Professional Development: Assistant Manager Role at Thomas Cook

This report analyzes the importance of professional identity and practice in career development, focusing on the skills and competencies expected by employers, particularly within the context of the Thomas Cook company. It explores the benefits of ongoing professional development for stakeholders, including employees and the organization itself. The report includes a self-assessment of skills and abilities relevant to an Assistant Manager role, utilizing a rating scale for interpersonal and intervention skills. It also examines various learning theories, such as cognitive and behavioral approaches, to enhance personal and professional growth. Furthermore, the report outlines a development plan and concludes with a discussion of a job interview for the Assistant Manager position, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the interview process.

Professional Identity
and Practice

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
P1 Key benefits of on-going professional development for stakeholders in a company.......1
P2 Employer’s expectations of skills and competencies in a company.................................2
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................3
P3 Assessment of skill, ability and competency for the designation of Assistant Manager. .3
P4 Critique of learning theories associated with professional and personal enhancement....4
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................4
P5 Development plan.............................................................................................................4
LO 4.................................................................................................................................................5
P6 Job interview for the role of Assistant Manager...............................................................5
P7 Strength and weakness of interview process.....................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
With the increase in career evolution and employment opportunity is essential for an
individual to effectively understand value of competencies and skills expected by employers in
order to gain more competitive advancements (Kunrath, Cash and Kleinsmann, 2020). In this it
is essential for them to engage in the process of self assessment of the competencies as well as
skills with the application of different learning approaches and career plan in order to enhance
effectiveness of their career prospects (Hohenstein and Lévy-Tödter, 2020). This has been
evaluated that personal identity and practice act as most essential element for each and every
individual or professional through which they can conduct their skill evaluation and can further
enhance their effectiveness, competencies and knowledge in order to gain long term career
development advantages. Present report has been conducted on Thomas Cook, this company
operate their business function as a multinational organisation operating their services in
hospitality industrial sector and engage in the functions related to travel and tourism by offering
high-quality facilities and services to consumers that ensure growth and development of
company on continuous manner. In this report formative discussion has been made on benefits of
ongoing professional development for complete stakeholders group along with expectation of
employers in terms of skills as well as competencies. Further in this report assessment of own
skill, competencies and ability is being included along with personal learning theories and
approaches. Lastly, job interview and development plan is been included in this report.
P1 Key benefits of on-going professional development for stakeholders in a company
Professional development is an essential and a systematic process through which
individual can evaluate their self competence, skill and potential and can further increase
efficiency of them in order to assure more prominent career growth. In addition to this it has
been identified that ongoing professional development is having significant capability to enrich
personality of an individual in order to maximize the growth opportunity (McColl, 2020). One of
the most important benefits of this process is that it allow individual and persuade them to
accomplish goal of their appropriate career and equipped themselves with efficient knowledge
and competence. Ongoing professional development assist career of an individual that allows
them to evaluate and analyse their need and demand for certain skill knowledge and competence.
Along with this it has been evaluated that ongoing professional development is having
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significant benefit for different stakeholder in organisation like employees and organisation
which is further been defined below:
For employees:
With the assistance of ongoing professional development employees those who are
performing their operations and functions in an organisation can facilitate themselves to enhance
efficiency of their performance as well as skills along with their efficiency in a workplace
structure (Kavanoz, 2020). In addition to this it also assist workforce of Thomas group to
accomplish their professional as well as personal goals in a well defined and effective manner in
proper time frame.
For Thomas Cook:
Ongoing professional development facilitates an entity to drive appropriate as well as
relevant outcome of personal and professional development out of their employees (Naumovska,
Zajac and Lee, 2020). Along with this, this process is having significant capability that allows
Thomas Cook to accomplish their corporate goals with great efficiency.
P2 Employer’s expectations of skills and competencies in a company
Main aim of a business organisation in industrial sector is to increase their business
efficiency profitability and productivity. In order to accomplish their goal Thomas Cook
manager is mainly aim towards recruiting potential and skilled employee those who are having
significant capability to satisfy needs and demands of consumers by influencing their purchasing
decision as to make them loyal towards entity (Chan, Cheung and Chan, 2020). Tourism industry
within hospitality sector is having most important purpose which is to fulfil basic and luxury
needs of their consumers for this different type of employee’s roles like room cleaning, food
services, room services etc are included. Further this has been evaluated that organisation is
having certain form of expectations from employees those who are hired in order to enhance
satisfaction level of customers towards entity in order to increase overall base of consumers at
the same time. Mentioned below some form of competencies as well as core skills that are being
expected by Thomas Cook is being defined below:
Willingness to learn:
It is one of the most important and essential expectation of Thomas Cook employer in
which they are emphasising upon those employees who are adaptable in nature and willing to
learn new things on continuous manner without any force. As this allow entity to accomplish
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their operations with great efficiency. For this different type of training and development
sessions is being facilitated by employer and their workplace structure that aim towards
maximizing knowledge and performance of employees as to increase their workplace efficiency
to accomplish entity objectives.
