Professional Development Report: Thomas Cook Group Assistant Manager

This report focuses on the professional development of an assistant manager within the Thomas Cook Group. It begins with an introduction to professional development and its importance, particularly emphasizing the role of online learning. The main body of the report is divided into three parts. Part 1 includes a poster and a reflective report assessing the assistant manager's strengths (passion, ability to follow directions, team working) and weaknesses (time management, communication, leadership, and administration skills). It also discusses learning theories like cognitive, constructivism, and humanism. Part 2 presents a detailed professional development plan outlining activities, resources, and timelines for skill enhancement, including administration, time management, supervision, and communication. Part 3 touches upon the key strengths and weaknesses in a job interview. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and implications for career advancement.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
AND
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.......................................................................................................................................3
PART 1..................................................................................................................................................3
1. Poster.......................................................................................................................................3
2. Reflective report......................................................................................................................3
PART 2........................................................................................................................................5
Development plan.......................................................................................................................5
PART 3..................................................................................................................................................8
Interview.....................................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Professional development is related with the process of learning and developing with the
aim of earning as well as maintaining professional credentials including academic degrees,
conferences etc. It is very much important for every individual to enhance own capabilities for
making large profit base. The present report is based on Thomas Cook group which is one of the
leading British travel group operating at the global level. The report will explain importance of
online professional development with self direct learning process so as to capture professional
identity and career opportunities as well. It will focus on making assessment of individual skills,
competences with the help of which one can acquire future growth in short time frame. It will
define the different learning and development approaches with the use of which an Individual can
make plans and strategies for developing its professional life. Also, professional development plan
will be designed accordingly. At last, the report will shed light on job interview with its key
strengths and weaknesses.
MAIN BODY
PART 1
1. Poster
2. Reflective report.
Assistant manager plays an important role as it helps the manager of an organization in
performing their functions for running the company smoothly. As an assistant manager there is a
requirement of having some skills and strengths for developing the company. I have some strengths
which can help me out in my professional as well as in my personal life. As an assistant manager, I
have passions and ability to follow directions. It is very important to have this ability for
operating in a way the head manager of Thomas Cook requests. This ability and strength lead me in
the right direction and make me able to perform all function with ease and efficiently.
Other skills which also makes me able to perform all management functions of Thomas
Cook is team working skills. I believe that working in a team rather working individually can give
outstanding results. As an assistant manager, it is important to involve all staff members in every
tasks and processes because it increases their morale and lead productivity. I found that this skill
increases my learning skills and I learn so many new things from others while working in a team.
On the other hand, I lack in some skills which I need to improve such as time management
and communication skills. I can not complete tasks before deadline as I focus on qualitative work
rather than quantitative work. Due to time management and ineffective communication skills I have
to face several problems in my professional and personal life. Sometimes lack of these skills snatch

several opportunities and can create misunderstanding. Misunderstanding increase conflicts at
workplace that can worsen working environment of Thomas Cook. By developing these skills I can
deliver projects on the time and providing services to customers before the deadline. It can increase
brand image of Thomas Cook which can increase sales and profitability.
Administration and leadership skills also play an important role for assistant manager
because they are responsible for managing all resources and functions of the company. The main
function of assistant manager is to supervise team and stand in for management (Cruess, Cruess,
and Steinert, 2019). Iam lacking behind and in both leadership and administration skills which
creates several problems for me in my professional life. Due to lack in these skills, sometimes
employees can not complete projects successfully. They do not get proper guidance which can
decrease their productivity & can decrease sales of the company. So I need to improve leadership
and administrative skills for solving employees complaints and for increasing trust among
customers by making them satisfied.
Positive attitude can make an environment productive and happy. I believe that positive
attitude is my main strength that makes me able in my personal and professional life to do any kind
of work without getting frustrated and without thinking negative. This skill increase my confidence
level as I always look at good side of life. Positive attitude and having positive thoughts in any type
of condition makes me physically and mentally healthy by which I can concentrate on my work.
This skill can help me out to motivate staff of Thomas Cook for accomplishing pre determined team
goals.
As an assistant manager of Thomas cook, it is important to have adaptability and flexibility
skills because there are several changes occur in the hospitality sectors. For taking competitive
advantages without getting influenced by external factors, it is essential to adapt situations quickly. I
am good in these skills and these skills can help me out at workplace to meet the needs of the
situation and maintain a work-life balance.
Conflict resolving and making accurate decision skills also help an assistant manager to
make their company's environment productive and peaceful. As an assistant manager, I need to
improve and develop conflict resolving and decision-making skills (Nerstad, Kuvaas and Buch,
2018.). By developing this skill I can decrease labour turnover by finding an alternative way of
solving any type of problem. It can also increase their morale and they feel respected when a
manager listen to their queries and solve them. Due to lack of these skills, I can have to face several
problems as it can decrease commitment and worsen relationship with others.
Learning theories and approaches
Learning theories provides a basis to understand the way of learning, explaining, analysing
and predicting learning. There are several learning theories that can help me out in increasing my

