Personal and Professional Development: A Report for Travelodge Hotel

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of personal and professional development, focusing on the case of an assistant manager at Travelodge Hotel. It explores the concept of self-managed learning, evaluating its suitability and benefits for the organization. The report delves into effective methods for encouraging lifelong learning, including seminars, internet resources, social networks, and academic growth. It also examines the processes and activities required to implement a personal development plan, including improving interpersonal, managerial, and leadership skills. Furthermore, the report addresses work-based problems, communication styles, and time management strategies, offering practical solutions and recommendations for enhancing professional capabilities. The report concludes with an updated personal development plan and a critical discussion of the learning outcomes, providing a well-structured approach to individual and organizational growth.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Evaluation of self managed learnings suitable for Travelodge Hotel...................................2
1.2 Analysing effective ways for encouraging life-long learning...............................................3
1.3 Analysing the benefits of self managed learning..................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
3.1 Analysing processes and activities required to implement the development plan................5
3.2 Documenting development activities as planned..................................................................6
3.3 Critical discussion of own learning against aims and objectives included in personal
development plan........................................................................................................................7
3.4 Updated Personal Development Plan....................................................................................7
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems..............................................................................8
4.2 Various communication styles used at different levels.......................................................10
4.3 Evaluate and use of effective time management strategies................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
The global economy has created a significant impact on business growth and
development. The recent era of conceptualization has created a significant impact on demand for
talented and skilled work force (Drollinger and Comer, 2013). Every business unit is seeking for
qualified employee who have gained effective professional exposure. This helps the business
unit in creating a well developed growth prospects in this competitive economy. Personal and
professional development helps an individual in effectively understanding and analysing the
industry norms and scenario which helps him/her in enhancing personal strength and
competitiveness (Barlow, 2006). It helps in developing an individual with practical learning
capabilities regarding professional skills and attitude. It is an effective measure for analysing the
personal strengths and weaknesses and develop effective measures to overcome the same.
The present study will focus on creating a structured report for professional and personal
development of an individual in an effective manner. It will analyse and understand the demands
of the market and develop effective strategies accordingly. Moreover, the report will focus on
analysing different means of understating methods of self learning, continuous development and
self managed learning. In addition, an in-depth Personal SWOT analysis will be carried out for
the study which will help in analysing personal skills and attributes for enhancing employability
skills of an individual (Agha, 2011). The study will develop a personal development plan to
enhance the current learning and development skills of a person. Moreover, the topic will help in
providing a practical understanding about the subject evaluating a work based problem and
effective measures to resolve the same for the given case. Hence, the study will be effective for
analysing current skills of an individual and developing the personal skills of a person as well.
TASK 1
Travelodge Hotel was established in the year 1985 and at present is successfully serving
different part of the world. It is second largest budget hotel in UK and its operations are wide and
effective. The organization has employed 6000 employees to run and manage the business
operations The current study has mentioned that Travelodge Hotel in Llford appointed an
assistant manager who is seeking an effective personal and professional development for
attaining a competitive position in the market. To enhance the individual acceptability and skills
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in the present company, the study will analyse and understand different measures to enhance
individual performance and effectiveness in the business.
1.1 Evaluation of self managed learnings suitable for Travelodge Hotel
Self managed learning is an effective means of developing measure to develop and
enhance the learning platform for an individual. It helps in creating a significant impact on the
employees of the business in enhancing their capabilities by developing a learning attitude.
Travelodge is an established business unit which provide budgeted hotel services for the
travellers in UK and Spain. The effective approaches for self managed learning that the company
may adopt which may be suitable for staff as well are: Seminars and conferences: This is an effective approach for developing a collective
learning and understanding attitude within an organization. Seminars and conferences are
the approaches where one topic of the research or discussion is carried out. Participating
and in these events will help the employees in developing a positive learning attitude. It is
considered to be a well managed means of learning because conferences and seminars are
the platform where effective exchange of ideas and experiences take place (Ehiyazaryan
and Barraclough, 2009). This helps in enhancing knowledge of the person and generating
curiosity about the subject details as well. It also develops the skill of public speaking and
personality development for the individuals as well developed representation of the same
is carried out by the speaker. Internet: This is one of the most significant aspect of developing self learning attitude
within an individual. Internet is a source where vast matter can be searched and attained
instantly. This helps the individuals in learning new concepts, things and skills as well.
For the present company staff members can use internet to develop their skills regarding
management, technology, time management, risk assessment etc (Lopper, 2007). This
will help them in developing their capabilities to understand and adopt the same in
practice. Social networks: This is an effective and well developed approach for continuous self
managed learnings. Social communities such as facebook, instagram, twitter, linked in,
quara etc has developed effective platform for active communication and sharing
personal views on different concepts (Tams, 2008). Analysing discussion for the same
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helps in analysing the current trends and latest market stories of the economy. It helps the
individual in being updated and developing creative thinking as well.
