Personal and Professional Development Report - Hospitality Industry

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development within the context of the hospitality industry, specifically focusing on Travelodge. It begins by exploring the concept of self-managed learning, evaluating various approaches such as seminars, internet resources, newsgroups, and social networks. The report then examines how lifelong learning can be encouraged within a professional setting, highlighting the importance of linking higher education with industry, self-evaluation, continuous learning, and effective communication. The benefits of self-managed learning are assessed for both individuals and the organization, emphasizing increased confidence, competitiveness, and improved organizational performance. The report further provides a self-assessment of current skills and competencies against professional standards, including time management, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and presentation skills. It identifies development needs and opportunities, culminating in a comprehensive personal and professional development plan. Finally, the report discusses the implementation of the development plan, documenting activities and reflecting on learning outcomes, including time management strategies.

Personal and
Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1-Evaluation about the approaches to self-managed learning............................................3
1.2-Different ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged..............................................................................................................................4
1.3- Evaluation about the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation
................................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1Evaluation about own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives........................................................................................................6
2.2- Identification about own development needs and the activities required to meet them10
2.3- Identification about development opportunities to meet current and future defined need
..............................................................................................................................................13
2.4- Personal and professional development plan based on identified needs.......................14
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................16
3.1- Discussion about the processes and activities required to implement the development plan
..............................................................................................................................................16
3.2- Undertake and document development activities as planned.......................................18
3.3-Reflection on own learning against original aims and objectives set in the development
plan.......................................................................................................................................20
3.4- Development plan based on feedback and evaluation..................................................21
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................23
4.1 & 4.2 COVERED IN POSTER......................................................................................23
4.3 Various time management strategies.............................................................................24
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................25
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................27

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is the means by which an individual sets out
goals, strategies and outcomes. It is crucial that an individual continue learns and create their
skills and knowledge and assure that they continue to work effectively. It is all about gaining
experiences and skills. Organisation undertaken in this report is Travelodge which is a hospitality
industry founded in 1985 in UK and provides accommodation services to the customers in their
hotel. This report explains the importance of self managed learning and how it enhances the life
long learning. This also defines the potential of individual to take responsibilities in personal and
professional development. It further depicts the ability to continually review and implement the
personal and professional development plan. Later part of the report explains the skills needed to
manage the work based problems and strategies are explained for managing time.
TASK 1
1.1-Evaluation about the approaches to self-managed learning
Self managed learning is a specific, problem solving and practically verified approach to
learning that delivers important benefits over conventional methods. It is a process by which
individual takes the initiative with or without the help of others in identifying their learning
needs, developing learning goals, identifying human and material resources, selecting and
implementing suitable learning plan of action and monitoring learning results. There are various
approaches which can be used for self managed learning and they are discussed
below(Blandford, 2012):-
 Seminars and conferences :- It is a speech or presentation delivered to a people on a
specific subject or set of subjects that are instructive and informative in nature. Seminars
are often held at hotel meeting area or within an office conference room. Conferences are
help for numerous reasons like decision making, advertising ideas, products or services,
etc.
 Internet :- Individual can learn through internet such as various articles written by
different authors concerning management studies, research, etc. There are various

websites that could be searched on the internet that helps people learning things as those
sites have different informations and services.
 News groups :- It is a internet based discussion about an individual, entity or
organisation. It helps people in learning as it enables remotely connected users to share,
discuss and learn about their topic of interest by exchanging text messages, images,
videos, etc.
 Social networks :- It is the activity of spread out the business or social contacts by
making connections through individuals via social networking sites like twitter,
Facebook, etc.
Approaches Pros Cons
Seminars Its a great way of learning for
those who don't like to read or
skip classes, this will improve
their knowledge about specific
subject.
Time is always a concern when
an individual attends such
seminars and it is expensive as
well.
Internet This has unlimited and infinite
access to information,
individual can gain knowledge
at any topic through internet.
It makes private individuals
targets for hacking their
personal profiles and get
information about the user
from internet such as stealing
bank information, etc.
As Travelodge is the hotel chain industry, the best approach which can be used by the
organisation can be Internet. Technology and internet is one of the most important element
theses days for businesses as people could gain knowledge about the hotel while surfing the
official website on internet. By placing images and reviews of customers, helps individual to
learn about the hotel and facilities offered by them.

