities on
time.
 Managing external time wasters- The external time wasters such as telephones,
unexpected visitors, meetings and family obligations are also some of the factors which
restrict an individual to manage his time (Gregory and Thorley, 2013). Thus, people are
required to manage above stated time wasters.
One of the main strategies which have worked for me was the strategy of setting
priorities. I always made to do list on daily basis. This has helped me to perform all the required
activities and task as per the given time frame. I also rank items on to do list which has helped
me to perform important task.
TASK 2
2.1 Skills required to meet the organizational goals
Every organization is required to have a team of effective and skilled people which can
help in accomplishment of its aim and objectives. At my current workplace some of the major
skills which are required include interpersonal skills, decision making, and time management as
well as communication skills. The role of interpersonal skills is that it helps a person to become
more productive and thus it will help me to develop better coordination with other employees of
the organization. I am working as marketing manager in Tesco and I am required to take various
kinds of decisions for the growth and success of the organization. Thus, decision making skills
are very essential for me as they will help me to make some effective decision through which I
can easily achieve the desired goals and objectives. I am also required to have some time
management skills so that I can manage my activities and accomplish them within the given time
frame. Other than this, communication skills will help me to communicate my action plan and
strategies which in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization.
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Curriculum vitae
Catalina Hutupasu
[e-mail]
07540623753
49 Windsor Road, London, N13 5PP
PERSONAL INFORMATION
I am a highly motivated and hardworking individual who always strives to achieve the highest
standard possible at any given task. I possess excellent communication and organisational skills
and I have the ability to relate to a wide range of people. I am able to work well as a team
player and to cope under pressure. I am confident that I can contribute to the smooth running
and the success of a company. After five years in sales I am currently seeking for a chance to
progress within a fast –paced, forward –thinking and highly successful company.


PERSONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCES
 Having a warm, friendly & engaging personality
 Highly presentable, outgoing and sociable
 Career-minded and professional at all times
 Strong sense of responsibility and ability to use own initiative
 Punctual, reliable and flexible in order to meet targets
 Visual merchandising
 Attention to detail and accuracy
 Computer literate
 Willingness to learn
 Organisation skills
 Consistent performance
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
November 2012-June 2015
Estee Lauder Companies
Jo Malone London –Fenwick Brent Cross
Job Title – Senior Stylist and In Store Coach
September 2014-June 2015
 Administrative support in weekly and monthly sales reports (Mid-week Figures, Weekly
Trade Report ,MBR)
 Communicating effectively through Email across departments
 Implement events and workshops in order to achieve sale targets
 Delegating tasks effectively
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 Merchandising of counter and displays
 Assist with ensuring adequate stock levels on the shop floor and stock rotation
 Complete all administration accurately and on time
 Problem solving and improving customer relations
 Work scheduling
 Always lead by example, delivering exceptional customer service
PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN- 2014 –Exemplary
 Exceeded key business and personal development goals. Delivered exemplary results.
High performance and valuable contribution. High collaboration at all levels.
Job Title –Stylist and In Store Coach
March 2013-September 2014
 Work with the boutique manager and education team to identify specific training needs
within the team
 Coach and develop existing team members taking directions from boutique manager and
field education team
 Coach new starters from day one in brand culture
 Prepare new Stylists for Basic Orientation Training to ensure their future success
Job Title- Stylist
November 2012-March 2013
 Maintain high standard of personal grooming as required by the Company
 Provide Jo Malone London service experience to all customers
 Always adhere to the Three Steps of Service during interaction with customers
 Consistently achieving sales targets (IPT/AV£) and mix of business goals
 Achieved 100% on Daily Service Certification
TK Maxx Wood Green Store- London
September 2010- May 2012
Job Title- Sales Assistant
 Providing information to the customers to help them select the best products
 Maintaining internal visual merchandising and in-store displays ,ensure store appearance
meets company standards at all times
 Operating the till, taking cash from customers and processing transaction accurately and
efficiently
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 Keeping up-to-date with all current promotions within the store
 Being alert to thefts and fraudulent bank notes or credit cards
 Working as part of a team and assisting colleagues when necessary
 Making sure the store is clean, tidy and safe at all time
Education and Training
 Edexcel HND in Business (Accounting)-In Progress
 Pedagogical College ‘C. Negri’ Galati – Romania(2003-2007)
Baccalaureate Diploma
Certificate of Professional Competence - Pre-Primary/Primary School Teacher
 English and Spanish Course-2007
References are available on request
2.2 Identification of personal and professional needs
After carrying out my self assessment, I have found some of my personal and
professional needs. Further my personal needs include enhancing my leadership skills, conflict
management, time management and communication skills. On the other hand, my professional
needs consist of developing my knowledge regarding marketing and learning some new and cost
effective technique of marketing. This will assist me in getting better opportunities of growth
and development in future. In order to fulfil my personal needs I can attain various lectures,
workshops and seminars. One of the main advantages of this is that it will help me to manage
conflicts in the organization and will also support me in completing activities on time. Other than
this, I can obtain the strategy of self learning in which I can learn modern concepts of marketing.
