Analysis of Personal and Professional Development in the Workplace

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development, exploring various facets crucial for individual and organizational growth. The report begins by analyzing different approaches to self-managed learning, such as seminars, social networking, and internet resources, highlighting their significance in acquiring new skills and knowledge. It then examines the process of lifelong learning in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of self-evaluation through SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The report further outlines the advantages of self-managed learning for both individuals and firms, emphasizing the development of essential skills like communication and teamwork. The core of the report involves a detailed analysis of the author's current skills and competencies against professional standards and organizational objectives, identifying areas for improvement and outlining a development plan. It covers operations required to meet development needs, including quality checking and motivation skills, along with the identification of opportunities to meet current and future objectives. The report concludes with an overview of the processes required to implement the development plan, emphasizing the importance of handling and documenting development operations, evaluating progress against set objectives, and making necessary modifications based on reviews and evaluations. Furthermore, the report touches on the selection of solutions for work-based problems, communication strategies, and effective time management techniques, thereby providing a holistic view of personal and professional development strategies.

Personal and Professional
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Analysis of different approaches to self-managed learning.............................................1
1.2 Process through which lifelong learning in personal and professional scenario could be
entertained..............................................................................................................................2
1.3 Advantages of self-managed learning to a person and firm.............................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Analyse own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives........................................................................................................3
2.2 Operations which are required for meeting own development needs..............................4
2.3 Knowing the development opportunities to meet current and future objectives..............5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Processes required to implement the development plan...................................................6
3.2 Handle and document development operations as planned..............................................7
3.3 Learning against original aims and objectives set in the development plan....................7
3.4 Modification in the development plan based on reviews and evaluation.........................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................8
4.1Select solution to work-based problems............................................................................8
4.2 Communication in different styles and in appropriate manner at various levels.............9
4.3 Analyse and use effective time management strategies...................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Personal and Professional development is the learning procedure through which a person
can achieve objectives which he has desired for. It is related to the progress of an individual in
his behaviour and skills. This assessment is not only confined to a single person but also
highlights the growth of an organisation. Every skills learned through experience will help a
person to grow in life. It is the process of improving and increasing personal abilities through
education and training opportunities in the workplace, outside the company or through watching
others perform the tasks (McNiff, 2010). It helps them in building and maintaining morale of the
workers and brings a quality in them. Every enterprise follows this concept because they know,
productivity can only be achieved through managing and creating a professional people. Self
learning brings a development in an individual where he learns and manages his life routine.
Personal evaluation is very important and has a great significance in professional development
because it gives an idea about the areas which has to be improved. This report will be dealing
with own current skills and competencies (Moon, 2013). A development plan will be sketched
depicting current and future needs.
TASK 1
1.1 Analysis of different approaches to self-managed learning.
By conducting research a person can manage its skills. Following are the various
approaches to self-managed learning:-
 Seminars and conferences
It can be considered as an effective tool to learn new things because it gives opportunity to put
forward their knowledge to other people. They can change their living standards and other things
according to what they have learned in seminars. If someone wants to be imporve their
communication skills and generate confidence, they can use public speaking platforms like
conferences.
 Social Networking
Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and other, have transformed our life. Almost
everybody uses these platforms for different purpose like chatting, sharing posts and etc. This is
the easiest way to learn new things from others information (Elliott, 2011). There are lots of
entrepreneur who is using this method to run their business and make it success.
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 Internet
A lot of data is available on internet and students can take help of various sites which gives them
free access to useful data. For example; a student wants to write an essay on a specific topic so
he can refer to different articles written by various authors. They can also access journals from
Google Scholar for their assignment. By analysing and reading the data they can gain success in
the work place because they have gained knowledge about it on internet.
1.2 Process through which lifelong learning in personal and professional scenario could be
entertained.