Capability to solve problems:
It is one of the most important and essential skill that Thomas Cook employers are
expecting from recruited candidates. In this employer seeks for the skill in employees through
which they can effectively solve problems without seeking much direction from senior
executives in an effective manner (Yasid and Rahim, 2020). With having capability to solve
problems employees within Thomas Cook can aid the formation of positive work place
environment in which effective collaboration lead towards maximum profitable advantages.
Affirmative and good behaviour:
By having this expectation Thomas cook employer aim towards developing positive and
healthy workplace structure, as employees those who are having good behaviour not only
conduct their operations with collaboration but also encourage other employees to do the same
that act as an motivating factor that also helps in minimising conflicts in workplace structure that
further facilitate entity to fulfil their corporate goals as well as objectives in a best effective
manner (Chan, Cheung and Chan, 2020). In addition to this it has been identified that good
behaviour of employees automatically enhances profitability and productivity of company at
great extent.
LO 2
P3 Assessment of skill, ability and competency for the designation of Assistant Manager
It is essential for an individual to have proper knowledge and awareness related to their
skills and knowledge that they are possessing as it allows them to conduct their operations and
performance with more effectiveness (Khan and Mandal, 2020). It also allows them to resolve
issues in a well-defined and appropriate manner. With the help of having different skills
individual can develop positive way through which they can execute their professional
operations in a feasible manner. Most essential element for an individual that allows them to
learn in a quick and positive way while it is talked about competencies it reflects the extent and
capability of an employee in order to perform a business function in specific time period. In
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terms with Thomas Cook it has been evaluated and entity manager is mainly emphasized upon
evaluating their own competencies as well skilled in order to overcome issues and problems that
prevail and workplace structure in a definite manner. Along with is it has been evaluated that in
order to conduct job role of assistant manager in respective for an applicant to have certain form
of competencies as well as skills in order to accomplish the job responsibilities in efficient way.
In order to undertake knowledge and awareness of the skill effectiveness skill audit is being
undertaken in order to identify individual compatibility with respective job role.
Self-evaluation questionnaire
Rating scale (1 to 4)
S. No Skill/competence Rating #1 Rating #2 Rating #3 Rating #4
1 Interpersonal skills
a. Listening skills X
b. Problem-solving X
c. Negotiation X
d. Verbal communication X
e. Decision-making skills X
2 Intervention skills
a. Counselling X
b. Group facilitation X
c. Education/training X
d. Empathetic relationship X
e. Conflict management X
Rating #4: High extent of competence - Immense experience within a specific skill area
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Rating #3: Moderate extent of competence - Good experience within a skill area
Rating #2: Average extent of competence - Fair experience within specified area of skills
Rating #1: Low extent of competence - Slight experience within specified skill area
As per the above mentioned self evaluation questionnaire, there are two kinds of skills,
namely, interpersonal and intervention skills. Further, these skills are characterized into
components like decision making, conflict management, negotiation, counselling etc. To
effectively execute the activities and responsibilities associated with the role of Assistant
Manager, I should link my skill set with the desired skills and competences for the job role
within Thomas Cook. Effective communication and persuasion skills are a must.
P4 Learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional development processes
After the ascertainment of skill set, abilities and competency required for the designation
of, several theories or approaches for learning have been put to use which provide assistance to
individual in carrying out personal as well as professional development (Lakisa, Taylor and
Adair, 2020). This process renders aid to a person in giving a boost to their career so that they
can climb the ladder of success in upcoming course of time period. Learning is regarded as the
key to the development procedure. This helps an individual in addressing the skill gap that
prevails within their personality and is required for getting or sustaining employment in their
field of interest. Thus, some approaches and theories for the purpose of learning are explicated
below in a detailed manner that will render aid to me in undergoing personal and professional
development in an effectual manner.
Cognitive learning approach:
This is the most prominently used approach whereby active mind of an individual is
leveraged for the purpose of capitalising on the learning opportunities that are available to a
person for undergoing development. This approach to learning is mainly concerned with 2 main
facets, named affective domain and cognitive domain. The affective domain deals with the
manner in which an emotion or feeling can be controlled or changed as a result of the process of
learning. Further, the cognitive domain is linked to comprehensibility as well as memory. This is
universally known that the performance given by a person is largely associated to their responses
as well as emotion (Coetzer, Susomrith and Ampofo, 2020). In addition to this, it is regarded that
parallel learning tends to take place between both the domains pertinent to this theory as per the
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extent of complexity. It is important that learning procedure is not viewed as a process involving
execution of a task or business activity. The purpose associated with learning must be stated at
the beginning of the learning procedure. It is essential for thoughts to emerge in an effectual way
in order to ensure the execution of learning process as per the expectation and requirement of
individual. The main intent behind such thoughts is the state of equilibrium that enables an
individual to effectually address the critical challenges.
Behavioural approach: This approach to learning is based on the premise that an appropriate
behavioural conduct can be taught only through continuous repetition of tasks alongside the
feedbacks from the facilitator. This approach to learning can be put to use by clearly putting
forth the behavioural objectives at start. Post these, the learning opportunities are rendered that
make sure the objectives are duly achieved. Hereby, social learning style will be put to use in
order to gain indulgence of others in the process of learning.