1.2-Different ways in which lifelong learning in personal and professional contexts could be
encouraged
Life long learning refers the activities performed by people through out their life which
improves their knowledge, skills and competence in a particular field. It is a continual procedure
of learning and improvement that incorporates continuous professional development, in which all
individuals are necessitated to engage in a time of fast alteration. It enhances quality of life and
employment prospects. Various ways in which lifelong learning will be encouraged in
Travelodge with context of personal and professional are discussed below(Boud, 2013) :-
 Linking higher education with industry :- For transformation of economic growth and
development, public exposure of higher education experts is crucial for organisation. It is
very important for an organisation to have qualified personnel who will have the ability
to learn new techniques and approaches and are able to apply those in their operations
which will improve organisations performance.
 Self evaluation :- It is simple looking at individuals progress, development and learning
to determine what has improved and what needed an improvement. In simple words, it is
the process of assessing oneself. It can be done through SWOT analysis of personal
individual which will help them in evaluating their strength, weakness, opportunities and
threat.
 Continuous learning :- It is a personal and professional growth by learning from their
experiences and outcome. It is about expanding individuals ability to learn by regularly
upgrading their skills and improved knowledge.
 Good communication and relationships :- Effective communication helps manager to
clearly define the plans and programs to the people working in the organisation. For
making this life long learning, they need to communicate with their staff and people face
to face, need to communicate on telephone or other areas such that it is easily
understandable to the people. This is helpful in building healthy relationship between the
manager and subordinates, colleagues, etc.
1.3- Evaluation about the benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation
Self managed learning helps an individual and organisation towards accelerative their
ability peculiarly in the field, job, organisations, etc. in which they are devoted to accomplish
higher success. Self managed learning is beneficial to not only for individual but also for the

organisation as it helps in accomplishing goals and objectives efficiently and effectively(Cottrell,
2015).
Benefits to the individuals
Individuals who achieve success in Travelodge may have a particular profile or strength
to help them adapt to current situations. It helps them to learn new skills and ideas within
organisation and also outside organisation. It helps in increasing competitiveness among those
individuals who have the attitude of self managed learning. Increase in their confidence could
make them more capable and help them in grabbing the opportunities in the company. The major
benefit for them could be utilised by the individual that their growth rate will be at its extreme
point and margin of errors will be minimised.
Benefits to the organisation
Travelodge is benefited in various ways through self managed learning. The major
benefit is that they get extremely responsible and dedicated personnel who is capable of
managing the higher authorities. If organisation will have high number of self managed learning
staff and people then their competitive power can be increased and they can set up their brand as
market leader. This will be beneficial to them in innovation as well. These kind of people or
employees can be promoted in the organisation and can act as role model for motivating other
employees(Cruess, Cruess, and Steinert, 2016). This will encourage them to indulge into self
managed learning attitude. It will further create better performance of the people which will
ultimately help them to accomplish organisations goals and objectives. It will also help
organisation in creating better working environment which will minimise the level of conflict
and effective communication will help them to clarify their plans and policies effectively to the
employees so that there mission and vision are cleared to them and work in accordance with it.
TASK 2
2.1Evaluation about own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives
Main objectives of Travelogue hotels is specifically to meet customers preferences and to
upgrade hotels rooms, design in order to attract more number of customers. In addition to this in
order to add more comfort for customers and for staff members of Travelogue hotel the
management has decided to launch training and development program so that skills of

employees can be enhanced as well as to render super deluxe room to customers so as to increase
satisfaction level of customers.
Moreover evaluation of own current skills and competencies against professional
standards of hotel manager of Travelogue are specified belwo(Elliott, 2012):
Personal audit:
(Time management) No- I
really
need to
work on
this
Not
entirely
sure- I
could still
improve
Yes- I am
really
confident I
can do this
I am able to complete my assignment on given deadlines. ✓
If I face difficulties in completing a particular activity, I
know with whom I have to take help.
✓
I make sure that I do not indulge myself in activities that
waste my time.
✓
(Problem solving) No- I
really
need to
work on
this
Not
entirely
sure- I
could still
improve
Yes- I am
really
confident I
can do this
I am effectively able to use different methods for solving
a particular problem.
✓
I am able to evaluate what is asked in a particular task. ✓
I am efficient enough to chose the best solution from the
different alternatives available.
✓

(Communication skill) No- I
really
need to
work on
this
Not
entirely
sure- I
could still
improve
Yes- I am
really
confident I
can do this
I am confident to speak in a group. ✓
I am able to communicate in different language with
different customers
✓
In group discussion I am able to contribute my ideas and
opinions.
✓
(Leadership skill) No- I
really
need to
work on
this
Not
entirely
sure- I
could still
improve
Yes- I am
really
confident I
can do this
I am able to guide all the team members ✓
I can effective lead team members to right direction ✓
I am efficient in handling the issues that comes when
team members performing different operational activities.
✓
(Presentation skill) No- I
really
need to
work on
Not
entirely
sure- I
could still
Yes- I am
really
confident I
can do this