By self evaluating the strengths and weakness through SWOT analysis it was found that I
am able to use professional learning techniques (Olsen, 2015). I posses some qualities which I
consider them as my strengths like friendly in nature and effective leaning. I easily get frustrated
when things does not go according to my plans and this is my weakness which as been affecting
me from long time. I am facing financial breakdown which is thread and still I am continuing my
education because this is an opportunity. Through examining SWOT, this will help me in
learning professional skills using tools which are self reflective learning and continuing.
Self reflective learning deals with inspecting different views, better knowing himself and taking
right decisions in a disciplined way. Such activities helps in linking practical factors which I
have experienced in my life either socially and academically. Every organisation wants that their
employee should have certain skills related to time management, leadership and IT skills. This
would assist me in developing my personal skills through having work task and responsibility
assigned to me.
1.3 Advantages of self-managed learning to a person and firm.
Self learning is all about a person trying his best to manage their learning and it has
various benefits to an individual and an organisation. Those students who will be passing from
the college has degree of different professional skills which they have learnt in university. This
will help them in applying that to the organisation in which they will be working. They have
learned the concept of working in team because they have done projects and assignments in
university (Zepeda, 2012). By the use of projectors they learn how to prepare a presentation and
will improves their confidence among people. Through self learning they can improve their
communication skills which is the main aim of any organisation. An organisation needs a right
person with professional skills already developed in him. So scholars already have some
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experience about different working culture and techniques through which they can work for
efficiently for the firm. They looks for people who are passionate, confident and flexible in
working environment and all these things they can acquire from certain experiences and
interests. He can focus on the objectives of the organisation and can self analyse himself. This
will help them to know whether he is fit for the post or not.
TASK 2
2.1 Analyse own current skills and competencies against professional standards and
organisational objectives
To find the strengths and weaknesses it is necessary for a person to analyse himself
against organisation standards and its objectives. Not only he can find strengths and weaknesses
but can also know opportunities and threats. Through inspecting himself they can get a better
insight about the factors which are affecting him and the organisation he is working in. A
manager, if know what are his workers weaknesses he can help his employees in setting targets
for them. Only those targets should be set which are realistic and achievable. Every one should
posses some skills which are compulsory for achieving various goals. As a store manager at
TESCO company there are some abilities which I think are necessary for performing all the
operations in proper way (Stenfors and et. al., 2010). I will be inspecting my personal skill and
competencies communication skills, team management, working through targets, resolving
problems and motivating the lower employees. All these are required for a store management.
Sequence Skills and Competencies Rating Ratings by others Differences
1 Does I am successful in
maintaining the quality standards
8 7 1
2 Does I motivate my co-workers 9 8 1
3 Am I open to suggestions or does
focus on introducing new ideas
8 9 -1
4 Leadership style used by me, is it
appropriate?
7 9 -2
5 Does I encourage team working 7 7 0
6 Am I able to resolve issues arising 8 9 -1
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in the business.
This demonstrate that the negative units are seen as advantages and positive values are
considered bad. By self evaluation of my personality against organisation standards I am able to
find strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
 I always believe in taking suggestions and opinions from others.
 Leadership style used by me are effective.
 I am flexible in solving the issues instantly.
Weakness:
 I have to focus on quality management
 I have to adopt new strategies for motivating my staff
2.2 Operations which are required for meeting own development needs.
Learning new things does not ends in someone's life, he come across some or others
situations which makes him more mature (Avalos, 2011). There are some areas which needs to
be focused because those will improve the efficiency of work. If any one wants to gain success in
his or her life, they should be well aware of their strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths
 I believe in feedbacks and taking
reviews
 I know how to properly use leadership
styles
 I am quick in resolving the issue
Weakness
 I have to focus on quality management
skills
 Need to develop new ideas and plans
for motivating staff.
Opportunities
 Developing skills related to
communication
 Managerial abilities
 Constantly learning
Threats
 If there will be lots of resource intake
 Better skilled administrator
 If there is less productivity
As discussed above there are some areas where are I lack and by following different techniques
they can be improved.
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 Quality Checking: Focusing on improving my quality analysing skills which help in
better understanding the products in the store.