Books, journal and other online sources will be very helpful in this aspect. The opportunities
which I have in order to satisfy my personal and professional needs is by attending various kind
of programs and training sessions provided by my organization. On the other hand, I can also
enhance my own leadership styles by handling team of few people within organizations. The
major benefit of this is that rather than getting theoretical aspects I would be learning and
enhancing my leadership skills in practical manner. I can also attend HND programs at regent
college which is also a very good opportunity for me to satisfy my personal and professional
needs.
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2.3 Opportunities to meet both current and future needs
There are ample amount of opportunities available to meet my both current and future
needs. I can attend training and development sessions which are organized by Tesco. This will
help me to become aware about latest market trends and the new techniques which have been
developed in few years. Other than this, I can work with my team on various new projects which
will help me in developing better coordination with the members of team and will result in
improving my communication skills. Thus, I am required to explore all the above stated
opportunities so that I can grow and meet my current and future needs.
2.4 Personal development plan
After assessing my current performance it has been identified that there are some skills
which I need to enhance and adopt. Further, I am working as a marketing manager in Tesco and
in future I have the opportunity to work as a senior marketing manager in same company or in
any other retail brand. One of the biggest threats to my career is
Aim:
“My aim is to develop personally as well as professionally”
Objectives:
 To enhance my skills set
 To learn some new concepts and techniques of marketing
 To find better job opportunities in future
Program/activities Action plan Review
dates
Achievement dates
Enhancing my communication
skills
Attending seminars related
to communications skills
03/05/16 29/10/16
Improving decision making
skills
Attending workshops
regarding simulation games
and business case studies
10/02/16 25/05/16
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Masters degree in digital
marketing
Doing part time masters in
digital marketing
17/06/16 10/10/18
3.1 Short term and long term objectives
I have determined that some short terms as well as some long term objectives which are
mentioned below are:
Short term objectives:
 One of my short term objectives is to improve my communication skills.I am working as
a marketing manager in Tesco and I require effective communication skills to interact
with other workers. have a team of 25 employees and my communication skills will help
me to become a good listener. This will result in making my team more effective and
productive.
 Another short term objective is to improve my decision making skills. I am well aware of
this fact that, if one has to grow and survive in market then he should be a good decision
maker. Further, taking right decision helps both the individual as well as organization to
grow in a very effective manner.
Long term objectives:
 My long term objective is to get a master degree in the digital marketing. It has been
observed that digital marketing is completely a new and unique concept in the field of
marketing. Further, I have found that the tools and techniques which it uses are very
interesting and effective. Thus, it is one of my long term objectives to get a masters
degree in digital marketing.
 I belong to field of marketing and thus my long term objective is to develop and enhance
my personal contacts in market. It can be stated that people in marketing cannot survive
for long run if they do not have adequate contacts.
In order to implement the action plan I need to attend various kind of seminars and
workshops regarding communication and decision making skills. Other than this, I will evaluate
the options available and then I will select the best one. In this aspect, I will also take guidance
from my line managers and other profession. Further, it can be stated that the experience and
knowledge of my seniors will help me to grow and develop in the future.
