Personal and Professional Development Plan: A Report

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Personal and Professional Development
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Approaches for self-managed learning process................................................................4
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning can be encouraged........................................................5
1.3 Benefits gained by self-managed learning........................................................................5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Current competencies and skills............................................................................................6
2.2 Needs for own development and activities required to meet them........................................7
2.3 Opportunities to develop defined needs................................................................................8
2.4 Development Plan..................................................................................................................9
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Process and activities required for implementing personal and professional development
plan............................................................................................................................................10
3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned..............................................11
3.3 Reflect critically on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the
development plan.......................................................................................................................12
3.4 Development plan based on feedbacks and evaluation.......................................................13
Task 4.............................................................................................................................................14
Solutions to work-based problems.................................................................................................14
4.1 Solutions to work-based problems.......................................................................................14
4.2 Communicate in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels...................14
4.3 Effective Time management strategies................................................................................15
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................15
Reference List................................................................................................................................17

Introduction
There is no doubt about the fact that for the growth of an individual both personally and
professionally a development is a perquisite. It has become almost essential for almost every
individual who are aspiring to get competitive advantage in the industry. In this study I will try to
identify the skill sets which I already possess and compare them with the standards of the
industry. On the basis of my shortfalls I will try to formulate my development plan along with
that the activities that I will undertake will be elaborated in this study. Furthermore, the time
management strategies and communication methods in an organizational context will be
expounded.
Task 1
1.1 Approaches for self-managed learning process
In order to induce self managed learning, a divergent range of approaches have been undertaken
by the organization, Travelodge. The self-learning approaches will help the staffs of the
organization to develop their personal as well as professional skills. The approaches which
Travelodge has decided to undertake are as follows:
 Seminars and conferences: Self-managed learning can be induced by seminars and
conferences. According to Yahaya and Ebrahim (2016, p. 190-216) it is an effective tool
of providing the employees the scope of presenting a topic before a large number of
people, which not only develops the speaking ability of the speaker but also enlarges the
area of knowledge of the audience. The higher authority of Travelodge should consider
about arranging conferences and seminars on a regular basis to induce self managed
learning among the employees. Training videos: The current era is undoubtedly marked by the usage of internet in most
of the areas of life. The usage of internet can help the employees in watching training
videos which is one of the finest ways of enabling the employees of Travelodge in
achieving various skills and understanding the job roles and responsibilities. Utilizing social networking websites: In social networking websites such as YouTube,
Facebook, Twitter and so on can facilitate the learning process of the learners who

possess the desire of self-learning. Travelodge has decided to make be present in all the
major social networking websites to post learning related resources and material to help
the employees learn about new things. Apart from that, they will have forums and
bulletin boards in these websites to attract more employees in self-managed learning.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning can be encouraged
The process of engaging the employees in learning activities throughout their lives is known as
lifelong learning. It is known to facilitate skills, competencies as well as knowledge both
personally and professionally. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of its staffs,
Travelodge is trying to implement lifelong learning within the organization. The possible ways
of inducing it are as follows:
 Providing incentives: The employees who will focus on self-managed learning for their
development will be catered with monetary incentives by the Travelodge. This stance of
the company will help in boosting the willingness of the staffs in indulging into lifelong
learning process. It will provide them not only financial growth and stability but also help
them in enhancing their skills (Jo et al. 2015, p. 214-225). Growth opportunities: Growth opportunity within an organization is one of the finest
tools of motivating and engaging the employees. The management team of Travelodge
has decided to provide these opportunities to the most skilled and knowledgeable
employees. This will cultivate the environment of lifelong learning within the
organization, Travelodge. Providing good mentors: The higher authority of Travelodge has decided to seek the
help of the formal mentorship programs to engage its staffs in lifelong learning.
Connecting with the experienced colleagues will provide the new employees the chance
of discussing about ideas, ambitions and challenges, which will cater them with a clear
idea about the industry (Pardey, 2016, p. 123-128). This will also facilitate in engaging
the employees with lifelong learning.
1.3 Benefits gained by self-managed learning
 Individual benefits: From an individual’s perspective the benefits of self-managed
learning of the employees of Travelodge are as follows:
 It will help them in fulfilling their personal objectives