 Motivation Skills: Motivated employees yields better results, so new strategies should
be adopted which would be more effective.
Whatever issues which are coming in the path of professional development can resolved through
various tools. By taking part in the training seminar I could get better idea about the the products
which TESCO sells and what criteria should be used to know the quality (Croft and et. al., 2010).
I can take advice of my seniors and know what are the ways through which employees can be
motivated.
2.3 Knowing the development opportunities to meet current and future objectives.
In the business environment there are many opportunities which can be used to meet the
future objectives of my career. I have to evaluate all the available opportunities for making sure
that I experience growth and development. I have to work on improving my weaknesses because
if they are ignored will lead me in trouble. For this I have to set my current and future needs.
Current Need: Whatever issues are faced at the working area are mentioned above like
the quality checking ability and motivational problems. These are considered as weaknesses
(Bauer, 2010).
Future Need: If I will be successful in managing myself and continuously involve
myself in learning process, I would gain a growth in my upcoming career. Whatever things I am
doing should be monitored and implemented.
Both current and future needs are important and can have long and short term goals depending
upon the situations. For this I have to constantly engage myself in interacting with my
subordinates. Need to attend seminars and training sessions so that I could enhance my positive
points. Specifying the priorities of the goals which have to be achieved first. Researching other
retail markets in order to know the marketing needs.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan.
For achieving desired goals and objective a proper planning is required, this makes sure
that a strategy can be useful in this scenario (Maskit, 2011). Through a personal and professional
development plan I can improve my work related skills, which will hike my career in future.
After considering all the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats this plan can be made.
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All the action plan will be focusing on skills which are required, how can I achieve these and at
what period I will be developing those skills.
SL.
no.
LEARNIN
G
OBJECTI
VE/GOAL
CURRENT
PROFICIENC
Y
TARGET
PROFICIENC
Y
DEVELOP
MENT
OPPORTU
NITIES
CRITERIA
FOR
JUDGING
SUCCESS
TIME
SCALE
EVIDENC
E
1 Quality
Manageme
nt
I am finding it
difficult to
understand the
quality
standards in the
store.
To gain enough
knowledge about
the products and
items sold by the
TESCO.
To use
different
methods of
understand
different
concepts
related to it.
It will be judged
by the people or
seniors who are
above me and
responsible for
auditing.
1 month Evaluation
by the
senior
officers.
2 Motivation
al skills
I am not able to
create a
surrounding
where my
subordinates are
not feeling
encouraged.
New styles and
strategies of
motivation has
to be learned.
Training
sessions
for
motivation
from board
of directions
and leaders.
The
performance
will be judged
on the feedback
given by
colleagues.
2 Month Reviews of
employees
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TASK 3
3.1 Processes required to implement the development plan.
Learning and development should meet the personal, professional and organisational
objectives (Shagrir, 2010). We can achieving this by implementing the plan which was prepared
in above task. The aim of this plan is to overcome the weaknesses and get effective results. You
might have a great plan with creative ideas, but it is of no use until someone does not implement
it properly. For this I have to set connection with my team members and the board of directors
which will help me in overcoming my weaknesses (Shortland, 2010). By improving the
motivational skills which is a person skills I have to use some of the useful ways. Whenever I am
with my co-workers I need to make sure that I have a smile on my face and whatever they do I
have appreciate them. Every week I need to prepare a report which will be defining them
different tasks which has to be carried out and any conflicts will be resolved. I will try to focus
on using humour while maintaining a conversation with employees. For quality management I
have to contact the companies whose items are sold in TESCO stores and continuously audit
their products.
3.2 Handle and document development operations as planned.
Training the staff: Those people who are working under me are educated and this can be
an advantage. So whatever things will be told to them or any task which they need to complete
can be done easily. They will not face difficulty in learning new methods and techniques.
Supervising: Employees are mentored and administrated by the board directors and
managers. For advancement of their staff they have to keep proper face and try to look at the
positive as well as negative areas affecting them (Gibson, Dollarhide and Moss, 2010).