 Books and journals: This is the traditional and most common means of learning and
enhancing knowledge on different subjects associated. This helps the individuals in
providing extensive and detailed information on any subject or topic (Tomlinson, 2004).
By reading articles, researches or outcomes of journals staff of the hotel may brush up
their concepts and understanding about theoretical subjects. In addition to this reading
also contributes widely in developing the intellectual understanding and knowledge on
the subject.
1.2 Analysing effective ways for encouraging life-long learning
Life long learning is a broad and typical concept for an individual. It helps in creating a
significant thirst for knowledge and growth for a person. Zepeda, (2011) defined lifelong
learning as a process where an individual is involved in continuous learning and relate it to
his/her professional context. In order to encourage the process of continuous learning in
Travelodge Hotel, the following measures can be undertaken: Self directed approach: This approach is the most effective and clever means of creating
developing a learning attitude for an individual. It helps an individual in undertaking a
personal evaluation approach for understanding their strengths, weakness, opportunities
and threats for the future (Chen, 2014). This personal reflection helps in analysing
personal strengths and weaknesses for the individuals. Moreover, it helps them in
developing a growth plan for skills and strengths they need to develop in the present
market. Travelodge managers could encourage this approach to enhance a regular
learning and growth attitude for the individuals of the company (Gillie, 2010). Continuous professional development: Travelodge must introduce a measure of
continuous development for the staff by developing well planned means of training and
development strategies y the employees. This will help the business unit in enhancing
high learning attitude at different stages of working (Hedges and Cullen, 2012).
Moreover, providing different tasks to the employees on a regular basis will also help in
developing their capabilities and measures of taking initiative within the company.
 Academic growth: Providing platform for academic development by arranging diploma
and certification opportunities for employees will also be a well developed means of
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personal growth. This will help the company in developing theoretical knowledge about
different aspects and applicability of the same in the industry will help the company in
attaining successful business results for the company (Mitchell and Hall, 2014). This will
also be an effective means of learning experience for the existing employees in the firm.
For example diploma course for a chef will help the business unit in developing learning
platform for entire kitchen staff.
1.3 Analysing the benefits of self managed learning
Illustration 1: Benefits of self managed learning
(Source:Moon, 2013)
According to Taylor and Hamdy, (2013) self managed learning approaches of the
business helps the company in creating a significant growth and development of an individual. It
helps a business unit in attaining high and valuable business results. In addition to this it also
enhances the working environment of the company by developing a curious working measures.
The benefits of the selected approach on the performance of Travelodge will be as follows: Improving working culture: Self managed learning for the individuals will help in
enhancing the working culture by building a cooperative working and learning
environment in the organization (Gillie, 2010). It will help in developing a positive
competition which will be healthy for overall business performance.
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 Well developed training programs: An effective training and development program for
the business will be developed as the knowledge and understating of the business
concepts and means of working will be increased by the employees. Thus trained
professional will develop effective means of training programs.
 Strong and committed work force: Positive working environment and high growth
aspects will help in developing strong workforce for the business unit. The stated
measure will enable learners to get matured in a work-sense and cope up with bigger
roles more quickly (Hedges and Cullen, 2012)
The individual impact of the approach will be: Personal development: The personal development of the business will provide every
employees an effective opportunity for developing personal growth aspects within this
competitive market. It will also help the business for enhancing performance level. Effective learning platform: The learning platform for the employees will be developed
as higher opportunities to take challenges and provide results will be promoted for the
business unit (Zepeda, 2011).
 Enhancing capabilities for taking initiatives: well developed learning platform for the
business unit will help the company in developing curiosity to learn and grow within the
business. It will motivate employees to take challenges for the business growth as well.
TASK 2
Covered in template
TASK 3
3.1 Analysing processes and activities required to implement the development plan
From the above personal and professional development plan I have identified both
strength and weakness of myself. Now, my entire focus is on developing certain key areas which
hamper my performance in concerned organisation. There are various process and activities
required to implement the development plan which is as follows:
 First of all I will focus on improving interpersonal skills that are essential in order to
exchange thoughts and ideas in front of team embers and top level executives. Effective
communication policy is key factor for development of this feature. One should focus on
improving listening and speaking skills to communicate well enough. As a assistant
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manger in Travelodge I need to present various innovative ideas in front of next level
position in hierarchy. Enhanced interpersonal skills will compile all my efforts to
showcase new concept I want to bring in concerned organisation's favour. It will adopt
self learning process to improve interpersonal skills by reading books and articles along
with internet surfing.