 As opined by Gould (2017, p. 489-490), it facilitates their skill of dealing with
ambiguity and self-conscience
 Self-learning is known to develop the skills of the employees, which is beneficial for
progression both inside and outside of the organization
 Organizational benefits: The organizational benefits of self managed learning are as
follows:
 Accumulation of core knowledge is one of the major benefits of self-managed
learning as it boosts the confidence of the staffs which in long run increases the
productivity of the organization.
 Self-learning is often associated with the higher degree of employee engagement;
it is known to enhance their ability of taking more responsibility (Hargie, 2016, p.
234-246).
 It provides a scope of having a proper knowledge regarding the expectations, aims
and goals of the business.
Task 2
2.1 Current competencies and skills
Self assessment is one of the finest tools for understanding the skills and competencies that an
individual possess. The skills and competencies which are highly required for a Hotel manager
can be identified through self-assessment.
Professional skill Existing level (1= weak, 5= strong)
Managerial skill 3
Technical skill 4
Social skills 3
Communication skill 3
The table that has been presented above helps in recognizing the skills and competencies that I
require as a hotel manager of Travelodge. The column on the right side of the table showcases

the level of skills and competencies which I currently possess. It will help me in rectifying my
weaknesses in certain skills and working on the skills in which I am quite good at.
 Managerial skill: Managerial skill refers to the certain set of abilities or attributives
that an executive of a company should possess in order to complete specific tasks
within an organization. It is the duty of the hotel manager of Travelodge to enhance
the aptitude in order to cultivate an environment of innovation to achieve the
organizational goals successfully.
 Communication skills: Listening and conveying ideas and information through
verbal as well as non-verbal skill is known as communication skill. The hotel
manager of Travelodge should possess effective communication skill to mitigate any
sort of conflict between his/her subordinates within the organization (Hargie, 2016, p.
125-127). Apart from that, good communication skill will also help in engaging the
employees of Travelodge towards the company.
 Technical skill: The current era is marked by the technical advancements. Naturally,
it has become important to possess the skill of handling technical devices with
efficiency. The role of hotel manager in Travelodge also requires this skill to analyze
various information, data and in the management of the human resources.
 Social skill: From the perspective of the organization it is important for the hotel
manager to possess social skills. It facilitates the process of interacting with the
customers as well as the stakeholders of Travelodge. This skill is required to sort out
conflicts and to convince the customers (Adler et al. 2016, p. 253-278).
2.2 Needs for own development and activities required to meet them
After analyzing the standards of the skill required in the industry, I have understood that I have
shortfalls in certain aspects. I will have to mitigate these issues for personal development as well
as to utilize my skills in Travelodge to increase the efficiency of other staffs and to enhance its
overall productivity. The activities that are required to develop these skills are as follows:
 Communication skill: Listening is an integral part of communication; therefore, in order
to develop communication skill primarily I will have to develop listening skill. Apart
from that, verbal and non-verbal modes of conveying information are also required to be

developed. My efficiency in communication skill will be beneficial for the growth of
Travelodge.
 Leadership skill: In order to develop this skill I will have to utilize all the opportunities
of working inside and leading a team. I will have to outline the responsibilities and roles
of my subordinates while leading the team. The divergent range of leadership style is
needed to be understood to apply the right style at right time (Pardey, 2016, p. 128-132).
 Decision making skill: The ability of analyzing various options regarding their
advantages and disadvantages to narrow them down and choose one option between them
is known as decision making skill. Quite naturally the presence of this skill is highly
required in the context of Travelodge. I will have to develop opinions regarding various
topics that are backed up statistics and logistics to enhance my decision making skill.
2.3 Opportunities to develop defined needs
Upon inspection I have found that I have certain shortfalls in the skills which I possess. In order
to overcome these shortfalls I will undertake certain activities. The opportunity of conducting
some of these activities will be provided inside the organization and some of them will require
the indulgence of third party. The opportunities are as follows:
Internal opportunities
 Leadership skill: The opportunity of developing advanced skill in leadership will be
provided by Travelodge. Initially, I will try to lead a smaller group of people and try to
apply various leadership styles as per the demands of the situation. Apart from that, the
real life situations will provide me the opportunity of analyzing the situation and acting as
per the demands of that particular situation
 Communication skill: After developing primary knowledge in communication I will ask
the higher authority of my organization to provide me the chance of customer dealing.
Facing a wide range of customer will provide me the exposure to real life situation and
enhance my skill.
External opportunities
 Communication skill: In order to develop primary knowledge in communication skill I
will try to use various online applications. Communicating with strangers will provide the

