Personal and Professional Development: A Travelodge Case Study

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PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Table of content
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Company background......................................................................................................................3
LO1: Self managed learning to enhance lifelong development.......................................................3
1.1 Evaluation of approaches.......................................................................................................3
1.2 Ways to encourage personal and professional learning.........................................................5
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of lifelong learning............................................................................6
LO2: Taking responsibility for own personal and professional development.................................6
2.1 Evaluation of current skills and competencies against organisational objectives..................6
2.2 Identification of own development needs..............................................................................7
2.3 Identification of development opportunity............................................................................8
2.4 Division of professional development plan...........................................................................8
LO3: Implementation and revision of personal and professional development..............................9
3.1 Activities to implement development plan............................................................................9
3.2 Documentation of development activities............................................................................11
3.3 Reflection of own learning...................................................................................................11
3.4 Update of development plan................................................................................................11
LO4: DEMONSTRATION OF INTERPERSONAL SKILLS.....................................................13
4.3 Evaluation of effective time management...........................................................................13
4.2 Communication in various styles.........................................................................................13
4.1 Solutions to work based problems.......................................................................................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................15
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................17

Introduction
Personal and professional development of a learner is highly essential to maintain the work life
balance of that person. It also has direct impact on the organisations performance. Proper
development of personal and professional skills helps a candidate to accumulate relevant
knowledge which helps them to sharpen important skills and competencies. In order to develop
those skills and competencies employees need to attend various organisational training facilities.
Aim of this study is to focus on the various factors of a person's personal and professional
development and its impact on the organisational productivity. Various approaches will be
discussed in this study to get an understanding impact of skill development in the organisation.
Influence of those skills of employees in organisational productivity and profitability will be
evaluated in this study.
Company background
Travelodge is a private limited organisation of UK. Headquarter of this hospitality organisation
is in Thame, UK. This company has over 500 hotels in this country. Current revenue of this
organisation is £637.1m and operating income is £153.5m (Travelodge, 2019). Net income of
this company is £27.0m and total assets are £888.4m. Number of employees currently working in
this organisation is 11000.
LO1: Self managed learning to enhance lifelong development
1.1 Evaluation of approaches
Self managed learning process can be defined as one of the main characteristic which can be
highly helpful for the new and fresh candidates to meet with the needs of organisations. These
developments help employees to become highly productive in the work environment of
hospitality organisations. There are different personal and professional learning processes that
can be used by the higher authorities of Travelodge hotel to teach some essential skills and
competencies to the organisational employees. Some of them are discussed below.

Figure 1: Evaluation of approaches
(Source: Given by researcher)
Reading in wide scale: Learner needs to learns from various magazines and keep themselves
updated through reading newspapers and online articles. They can approach to their friends and
colleagues for books which can enhance their skill sets. Above all according to Trorey and
Cullingford, (2017) a learner always has to be curious in order to learn continuously. An
individual can use Proquest and Scopus to get various important resources to learn personal and
professional skills.
Keep smart company: Employees need to talk to some persons who can help them to enhance
their skills. Keeping company of those persons helps to learn competencies from practical
approaches. These persons can also inspire the employees to learn to work effectively in the
hospitality organisation.
Keep a list: It is good habit to keep a list of the thing that employees need to explore. Before a
person start learning something new they first need to do some research on it. In addition to that,
learner also needs to keep some notes of the achievements which can be highly helpful to make a
plan to learn in future. Learner also can approach to the process of learning in a step by step
approach so that they can learn efficiently as well as effectively.
Online learning: Nowadays various peer reviewed books, journals and online articles are
available in various database. This provides huge amount of flexibility to the employees as they

can learn skills after work (Bolden, 2016). There are different theories on potential risk
management in hospitality sector, management of guests and effective teamwork techniques in
the workplace which are also available online however, this online learning process can also
develop confusion in as people can share various points of view which create confusions among
the new learner. Sometimes information that is available in the online is also wrong which
generate a negative workplace experience among.
Training videos: Learners can also follow various different training videos which can provide
visual learning approaches to the employees of TUI travel. This is highly effective for learners
who are aspiring for a quality position in the hospitality organisation of UK. Those training
videos are basically developed by various organisations to properly guide new as well as existing
employees. As per comment Bolton and Delderfield, (2018) those videos are mainly generated to
provide knowledge about clients handling process, interaction manner with guests and other
colleagues and maintaining the standard of workplace. Those videos also help to provide a brief
overview of organisations aims and objectives. This helps candidates to pursue job in that
particular organisation according to its needs and wants.
Higher authority of Travelodge hotel mainly trains their relatively fresh employees through
organising various training campaigns. Leaders and managers of this organisation are trying to
motivate their employees to join those thrilling campaign which can help them to develop their
personal and professional skills (Forbes, 2018). In addition to that, it can also help to enhance the
chances to achieve career development in hospitality sector.
1.2 Ways to encourage personal and professional learning
Efficient learning process in the personal and professional development is a self driven approach.
It helps a learner to gather important information about the market which is highly helpful to
understand the current trends of hospitality sectors to gain profitability from the market. As
opined by Bush et al. (2019) this effective learning procedure helps an individual to learn various
personal skills like problem solving while handling the grievance of consumers, staying honey
while providing relevant information about the organisation and its services to the clients. In
addition to that, managers and leaders of Travelodge advised their employees to join the
campaigns which ultimately help the organisation to work according to the current market trends
and get a competitive advantage from their rivals (Kyndt et al. 2016). Organisation can also
motivate their employees to work more effectively and for that they can hire leaders with