 Another key area to be improved is management skills which will be a key to success for
my promotion to higher post. As managers are responsible to plan, organise, coordinate,
monitor and control various activities taking place in organisation. I need to focus on
improving managerial skills by enrolling myself in certain degree or certificate course. It
will help to upgrade my knowledge about the latest marketing trends and consumption
patterns pertaining in tourism industry.
 Along with managerial skills I also need to focus on developing leadership qualities so
that feeling of trust and confidence can be raised among team members. For attainment of
this purpose, I will attend workshops, conduct team building activities and reading books,
articles related to eminent leaders. These activities and process will help to improve my
interpersonal, managerial and leadership skills.
3.2 Documenting development activities as planned
Now, systematic execution of activities essential for improvement of certain weak points.
I will undertake following document to develop activities to ensure increased productivity: Mentoring: In order to develop leadership qualities it essential to work under expert and
experienced people. Mentoring is effective tool for it as I will discuss my thoughts and
real time experiences with my mentor. He will provide suggestions on basis of his
experience on various subject matter which will ultimately improve my leadership skills. Reading newspapers and articles: Another important document for is newspapers, books,
articles, magazines consisting of fruitful information and knowledge on wide range of
topics. It will improve my managerial skills by expanding my horizons to the latest
managerial theories and concepts. E-learning process:It is considered as most effective modern world technique to improve
quality standards of professionals by using internet. Various websites avail detailed study
on different topics through videos, audio's and written format.
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 Self study:In order to develop interpersonal skills self study is best process. I am able to
improve think over my strength and weakness and develop listening and speaking skills.
I need to focus and evaluate my personal and professional traits on regular basis to
develop skills.
3.3 Critical discussion of own learning against aims and objectives included in personal
development plan
Own learning and development is one of the most significant aspect of professional
development in the business unit. It will help me in creating a significant impact on personal
growth and competence. According to the personal development plan, number of things was
expected to get improved. Hence, they have been explained below: Interpersonal skills: This is an effective part of personal development which will help
me in attaining an effective growth measures in the present competitive market. I will use
different means of self learning approaches to develop my skills for the same. The
approach will be effective for regular development. However, analysing growth results
against the set objectives was difficult for the adopted approach. Moreover, analysing the
results of growth will attain in the stated skill was also difficult to determine which
deviated me from my set goal. The overall analysis reflects that I have developed my
interpersonal skills to considerable level however can develop it further. Management skills: I will develop my management skills in a considerable manner by
taking a diploma course in the stated aspect. This will help me in developing my
theoretical knowledge and developed an effective link between the theoretical knowledge
and industry. It will brush up my concepts of management and will learn many new
concepts as well.
 Leadership skills: To develop this skill I will adopt the means of expert advice and team
meetings. This will develop my growth aspects and will also create significant growth
aspects for me. Improvised leadership will also help me in managing tasks which are
complex.
3.4 Updated Personal Development Plan
Skills Development Measures to improve/manage Time scale
Interpersonal Low Will develop goals on the basis of 3 months
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skills time and measures which will help
me in attaining effective personal
growth
Management
skills
Effective Will continue learning the new
and contemporary concepts to
manage my competency
Regular
Leadership
skills
Effective Will observe and analyse the
effective industry measures and
will also adopt new measures to
testify the effective results
Regular
Communicati
on skills
Moderate Will attend lectures and classes to
learn formal communication and
presentation skills
3 months
TASK 4
4.1 Select solutions to work-based problems
It can be identified that Paramount Travel
hotel Park Royal, London is facing various
issues related to staff attrition rate.
However, it involves different issues such
as high workloads, low staff morale, low
workforce motivation, job satisfaction,
stress and mental issues. Therefore, it is
essential for hotel to employ different
solutions to work based problems and thus
overcome the issues.
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Each and every business organization faces
issues related to work based learning and thus it
affects the operations of individual. There are
different departments within the hotel that faces
issues simultaneously. Therefore, it is essential
for Paramount hotel to encourage its team
members in order to improve the collective
interest and thus ensures that positive solutions
can be framed. Managers often assess a
situation of team conflict and confusion among
employee’s roles and responsibilities.
Therefore, it is essential for management to
develop cooperation and coordination among
individuals and thus it results into findings
proper solutions to the issues.
Furthermore, improper communication
among different department leads to
develop conflicts and thus it results in
decreasing productivity. Therefore, in
regard to solve such work based problem
Paramount management needs to undertake
proper communication system. Thus, it
leads to proper execution of instructions that
causes confusion within individuals. Also,
business is required to improve standards of
work culture within hotel so that best
utilization of resources can be done in order
to achieve organizational goals. Another
work based problem which is faced by the
employees of Paramount hotel is low
motivation from firm and thus which leads
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