this improve
I am confident to convey my thoughts to the listeners
properly.
✓
I am able to give clear explanation of the concepts while
presenting my content.
✓
I am able to engage the public in my presentation for
longer period of time.
✓
Thus, with the help of Brunel skill audit I am able to evaluate my current skills level
which has helped me to summarise relevant skills areas for a manager by relating these role
within Travel lodge and by identifying professional standards for each skills area(Hildebrand,
2018).
Personal skill audit on the basis of other reviews:
My current skills Professional standard Travelodge and job role
objectives.
Problem solving skill
(I am not able to explore
different points of view for
exploring problems as well as
not being able able to chose
the best solution from the
different alternatives.)
To solve problem promptly
that will be helpful in future
projects is term to be the
professional standard for a
hotel manager.
 To take prompt action
where necessary so as
to resolve problems.
 To manage team
building practice
among all the workers
(Travelodge Job
Description, 2019).
Time management skill
(If I possess difficult in
completing task I know from
who I should seek help but I
am not able to keep my self
aware of things which cause
 To complete each task
on specified time
period and to focus on
target group and to
make effective time
decision is term to be
By implementing this skill
workers of an organisation can
enhance their
productivity(Travelodge ,
2019).

me to waste time) the professional
standard for a hotel
manager
(Understanding time
management skill,
2018).
Communication skill
(In group discussion I am able
to contribute my ideas and
opinions but I am not able to
communicate in different
language with different
customers).
 Being able to
communicate is
something which is
being valued by all the
workers and is term to
be the professional
standard for a hotel
manager (Listening
skill, 2019).
 To render customer
unbeatable vale and
quality experience.
 Effective
communication will be
helpful in enhancing
positive customer
experience towards
hotel services
(Travelodge Job
Description, 2008).
Leadership skill
(I an not effective enough to
lead team members to right
direction).
 Being able to guide
team members
effectively in right
direction is term to be
the professional
standard for a hotel
manager
Effective leadership skill will
help each members to perform
there respective task accurately
on specified time period
(Travelodge, 2008) .
Presentation skill
(My confident level is weak
while I speak in group).
 Must be confident
enough to influence
and attract customers
which is term to be the
professional standard
for a hotel
Effective presentation skill
assist in presenting the
company positive image in the
mindset of customers
(Travelodge Job Description,
2019)..

manager(Medway,
Cafferty and Medway,
2013).
2.2- Identification about own development needs and the activities required to meet them
It is very essential to develop skills of both the employer and employees of an
organisation so as to achieve organisational aims and objectives in an effective manner. If in case
skills are not developed in an appropriate manner then it may affect the activities of an
organisation and thus it will indirectly become a hurdle in the path of achieving organisational
goals. Therefore certain skills need to be developed so that organisational activities doesn't get
affected and they are specified below(Megginson and Whitaker, 2017):
Skills to be developed Methods of development
Leadership skills In order to carry out different set of operational activities in an
efficient manner it is very essential that the leader should posses the
skills and qualities of a leadership. For example a leader must be
able to influence and motivate workforce and their team members
to accomplish their task in an efficient manner. Therefore if my
leadership skills are not developed properly then it will very
difficult for me to lead the team member in an efficient manner.
Thus, it will indirectly effect the activities of an organisation. So
being a manger, of Travelogue hotel I should have the leadership
qualities too so to to render proper guidance to the team member in
the right directions. So this specific skill can be improved by
attending several personal development programs, like by attending
training and development section etc. Thus, it is very much
essential for me to develop this skill and the method to develop this
skill can be through by taking on more projects, by keep learning,
by being discerning listener so as to render proper guidance to the
subordinate and to get work accomplished from them on time.
Communication skills Communication is the process of interacting with individuals
through different modes like symbols, face to face, semiotic rules,

signs etc. Therefore, being a hotel manager of Travelogue I should
possess strong communication skill. This is because if mu
communication skill will be strong then I can easily handle
employees and guest. In addition to this proper communication with
guest will also help to create positive image in the mindset of the
customers. If there take place lack of communication skill then it
will directly hamper the image of an organisation. So in order to
improve my communication skill I have to take part in different set
of activities like seminars, workshops, group discussion etc. Thus, it
is very much essential for me to develop this skill and the method
to develop this skill can be through interacting with large number of
people and need to over communicate in order to develop
communication skill this is because it will help me to influence and
attract more customers as well as it will also help me to retain
talented workers within an organisation.
Presentation skill My presentation skill terms to be average, so being hotel manager
of Travelogue I should possess strong presentation skill. So in order
to improve my this skill will go for oral presentation in class so as
to build up my confidence level within my speech. Thus, it is very
much essential for me to develop and the method to develop this
skill can be by transforming nervous energy into enthusiasm and by
attending other presentation and this is because if my presentation
skill will be good then more number of customers will get
influenced which will result in increasing the profitability ratio of
an organisation.
Problem solving skill I can easily solve problems which are under my control but when it
comes to typical situation I face difficulty to solve them. So being
hotel manager of Travelogue I should possess strong Problem
solving skill. Thus, in order to improve my this skill I have to
improve my communication skills and by becoming and active