Learning style: To carry out learning in a comprehensive manner, logical learning style
can be used as this will lead to generation of fruitful results. Besides this, social based style is
another style that can be opted for as it has the ability to inflate the learning while undergoing
collaborative working.
Personal Development Approach
It is important for an individual to develop a personal development approach in order to
address the skill gap in a timely manner (Naumovska, Zajac and Lee, 2020). I have realised that
I have ineffective leadership and time management skills for which a plan has been made as
follows:-
Approach Aim/objectives Action plan Time Period
Time
management
To be able to become
competent in prioritising the
tasks in accordance with
their importance and
deadlines.
Seek guidance from my supervisor
to gain knowledge of the ways
through which I can improve my
time management skills in pre
defined period of time.
30 days
Leadership To assume the lead role
while carrying out the
activities and tasks as per
Take training from my supervisor
whereby I will get due exposure to
the experience that is undergone
45 days
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the organisational
requirements.
by an individual while being a
leader.
LO 3
P5 Construct a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies within a specific
work context
Personality development can be referred to as a framework or roadmap which leads an individual
to develop all the skills that are required by them in professional or personal context (Khan and
Mandal, 2020). In this relation, the personality plan developed by me is presented beneath:-
Skills Activities needed to be
undertaken
Resources Time
frame
Desired
improvement
Conflict
management
Conflict management is
one of the most
important managerial
skills. This will allow
me to address the issues
or conflicts that may
arise between
individuals from time to
time. In this relation, the
activities I will take to
develop this skill consist
of group working,
dealing with real
commercial world
scenario etc. as these
enable to manage the
conflicts in the best
possible manner.
The major resource or
in other terms, the
prerequisites for
developing or
enhancing this skill
consists of proactive
participation within
collaborative activities,
effectual presentation,
reading and
comprehending book,
online article, journal
and so on.
60 days I will be able to
manage the future
conflicts in the best
possible manner
before they can hold
negative impacts on
the company. This
will enable the
development of a
positive atmosphere
within the bounds of
Thomas Cook.
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Decision
making
Mock scenario practices,
role play scenarios,
simulation are some of
the activities with the
help of which I will be
able to improve my
decision making skills.
This will render
assistance to me in
taking key business
decisions for the
betterment of Thomas
Cook in the long run.
Coaching classes will
serve as the most
important resource to
address this skill gap.
These will equip me
with ways through
which I can take spot
decisions in an effectual
manner.
45 days I will be able to make
spot decisions in
relation to important
domains of the
business so that the
business can yield the
desired outcomes in
terms of high profits
and revenues.
LO 4
P6 Undertake a job interview for the role of Assistant Manager
Interviewer: Are you up for an interview here?
Interviewee: Yes sir. I am here to apply for the post of Assistant Manager.
Interviewer: Okay. Hand over to me, your Resume and Cover Letter along with your other
credentials.
Interviewee: Here they are Sir.
Interviewer: Give a small introduction of yourself.
Interviewee: My name is XX. I belong to XX City. I have done graduation and masters in
XXX....
Interviewer: Do you hold any prior experience in the same or other industry?
Interviewee: Yes. I have worked earlier in Trailfinders as a Accounts Executive for 2 years.
Interviewer: What do you think makes you eligible for this job opening?
Interviewee: Well, I believe every skill and capability of mine matches the profile required for
the vacant job position.
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Interviewer: Okay. I had a great time while interviewing you. Best of luck for the results, our
HR will inform you about the results over the mail or call. In case you are selected, you will be
asked to produce all the documents that can prove the information mentioned in your Resume.
Interviewee: Okay Sir.
P7 Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process
The strengths as well as weaknesses of my whole experience while going the interview
are briefly described below:-
Strengths:
I got extensive industry exposure while undergoing the experience at interview. The
interview process went good because of my spot answers and confidence which appealed to the
interviewer. Further, the experience acquainted me with the enquiries that are usually made from
a person going through an interview for the designation of Assistant Manager.
Weaknesses:
While undergoing through the process of interview for Assistant Manager, I realised that I
had certain weakness. When asked about my prior work experience, I hesitated a bit before
asking as I did not hold experience within the same field. However, as soon as I thought that
were non experienced individuals also outside in the interview queue, I regained my confidence
to answer the question. The delay in responding to the question seems to me as the only
weakness throughout the whole interview process.
CONCLUSION
As per the above discussed report it has been concluded that personal and professional
development act as most essential aspect for an individual that allow them for assessment of their
skill, competencies and knowledge in order to further make significant enhancement in them as
to ensure more competitiveness and career growth continuous. Professional development assists
an individual to become successful by making improvement in their competencies as well as
skills with the application of different learning theories in order to undertake efficient form of
development and training in order to enhance effectiveness of skills. Professional development
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plan proves to be a significant element that allows an individual to engage in continuous
enhancement of their own knowledge skills and potential. Along with this, with the assistance of
interview method an organisation can effectively allow themselves to select potential and
suitable employees in order to further conducted organisational operations with great efficiency.
With the help of this method company can not only maximize effectiveness of their workplace
structure but can also assure maximum profitability and productivity.
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