Personal and Professional Development Report: Tesco Executive Role

This report delves into the realm of personal and professional development (PPD), exploring self-managed learning approaches, lifelong learning encouragement, and the benefits to both individuals and organizations. It evaluates various self-managed learning techniques, including research, internet resources, mentoring, and seminars, and also discusses the VARK theory. The report then proposes methods to foster lifelong learning within a PPD context, such as regular self-checks and self-motivation. Furthermore, it assesses the advantages of self-managed learning for both individuals (career growth, learning preferences) and organizations (improved productivity, reduced costs, increased morale). The report also identifies required skills and competencies for meeting organizational goals, particularly for an executive role at Tesco, and conducts a SWOT analysis to determine individual development needs, including areas for improvement like verbal communication and technical skills. Finally, it outlines development activities to meet current and future needs, offering a comprehensive guide to personal and professional growth.

PERSONAL
AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

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INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development (PPD) is formal method through which an
individual determine its own objectives, strategies and results of learning and training. It further
help in improvising the skills, abilities and knowledge of the individual so that they give their
best performance. Personal and professional development is important method adopted by
supervisors, managers or leaders to amend the efficiency, capability and learning of their
employees (Polly and Hannafin, 2011). It further involve use of various educational and training
development programs in the workplace.
PPD is effective way for building the morale of employees and influencing them to give
their maximum productivity. It further build self awareness among members so they know what
is expected from them and how they should work to fulfill the expectation of their employer.
With the help of PPD plan individuals can perform their work in better way and chances of the
mistakes is reduced to large extent (Potter and Rockinson‐Szapkiw, 2012). The overall
effectiveness of employees is improved with the help of Personal and professional development
program.
In this report, clear learning will be shown regarding various aspect of personal and
professional development. The evaluation about various approaches to self managed learning
will be discussed along with their benefits to individuals as well as organization. Discussion
about the own development needs and the activities required to meet them will be provided. The
development plan will be updated as per feedback. Further, solution to work based problems will
be provided. Thereafter, evaluation of time management strategies will be given.
TASK 1
1.1 Evaluating the approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning depict a procedure through which a person take initiative, with or
without the help of others, in identifying their learning needs, developing learning objectives,
assessing the resources for gaining knowledge and thereafter, selecting and employing suitable
learning strategies (Sailors and Price, 2010). This process is followed by the evaluation of
learning results. Self managed learning help individual in achieving its individual objectives in
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terms of learning. This further them in getting the desired job or career growth in present job.
There are various approaches of self managed learning which are discussed as follows:
 Learning through research: In order to gain in depth knowledge of various concept, a
individual can use analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
 Internet: It is cost effective source that provide plentiful information about every aspect
related to learning. There are various, books, journals, PDFs, news and other information
that can be accessed by individual to gain knowledge (Segers, Beausaert and Gijselaers,
2011).
 Mentoring: The individual seeking knowledge can learn new theories and concepts and
from more knowledgeable individual in specific field. The mentors further provide
support, guidance and advice to the employees which improves their understanding about
various aspects (Self Directed learning. 2009).
 Seminar: The individual can attend different seminars that provide information and
training. The seminars are further organized by experts and scholars that share their
knowledge and experience (Shagrir, 2010).
Other than this, there are various approaches and theories of learning which can be used
by individual to gain knowledge. They are discussed as follows:
VARK theory: According to this theory, the individual can use their learning preference to gain
knowledge. As per this, one can use its visual, aural, reading and kinesthetic sensory models for
gaining information (VARK Modal, 2016). These learning styles are further elaborated as
follows: Visual: According to this aspect, individual can gain knowledge through its visual ability.
Therefore, learners gain knowledge through information depicted through charts, spider
diagrams, maps, graphs etc (Stanley, 2011). Auditory: It involve learning of information through hearing aids. Here, individuals can
learn through the group discussions, seminars, lectures, brain storming session etc. Reading: This aspect, states that individual can enhance its learning through its reading
skills (Zimmerman and Labuhn, 2012). Therefore, one can access various books,
journals, reports, manuals etc. The data available on internet can also be used to enhance
knowledge.
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 Kinesthetic: It is effective method that state best learning can be done through practicing
and experiencing. The learner in this style solve case study or try new things to enhance
their knowledge.
Hence, it can be concluded that, VARK theory can be considered by individual for
facilitating self managed learning.
1.2 Proposing ways in which lifelong learning in PPD context could be encouraged
In order to foster life learning among employees within the organization there are various
methods that can be used (Wallace and Priestley, 2011). This aspect will help management of
entity to stimulate individuals to continuously improve their knowledge to attain personal as well
as organizational goals. Following are the methods that can be used to encourage life long
learning in personal and professional context:
 Regular check: The work of employee should be checked periodically by themselves so
they can learn from their past mistakes. It further help them in identifying their weakness
which can be improved by them by taking suitable actions. Such as employee facing
issue in technical areas can attend various workshop or training and development sessions
(Kraus, and et.al., 2015).