positive mentality. Additionally, financial rewards can also be provided to the employees to keep
them motivated for the work.
1.3 Evaluation of benefits of lifelong learning
Personal and professional learning process is highly effective for the learners. It also can have
direct influence on the performance of employees of Travelodge hotel. Through learning
professional skills and competencies of hospitality sector staffs can achieve preset goals and
objective of Travelodge hotel which can have huge impact on the organisational policies.
Different training campaigns arranged by the organisation can enhance the service quality of
employees which have direct impact on the clients’ psychology (Carvalho, 2016). It can leads to
repetitive business which also helps to increase the brand value in this highly competitive
market. Employees can also get high amount of job satisfaction if they can work efficiently and
meet the every possible requirements of the clients.
LO2: Taking responsibility for own personal and professional development
2.1 Evaluation of current skills and competencies against organisational objectives
Skills and competencies can help employees of hospitality sectors to properly identify
knowledge gaps which is important to be fulfilled. There are some skills, which are highly
important to become an effective employee of Travelodge hotel.

Figure 2: Current skills and competencies
(Source: Given by researcher)
Communication skills: It is one of the most essential skills set for any hospitality organisation.
Through effective communication an employees can deals with the requirements of clients and
guests. In addition to that, employees can also communicate with each other which help them to
execute any task as a team (Vangrieken et al. 2017). Proper communication also helps to develop
a positive work environment. Travelodge hotel are using various different communication
devices which can helps them to gather as well as maintain data of clients. Those relevant data
helps to deal with the clients through predetermining the psychology. I need to learn using of
those tools as use of those data helps employees to deliver good services which can increase the
satisfaction level and also motivate them to involve more in the workforce.
Social skills: Due to globalisation more and more people are coming from different social and
cultural background. Therefore employees have to gain knowledge about different cultures so
that they can handle various types of consumers. Sometimes behaviours of the customers also
differ widely according to their social background. Therefore employees need to work with them
highly effectively in order to avoid and kind of conflicts in the workplace. I need to learn about
various communities and its customs which helps me to serve better irrespective of background
of clients (Influenced by Pool et al. 2016). This helps me avoid any kind of adverse impact on
the Travelodge hotel.
Socialskills

Technical skills: Technical skill sets is highly important to efficiently manage organisational
information. Effective technical skills help an employee to serve customers in better way so that
there is no conflict in the work environment. As opined by Szczepańska-Woszczyna and
Kurowska-Pysz, (2016) enhancement of technical skills helps an organisation to attract tech
savvy young generations. Even introvert clients who does not want to talk directly with human
being can also get attracted it hospitality organisations started to use various communication
tools. This can have positive impact on the productivity and profitability of organisation.
2.2 Identification of own development needs
As an aspirant of employment in Travelodge hotel I need to enhance some of the skills and
competencies for personal and professional development. Through attending various training
facilities arranged by the Travelodge hotel authorities I have learnt that there is lack of
management skills in me. Therefore currently I am working on it so that I become effective
employees and directly contribute in organisational profitability. Enhancement in management
skills helps me cooperate with colleagues to execute a relatively tough task with proper team
management (influenced by Wareing et al. 2017). I also need to work on communication skills
which can be enhanced through effective listening to the consumers’ demands. Through listening
I can work efficient to meet their requirements which can leads to further business with this
organisation. In addition to that, this enhancement of communication skills also can be highly
helpful while I need to understand psychology of consumers which help me to develop a positive
workplace relationship with them.
2.3 Identification of development opportunity
I have identified various opportunities to develop my personal and professional skill sets. Those
skills sets help me achieve predetermined goals and objectives which help me to become an
effective employee of Travelodge hotel. Those developments help me efficiently handle different
challenges that can arise in the workplace (Donelan, 2016). If I can handle tourists and clients
effectively then it will helps to develop job satisfaction. Personal and professional skill
development helps an employee to get recognition at workplace which ultimately leads to
increase in positivity. Even higher executives of this hospitality organisation provide various
types of rewards like financial and nonfinancial to motivate employees to get more involved in
the work culture.