skills which I need to improve. With the help and implementing cognitive learning theory I can
increase my learning capability through internal processing of informations (Ashby and Valentin,
2017). According to this theory, I need to focus and observe changes in my own behaviour. By
observing my own behaviour I can identify reasons of those skills in which I am lacking behind
and need to develop. For example I am not good in time management so, by observing my changing
behaviour I can see that what reasons and barriers occur in the path of my success and in the
process of time management. It may be procrastination and other things.
Constructivism theory of learning also play a vital role. It believes that learning is a process
where, individuals can construct new ideas on the basis of their prior experience and knowledge.
With the help of this theory I can improve conflict resolving and decision-making skills on the basis
of my prior experience. On the other hand, this theory does not work when outcomes always need
to be consistent because learners construct t heir own knowledge.
Humanism learning theory believes that individuals are free to act and control their own
emotions and destiny. This theory believes that individuals have an ultimate potential and skills that
they can change their own behaviours in positive manner(Pellegrini, Rizzi and Frey, 2018). It all
works on the basis of self motivation, without self motivation, a person can not learn new things
and perform functions. With the help of thi s theory, I can develop my skills and can take several
advantages in my professional life. By implementing this theory, I can change, shape & control my
own behaviour which can make able to perform functions of assistant manager.
PART 2
Development plan
Professional development plan can be referred to as valuable document which consist of
detailed information about the career goals as well as defines the strategies which will be adopted
for accomplishing the same. The professional development plan has great importance a sit helps an
individual in identifying suitable ways of achieving desired career objectives. Performance
development plan consist of the detail information about the skills to be developed (Kuo, Lee and
Morris, 2019.). It also highlight the resources and the activities which will be performed for
developing the specific competencies.
Training and development are one of the most important terms with the help of which every
business organisation can brings improvement in overall business as well as employees
performance level. Assistance manager is required to possess following skills
Skills required Activities for
developing such
skills
Resources need
to be acquired
Time frame Evaluation

Administration
and Management
For developing
administrative skills,
activities such as:
1. Pursuing training
and development as
offered by the
company.
2. Taking active
participation in
industry association.
3. Undertaking new
and challenging
projects having
diverse nature.
Imparting
knowledge related
to using
techniques and
methods for
effective
management
function.
3 weeks period
is required for
developing
administrative
skills.
By undertaking
projects at smaller
level, it can be
assessed whether
manager has been
able to develop
administrative
and operating
skills or not.
Time & Workload
management
It can be develop by
setting and defining
goals with deadlines.
Considering those
projects on priority
which are of most
important nature
(Young and Jean,
2019).
By making plans,
strategies and
estimates one can
manage time very
effectively.
By making
schedules defining
activities to be
undertaken in
whole day and
coming weeks can
help in
minimization of
time resources.
Also, by
prioritizing work
and defining
boundary, time
management can
be done in an
effective manner.
Can be
achieved
within a time
frame of 1.5
weeks
Identifying task
or activities
which requires
highest time and
making strong
plans for its
successful
attainment.
Assessing which
part of project is
taking more time
than usually
required.
Supervision By giving
presentation on a
particular subject
matter to other
By undertaking
business project,
tasks comprising
small team can
1.2 weeks is
enough time
period for
development
By monitoring
plans and
strategies as
formulated related

employees can help
manager in
inculcating
supervisory skill.
Preparation of task on
prior basis for
effective
implementation can
help in better and
effective arrangement.
help manager in
learning
supervisory skills.
of supervision
skill.
to completion of
specific task i.e.
whether it are in
line with business
objectives or not.
Communication With the help of
concept of basics
related to non verbal
communication,
visual aids managers
can inculcate the best
communication skills
in them.
Also,
With the help of
new papers,
articles, journals
one can improve
vocabulary. Also,
making use of
internet, YouTube
videos can help in
improving manner
of communicating.
In 1 week,
manager can
develop
smooth
communicatio
n skill.
By seeking
feedbacks from
subordinates and
peer members
related to
communication
process (Perry,
2017).
Conflict solving Determining barriers
or main cause due to
which conflict has
arises between team
members.
Gaining deep insight
about conflict
management
techniques such as
Win- win,
compromising etc.
requisite for better
issue management.
By attending
sessions,
workshops related
conflict
management
techniques.
Inviting managers
for taking active
participation in
decision making
process related to
conflict and issue.
1.5 week Can assess by
taking feedbacks,
suggestions from
senior employees
regarding skill
and capability.
Leadership For becoming One should have For a good By leading and