 Self-motivation: The employee must be self encouraged to learn new aspects of life. By
recognizing the past experience and understanding own capabilities and skills one can be
motivated to perform even better in future.
 Self evaluation: It is important process that help individual in assessing and determining
its own strength and weakness. Therefore, individual can use its capabilities to overcome
its inefficiency. On the basis of this, person can determine the field in which he or she
can excel and those which require improvement (Olsen, 2015).
1.3 Evaluating the benefits of self managed learning to the individual and organization
It has been identified that, self managed learning yields advantages to both individuals as
well as enterprise. The detail discussion of this is provided as follows:
Benefits to individual
 Career growth: With the help of personal and professional development, as individual I
can gain knowledge regarding various fields. The overall efficiency of me is increased by
adopting PPD plan. This further provide opportunity to me as a individual to assure
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advancement in career and build employability skills. I can get promotion by performing
my work in effective and cost efficient manner. Learning as per preference: I can chose the learning method as per my likes or
orientation. Such as, I prefer learning through hearing, therefore, I can take part in
various group discussions or attend seminar, coaching by experienced person. Also, I can
manage my time as per my need.
Benefits to organization
 Improved productivity of employee: By encouraging self managed learning program
within organization, management can stimulate individuals to improve their deficient
skills. Therefore, employee work on their lacking skills so as to enhance their overall
efficiency. In addition to this, employee are encouraged to perform work beyond their
capacity. This further leads to improved productivity of individual.
 Reduction in operational cost: The self managed learning encourage individual to give
their best performance. The employees perform their work in effective manner with
minimal chances of mistakes. They further use and manage the resources in optimum
manner so as to reduce their wastage (Irwin.Sutherland, Howard and Markauskaite,
2010).
 Increase in staff morale: It has been identified that self managed learning increases the
career advancement opportunities for individuals. This further enhances their morale
which encourages them to take more challenging jobs. The motivated employees give
their best performance and also stay for longer duration in organization. Therefore, the
staff retention rate is increased (Olsen, 2015).
TASK 2
2.1 Required skills and competence for meeting organizational goals
In order to give maximum contribution towards organizational goals and ensure success
in career, there are various skills and competencies that are essential. Presently, I am working as
executive in famous retail company, Tesco. The skills that I will be requiring to work effectively
in cited company are described as follows:
 Interpersonal skills: It is important skills that will help in working cordially and
collectively with various individuals having different nature, educational qualification
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and background (Asan and et.al., 2015). The strong interpersonal skills will help in in
maintaining good relationship with my co-workers, superiors, subordinates and also
customers.
 Communication skills: This skill will help in exchanging important information, ideas
etc with other individuals. Being a executive, I can use my communication skills to
explain the vision, strategies to team members and other subordinates.
 Presentation skills: It is important skill, that help me in planning, structuring and
presenting the information that I am required to express in front of others by being
persuasive, accurate and informative (Kraus, and et.al., 2015).
 Problem solving skills: There are various problems that may arise while working. It is
my duty to resolve them so as to prevent their adverse impact on functions of company.
With the help of problem solving skills, I will be able to look at issue in different ways
and thus identify best corrective action.
 Decision-making: The sound decision-making skills will help in taking effective
decision after using logical and critical thinking.
 Leadership: This skill is important for me as it will help in inspiring and encouraging
team members to attain the mutually desired goals. These abilities further help in guiding
the members.
 Time management: These skills are essential as they will help me in managing my time
to attain various objectives. It will help me in meeting the deadlines and project target.
 Team working: It will help me working effectively as part of team. Team working skills
will assist in sharing responsibilities and task will other. I will be able to learn from the
knowledge and experience of other team members (Noe, 2010).
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities needed to meet them
To ensure my overall effectiveness, it is important for me to ascertain my development
needs and improve them on constant basis. Further, to identify my development needs I can take
help of SWOT analysis which is described as follows:
SWOT analysis
Strength
 Good writing skills
Weakness
 Poor verbal communication skills
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 Effective presentation skills
 Strong interpersonal skills
 Strong management skills
 Effective team working skills
 Positive attitude
 Self Confidence
 Good knowledge about computers
 Efficient in providing customer
services
 Poor listening skills
 Lack of conflict management skills
 Poor decision-making skills
 Ineffective time management skills
 Lack of knowledge about technical
field.
 Limited knowledge of motivational
theory and their application.
 Confined knowledge in graphic and
web designing
Opportunities
 Build learning by taking part in
apprenticeship programs and
workshops
 Training and development programs
 Increased job opportunities
 Higher education
 Personal and professional development
plan for building skills.
 Attend seminars
Threats
 Obstacles during training and
development or apprenticeship program
 Increased competition in my career
field.
 Limited growth opportunities
 Negative shift of market
 Heavy Job cutting
 Lack of funds for taking admission in
new academic course
 Lack of availability of time
Therefore, it has been identified that I possess various strengths and weakness. My
capabilities will lead me towards new opportunities whereas my weaknesses will push me
towards prospective threats. It has been identified from the SWOT analysis that, my weaknesses
are my development needs which must be focused upon. The development needs are like, to
improve my verbal communication, time management skills, decision making and technical
skills etc. In this respect, I can attend seminars that will educate me about improving both
communication and listening skills. Thereafter,for improving technical skills I can attend
workshops and apprenticeship program. The decision making skills can be improved by solving
case study by following my superiors etc.