kind of exposure that I need to develop primary communication skill. Apart from that, I
will watch videos from YouTube to learn about verbal and non-verbal communication
modes.
 Decision making skill: I will try to pursue a course regarding problem solving. It will
facilitate the process of learning about tools and techniques of solving problems as well
as help me in recognizing my thinking preference (Toplak et al. 2016, p. 31-35). This
knowledge will enhance my decision making ability. Later on I will try to implement this
knowledge in real life situation to test my ability.
2.4 Development Plan
Target Activities Timeframe Evaluation
Improving
communication skill
 Utilizing
online
applications
 Applying the
basic
knowledge in
real life
situations
 Watching
YouTube
videos to learn
about verbal
and non-verbal
communication
method
5 months The ability of using
different modes of
communication
effectively and
conveying
information and ideas
seamlessly
Enhancing leadership
skill
 Taking the
responsibility
of leading a
team and
applying
various
8 months Enhanced ability of
leading a team from
the front and
developed charisma
to engage the

leadersip styles
 Indulging into
real life
situations to
test the skill
employees
Developing decision
making ability
 Taking part
into online
problem
solving course
 Applying the
skills in day to
day life
situations
7-9 months Ability of making
fast and correct
decisions and
consistency in the
correctness of the
decision
Task 3
3.1 Process and activities required for implementing personal and professional
development plan
We can go through the following steps in order to implement personal and professional
development successfully.
 Review- It allows the employees to understand the potential needs of the concerned
organization.
 Preparation- t helps to fulfill the demand of the learning process.
 Action- It helps to undertake various activities of the learning process.
 Outcome- This presents the beneficial achievements obtained by the organisation.
Below are the activities required for the development of the leadership skill
 Deep listening and interactional activities is required
 Builds team management skill

3.2 Undertake and document development activities as planned
1. Scope of PPD plan
Below are the scopes of developing PPD plan.
 To enhance the operational areas of an organisation the knowledge and the skills of the
employees should be assessed by the management.
 For better productivity the different professional activities can be spotted by the staffs of
Travelodge.
 In developing a PPD plan goal setting is a vital scope. The goal followed by Travelodge
should be realistic and attainable so that the employees are also motivated.
2. Role of PPD on an organisation
 PPD enhances various career possibilities of the employees working for a company.
 It increases productivity and profitability of the concerned organization (Chen and
Rybak, 2017, p. 34-39).
3. The relationship between the Personal and Professional Development and the factors
affecting it
 In case of professional development employee’s personality is quite responsible. It also
upgrades the personal development as well.
 Educational training plays a vital role as it can manipulate the personal developments of
the individuals. Moreover, it can help to bring betterment for professional development
also.
 To reach a better state in professional area motivation is also needed.
4. Development plan
The skills which I
need to develop of my
aims
The activities which
can help to develop
the skills
When the skills need
to be developed?
Time
Development of I will get some In the professional 2 months

Leadership skills feedbacks about my
leadership skill from
my colleagues and I
will also ask my
colleagues about the
skills which can help
me to develop better.
field I can lead my
team as well as the
subordinates too.
Development of
Personal
communication
Communication is an
essential part.
Therefore, to develop
the communication
skill I need to develop
the interaction with
others. Also I will take
admission in a
communication training
institute.
This skill is important
for me to upgrade my
professional career as
well as the activities
too.
6 months
Development of Self
management skills
I will critically inspect
my skills in this area in
a proper way. I will
also take some
feedbacks from my
colleagues, friends and
By this I can
effectively manage the
overall activities in my
professional level.
3 months