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3.2 Documentation of planned activities
My planned activities are related to enhancing my decision making skills and
communication skills. For these aspects I have planned to attend various seminars and
workshops so that I can improve the above stated skills set. This will help me to develop better
relation with other employees of organization and will also assist in making effective decision
for the company. Masters degree in digital marketing will help me to become more competent
and will also help in carrying out marketing activities of the company in better way. By
increasing my contact in market I will be able to find better employment opportunities in the
future.
I am attending various kind of seminars and workshops to learn various aspects of
decision making and communication skills. Along with this, I can also go for higher national
diploma to make my self more competent and skilled. The major focus of such kind of diplomas
is that thy try to make an individual learn by doing things. This will also add by in my academic
qualifications and will provide me with better opportunities for growth and development.
3.3 Discussion of own learning
It has been observed that as per my aim and objectives which has been developed in
personal development plan there are some changes which needs to be done. I have acquired some
knowledge about role of communication skills in the success and growth of individuals. Further,
I also came across significance of considering the opinions and views of other in decision
making process. There are some marketing executives which worked under me and now I have
came across the fact that how bad they used to feel when I used to ignore their suggestions. In
the decision making workshops I played various kinds of simulation games based on business
case studies of real life. This has helped me to become aware about the current market situation
and how I can make crucial decision in the most extreme situations. Other than this, I have
observed that there are some important factors which are lacking in my personal development
plan. I am required to update the plan so that I can easily achieve my goals and objectives. My
learning style is of reflector in which I learn new things with the help of others and by observing
deeply what is being taught to me. Further one of the best thing which helped me to learn new
things. It is helping a lot to me in terms of achieving my needs. During the process of coaching,
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I am learning both practical and theoretical aspects of problem solving and communication skills.
On the other hand, I can clear all my doubts and queries on the spot which is one of the best
thing about my learning style.
3.4 Updated personal development plan based on evaluation and feedback
It has been observed that there is some improvement required in my personal
development plan. I have learned lot of things in workshops but I think now I should use
coaching or mentoring in order to gain knowledge regarding practical aspects of decision
making. I will take coaching from senior managers which are present in my organization. Other
than this, I will also work in team so that I will be able to implement the things which I am
learning in seminars on communications skills.
Program/activities Action plan Review
dates
Achievement dates
Enhancing my communication
skills
Along with seminars, I need
to work more with my team
so that I can practically
implement the things which
I learn in seminars
02/08/16 29/10/16
Improving decision making
skills
Now I can look for methods
such as coaching or
mentoring to enhance my
decision making skills
13/06/16 25/09/16
Enhancing leadership skills I can handle small team of
people within my
organization. This will
assist me to become aware
of the practical aspects of
leadership skills and
enhance the same.
15/07/16 22/10/16
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CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that person and professional development is
very important for growth and success of the individual. It can be stated that the development
plan will help me to enhance my skills and will make me more effective and productive. It can
be also concluded that every individual is required to review and update his development plan.
This will help in achievement of aim and objectives in desired manner and in the given time
frame. In addition to this, it will also help me in enhancing the growth and development
opportunities within the organization of my choice. The plan will make me more skilled and
competent. This means that I will be getting better employment opportunities in the future.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Bjork, R. A., Dunlosky, J. and Kornell, N., 2013. Self-regulated learning: Beliefs, techniques,
and illusions. Annual Review of Psychology. 64. pp. 417-444.
Boud, D., 2013. Enhancing learning through self-assessment. Routledge.
Fee, K., 2012. Delivering e-learning. A complete strategy for design, application and assessment.
Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal. pp. 27(1).
Gregory, R. and Thorley, L., 2013. Using group-based learning in higher education. Routledge.
Moog, R., 2014. Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning. Washington University Libraries.
Pedler, M., 2011. Action learning in practice. Gower Publishing, Ltd..
Pritchard, A., 2013. Ways of learning: Learning theories and learning styles in the classroom.
Routledge.
Schmeck, R. R., 2013. Learning strategies and learning styles. Springer Science and Business
Media.
Online
Developing Your Personal and Professional Capabilities. 2010. [Online]. Avaialble through:
<http://www2.le.ac.uk/research/degrees/about/training>. [Acccssed on 29th October
2014].
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