2.3 Identifying the development needs and activities needed to meet current and future needs
From the critical evaluation of own SWOT, it has been identified that I need to improve
my skills so as ensure career growth and meet various present as well as future needs.
Vocational skills Present level
Strong/Weak
Best current example Ways to improve
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Communication
skills
Analytical skills
Leadership and
management
skills
Team building
skills
Technical skills
Weak
Strong
Strong
Strong
Weak
I have poor communication
skills due to which I was
unable to give proper
directions to my team
members. The lack of
communication skills also
prevent me from providing
viable information to
customers.
I own strong analytical
skills that assist me in
solving routine work based
issues and taking important
decisions. These skills help
me in thinking about
negative and positive
results of every situation
before taking final decision.
I have ability to encourage
to give their best
performance. I use
participative leadership
style which help me in
obtaining maximum
contribution from each
member towards
organizational goal and
success.
I use my management and
leadership skills as tool to
facilitate team working
within my entity. There are
various difficult task that
were completed by using
these skills.
I can
improve my
communication
skills by taking active participation in
team meetings or group discussions.
Also, I can participate in seminars so that
I can learn by witnessing the speaking
skills of others. Also, I must assure I
develop listening ability to improve
effectiveness of communication.
To further improve my
analytical skills I can
apply logical
thinking in different
issues
I can practically apply
leadership theories
along with this, I can use rewards to
encourage individuals to perform even
better.
I can focus on team cohesion for
improving the team building skills. I
should prefer working as part of team to
make further improvement in my skills.
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Time
management
qualities
Motivational
skills
Weak
Weak
I have poor technical skills
due to which I am unable
to perform technical task,
operate various machines
etc.
Due to ineffective time
management skills I am
unable to achieve my
project targets on time. I am
unable to meet the
deadlines of urgent project
which cause dissatisfaction
among my superiors with
regards to my work
Due to lack of use of
motivational skills I was
not able to retain my some
effective employees. Also, I
failed to encourage the
team members to attain
organizational goals
I can attend various apprenticeship
programs and workshops to
develop my technical skills.
I can prioritize
my work and prepare
work chart to attain targets on time.
Since, overburden of work is also major
cause of poor time management, I must
allocate or divide work among team
members
It is important for me to use motivational
theories like, Maslow need hierarchy,
Herzberg and Alferd Marshall theory to
stimulate individuals to work hard. I
must identify the motivational needs of
team members to encourage them.
2.4 Designing a PPD plan based on identified needs
From the aforementioned discussion, it has been identified that I am lacking on various
skills and abilities that are causing adverse impact on my overall performance within Tesco. The
ineffective skills are major obstacle in my personal and professional growth. Therefore, it is
important for me to develop a PPD plan based on my lacking skills. PPD plan will help me in
managing my own learning by developing objectives, determining priorities and using various
strategies to achieve my learning objectives. Therefore, following PPD plan can be used for
developing the needed skills:
Learning aim
and
Objective
Present
Competen
ce
Target
Competenc
e
Improvement
opportunities
Criteria for
judging success
Time
frame
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5= Strong
1=Weak
1 Time
management
skills
3 5 Prioritization of work
Development of
work chart or work
schedule
By critically
examining own
performance
To
improve
time
manage
ment
skills
till
Septem
ber,
2016
2 Verbal
Communicati
on skills
2 5 By taking active
participation in group
discussion, brain
storming session or
debate competition
(Dalgaard and
Montgomery, 2015.).
To use gesture and
postures while
communicating
To enhance learning
skills
Feedback from
members that
are part of
meetings.
Customer
review can be
obtained
through
feedback form
regrading my
services.
To
modify
commu
nication
skills
till
Decemb
er,
2016.
3 Team
building
4 5 Management of team
activities and
fulfilling the needs
of team members
(Kraus, and et.al.,
Critical Review
from team
members.
By assessing the
results of work
To
enhance
team
building
skills
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2015).
To resolve conflicts
that arise while
working in team
performed in
team
till
August
2016.
3 Leadership
skills
3 5 To gain knowledge
about leadership
theories.
To use monetary and
non monetary
rewards (Raelin,
2016).
Feedback from
top executives
or co workers
Analyzing the
progress
attained
regarding
achievement of
mutually
defined goals
To
enhance
leadersh
ip skills
till
October
, 2016.
4 Motivational
Skills
2 5 To gain knowledge
about various
motivational theories.
To apply Maslow
need theory within
company.
By analyzing the
change in staff
retention ratio.
To
improve
my
motivati
onal
skills
till
Novemb
er 2016.
5 Decision
making skills
2 5 By solving case
study or doing
practical task (Asan
and et.al., 2015) .
By following my
superiors and
Case study
analysis
To
amend
decision
making
skills
till
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