Feedback: Consultation should be taken from the workers so that they can have an
insight about the effectiveness of their development plan.
3.3 Learning against original aims and objectives set in the development plan.
Self learning and managing the skills gives a brief about the organisation expectations
from a person. It is important to know what are the effectiveness of the plan and does it really
effects the a person. Whatever things were sketched in development plan does it really happened
or not. To find about the effectiveness or to make it sure that does any changes came or not
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different methods can be used (Desimone, 2011). Consulting to seniors are the best option to
better know about the changes. Other ways can be taking feedback from the employees who are
working under me. Results are the consequences of what has been done, so they by analysing
this they can gain proper knowledge.
3.4 Modification in the development plan based on reviews and evaluation.
Whatever feedbacks or reviews has been given by senior members and the workers
should be properly analysed and used. They have seen things from different angles so whatever
suggestions are given should be added in the development plan. Whatever extra efforts are
needed or suggested should be included. On what things I need to focus and which strategies can
better yields results should be replaced with the old one (Sutherland, Howard and Markauskaite,
2010). On regular basis development plan should be reviewed because improving and updating
things at different level gives more success. I needs to place initiatives to have better feedbacks
then.
TASK 4
4.1Select solution to work-based problems
There are numerous work issues which are faced by employee's in Tesco. They have
impact on employee performance and hamper their functionality. These problems have to be
sorted out by the management of company while ensuring that employees also get right to give
opinion. This will result in better solution finding and ensure a higher motivation level for
employees. These work problems test individual learning skills and capabilities. There two
problem that exist in Tesco:
Quality management: This is a issue which is hampering the customer satisfaction
levels and company-consumer relationship (Cooke, 2012). Managers are not able to guide
employee's in a proper way to maintain and check the quality of products and services.
Solution: Tesco need standardised policies and procedures which are updated with time
to maintain quality.
Motivational issues: These issues exist due to lack of motivational incentives and
workshops in organisation. Managers also lack experience in motivating employees and make
them work in a more effective manner.
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Solution: There is requirement of different training methods and incentives to be given to
people to motivating them.
4.2 Communication in different styles and in appropriate manner at various levels.
There are various styles which are used to communicate various changes and information
to different levels of organisation. Communication is basically of two types in an organisation,
formal and informal. It flows in different directions as decided by company rules and regulations.
There are basically four styles which are used to communicate different types of information to
three levels in Tesco:
Promoter style: This is a way which is used by people who are more social and have
different idea's to share. (strategic level)
Controller style: This style is used by top managed as they need facts and results. They
are problem solver and task oriented (Watts, 2010).
Supporter style: This is used by lower level supervisor to support people.
Analyser style: Middle level managers use this style to analyse
performance of employees working at operational level.
4.3 Analyse and use effective time management strategies.
Without time management no plan can be successful so a strategy should be prepared to
manage time. There are some elements, if managed properly the development plan will give
better results. Following are some management strategies or components of time management
which I have to take care:-
Setting Goals:- Whatever objectives which has to be achieved should be outlined or pen
down. This will help in focusing only particular areas which will avoid distraction.
Organising Resources:- Every task which needs to be done requires some resources and
materials. Without these no operations can be carried out and they should gather those things
(Cleary and et. al., 2011).
Scheduling:- A proper time framework should be designed to make it clear that when
will these activities should be done. Suitable time should be decided where I can gain more
benefits.
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Timely Finish:- Whatever plan is undergoing should be finished in time because further
delay could result into bad impacts.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned report it is concluded that developing personal skills brings
advantage in career. Every company expects that their employees should posses some abilities
which are required in professional environment. Students learn various skills from past
experiences and universities where they have spent time. In the process of managing the personal
and professional development, identifying the strengths and weaknesses are important. A self
evaluation has to be done to better know itself and whatever are the weaknesses should be
improved. Whatever strategies are adopted to modify any development plan should be done in
time.
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