2.4 Division of professional development plan
Activities Planning Time Resources
Communication skills In order to enhance
my communication
skills I have joined
some training
campaigns arranged
by the Travelodge
hotel management. I
also have planned to
join some virtual
workplace training
facilities so that I can
actively communicate
with people
(influenced by Naim
and Lenka, 2018).
5 months Travelodge hotel
provides various
different
communicative tools
at the time of training.
And employers and
training provide
guidance to use those
tools efficiently at
workplace.
Leadership skills I will take help of
various peer reviewed
books, journals and
online articles. This
can guide me
properly to enhance
my leadership skills
(Sandberg, 2015).
This skill sets are
highly important to
manage workplace
4 months I have already talking
with some low level
managers of
Travelodge who can
give me their insights
about important
leadership skills. In
addition to that,
friends can also give
me their advices
about the important

productivity through
motivating employees
to actively taking part
in workforce.
resources which I
need to be followed
to enhance leadership
skills.
Table 1: professional development plan
(Source: Given by researcher)
LO3: Implementation and revision of personal and professional development
3.1 Activities to implement development plan
There are different ways to implement development plans in the career enhancement.
Business skills: Different hospitality management skills are needed to operate business of
Travelodge hotel. Business skills help organisations to get competitive advantages over the rival
companies. In addition to that, it helps to increase the brand recognition in the market which has
direct impact productivity and profitability. Proper maintenance of brand image and increasing it
is highly important for the hospitality sector business (Patti et al. 2015). Therefore, effective
management of work culture and proper distribution of job is important for the managerial
perspective to maintain the workflow in the organisation. Less work pressure leads to providing
of quality services to the consumers. These results help to increase of customer satisfaction.
Leadership skills: Leadership skills are one of the most important aspects in the hospitality
sector business. An effective leader can motivate their team members to work according to the
needs of clients. They also provide proper guidance to relatively new employees who do not
have much practical knowledge about the work culture (Sandberg, 2015). A leader can also
delegate tasks according to the expertise of team members. This helps to manage time efficiently
and provide chance to do more tasks than expected. This helps to get recognition from the higher
authorities.
Social skills: As an aspirant of good job in the hospitality sector employees need to learn
different social skills. Social skills are highly essential while it comes to handling people that are
belonging to different social and cultural background. Due to globalisation employees of
hospitality sectors have deal various kind of peoples. Therefore development of different social

skills and competencies helps to deal with customers with proper knowledge about their customs
and beliefs (Naim and Lenka, 2018). Development of those basics skills helps employees to
maintain a positive workplace atmosphere which have direct influence in increasing the
productivity of business.
Personal development: Personal development of employees like emotional and psychological
development helps to become adaptable in the job of hospitality sectors. Employees sometimes
have to face bad behaviour of clients which can have negative impact on their psychology.
Increase in work pressure also generates stress among the employees which can have adverse
impact on the work performance. Therefore leaders and managers can guide their employees
while they are facing any mental emotional stress due to work condition.
3.2 Documentation of development activities
Development of personal and professional development should be done according to demands of
hospitality organisations. Through managing personal and professional development plan
employees of Travelodge can create different scopes to mitigate emotional and psychological
stress at workplace. Personality development also creates a chance of employee retention in the
workplace employees can communicate with guests and clients with positive approach (Donelan,
2016). Employees are the main brand ambassador of Travelodge hotel and therefore a huge
amount of profitability depends on the behaviour and work performance of employees.
Personality of employees such as job interest also has direct influence on the development of
employee career in the hospitality sectors (Wareing et al. 2017). Quality workforce and services
is main point to enhance the productivity and profitability of Travelodge hotel. Therefore proper
planning for development of skills for operations in hospitality sectors gives an opportunity
develop career in this sector.
It has been noted that employees in hospitality gets hurt while providing the services like
cooking or housekeeping. This can have both physical as well as emotional impact on their
performance. In addition to that, due to excessive work pressure employees sometimes have to
execute different tasks in a single time. This multitasking generate huge amount of stress among
the employees. Lack of supportive nature from the managers also has some negative impact on
the workforce.

3.3 Reflection of own learning
In order to develop personal and professional career I am focusing on communication skills.
Therefore I am joining in the various training campaigns arranged by Travelodge hotel
authorities. In those campaigns are providing some efficient communication tools to use so that
learners can understand the ways to use it in the workplace (Szczepańska-Woszczyna and
Kurowska-Pysz, 2016). Additionally, I am focusing on the leadership skills which help me to
execute any tasks with proper team management. This skills also helps me to motivate
employees to finish the provide tasks within the given time range and serve better to the clients.
3.4 Update of development plan
As the demands are changing in hospitality sector, I need to focus on updating of personal and
professional development plans. Skills can be learning through various styles like Kolb's learning
cycle and reflexive modernisation theory. Those help me to develop my professional career
which can have direct impact on the productivity of Travelodge hotel (influenced by Pool et al.
2016). Additionally, update of plans help me to stay focus on the market trends which is most
essential to gain knowledge in hospitality sector.