effective leader, it is
very much essential
for a manager to have
positive attitude,
string knowledge
base, experience.
Taking part in
management related
games, passion
projects, internships
effective leadership
skill can be
developed.
broad as well as
strong knowledge
base, ability to
make decision
related to a subject
matter (O’Regan,
Smithson and
Spain, 2018).
leader, 2.5
week period of
time is needed.
directing team as
pee strategy
made. Manager
can evaluate
whether strategies
and plans made
for attainment of
business goals are
in line or not and
clear to all team
members.
Decision making By solving case
studies, attending
seminars, workshops
related to manner of
solving conflicts can
help in development
of decision-making
skill.
Participating in
team meeting and
decision-making
process of senior
managers.
Within a time
frame of 1.4
week, decision
making skill of
manager can
be improved
for the
betterment of
company and
employees as
well.
Taking feedback
and suggestions
related to the
method in which
decision is made
by manager.
Conclusion : It has been concluded from the above that setting the short term as well as long term
goals can be helpful in relation to develop the time management skills. The other fact which has
been summarised from the above is that decision making skills can be improved by getting involved
in the solving the case studies etc.
PART 3
Interview
Being selected for the job role of Assistant Manager, next step is related to preparation for
Interview process in following manner:
1. One should carefully read the job description for which application has been sent.

2. It is very much essential on part of every individual candidate preparing for Interview
process, to have full knowledge about company in which recruitment is going to be done.
Also, by gaining deep insight about company's business operations, working culture, beliefs
and value. This can be done by candidate with the help of conducting extensive research on
the history and present track of company.
3. Also, assessing performance level of company on the basis of productivity, profitability
should be done so as to have idea about company profile i.e. whether company is solvent or
liquid enough to make payment as due on time, salary etc. No default or non compliance has
been made by the company in previous year.
4. All the terms and conditions as defined related to such job role under the employment law
and contract act has been made cleared (Jain and Sharma,2019.).
5. For giving best interview, it is required on part of candidate to undertake mock interviews
for practising and giving best at the time of final interview. It will help in determining all the
weaknesses which has to be overcome and necessary changes if required any.
6. Practice related to manner of speaking or addressing interviewer questions, how to represent
while facing interview. Also, body language needs to be considered at the time of attending
interview process.
7. Preparation of few questions related to company's upcoming future plans , growth etc.
8. Dress to be wore at the time of giving interview should be properly ironed, neat as well as
should be clean. It should be formal and appropriate.
9. Knowledge about company's key personnel and interviewer will be helpful in citing
examples in case of successful and ideal personality.
10. While giving interview, it is required on part of candidate to present oneself with courtesy,
positive attitude and confidence. Proper eye contact plays important role in making strong
impression on the mind of interviewer.
Certain questions which are to be asked by candidate applying for the post of assistant manager
are :.
 What is your name?
 How much working experience you have in particular field ?
 Why do you think you are suitable for the job of assistant manager ?
 What skills and knowledge of your make you suitable for job of assistant manager ?
 Can you share experience when you satisfied angry customers ?
 How would you motivate yourself and others at workplace ?
Key strengths and weaknesses

1. Strengths – Because of positive attitude while giving interview, it has helped in attracting
attention of most of the interviewer. Also, deep knowledge about market demand forces,
customer needs and current market trends it has supported in making interview much better
as it can become case for Thomas in achieving high customer base. Proper idea related to
marketing and promotional activities which can help company in attracting customers as
compared to competitors is considered as one of core strength (Pellegrini, Rizzi and Frey,
2018.). Also, with the help of good decision making and responsible quality feature which is
necessary for increasing productivity has helped. Being capable of setting sound and
effective business related strategies and plans which assist company in better allocation of
available and limited business resources is another important strength.
2. Weaknesses – Due to poor time management skill, delay in important projects completion
can be done which is one of the weak point. Also, it has been observed that there is lack of
confidence which has resulted in making feel nervous while giving interview.

CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that both the personal as well as professional
development are considered as the most essential part which can help individual in accomplishing
its desirable and willing goals and objectives in better effective manner. Also, with the help of on -
going development process, it can provide benefits to both the employees and company in form of
promoting high motivation level of employees thus making them work satisfied. It helps Thomas in
achieving better business performance thereby increasing overall productivity and profitability
aspect. By having sound and effective decision making, flexible, better communication quality, it
has supported Thomas group in attracting more customer base which has resulted in making of high
profit level and acquisition of large market share as well. Also, by imparting proper training and
development sessions, it has resulted in making Thomas capable of acquiring large customer share
as compared to its competitive business firms with the help of implementation of better improved ,
creative and innovative business techniques.

REFERENCES
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