Professional Identity and Practice: Professional Development Report

This report delves into the realm of professional development, exploring its significance for various stakeholders within an organization, specifically using Wagamama restaurant as a case study. The report examines the key benefits of ongoing professional development for employees, shareholders, customers, and the government, highlighting how continuous learning enhances productivity, job satisfaction, and overall service quality. It also investigates the skills and competencies that professional employers, such as Wagamama, seek in potential employees, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, integrity, time management, passion, and attitude. Furthermore, the report includes a self-assessment of the author's skills and competencies in relation to a restaurant supervisor role, reflecting on past experiences and areas for improvement. It reviews various learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional growth, and constructs a development plan to enhance chosen skills. Finally, the report incorporates a job interview simulation for a service industry role, followed by a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the interview process, providing a comprehensive overview of professional development in practice.

Professional Identity &
Practice

Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
LO 1............................................................................................................................................................3
P1 Examine the key benefits of on-going professional development for different stakeholders within an
organization.............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Investigate professional employer expectations of skills and competencies within a specific
organization.............................................................................................................................................5
LO 2............................................................................................................................................................6
P3 Assess own abilities, skills and competences for a specific job role...................................................6
P4 Review a range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional development
processes.................................................................................................................................................7
LO 3............................................................................................................................................................9
P5 Construct a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies........................................9
LO 4..........................................................................................................................................................12
P6 Undertake a job interview for a suitable service industry role..........................................................12
P7 Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process............................................13
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Professional Development involves learning how to earn as well as maintain different
professional credentials like academic degrees, attending different conferences as well as various
learning opportunities. If an individual wants to be successful in their career, it is important to
have necessary skills and knowledge (Bossio and Sacco, 2017). Professional development is an
ongoing process and it helps employees in remaining competitive in their jobs. Employees who
actively pursue professional development gain the advantage of keep their skills and knowledge
up to date as well as relevant. Organization chosen for this report is Wagamama restaurant, a
British restaurant chain that was founded by Alan Yu in the year 1992. The company is
headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The restaurant chain serves Asian food that is based
on Japanese cuisine. This report explains the key benefits of on-going professional development
for different stakeholders of an organization and also describes the expectations of professional
employer of skills as well as competencies within an organization. Lastly, the report also reviews
different learning theories as well as approaches that are used for the purpose of personal and
professional development. Interview for a restaurant supervisor in a local hotel is also included.
LO 1
P1 Examine the key benefits of on-going professional development for different stakeholders
within an organization
On-going professional development can be beneficial for different stakeholders within an
organization. Continuous Professional Development or CPD makes sure that an individual
maintains and enhances different skills that are required to deliver a professional service to the
customers (Cope and et. al., 2017). Wagamama restaurant has many stakeholders both inside as
well as outside the organization, namely employees, shareholders, customers, competitors,
suppliers etc. The key benefits of an on-going professional development for employees within
the company can include enhanced productivity as well as increased knowledge. It also helps in
boosting their overall job satisfaction because when they perform more effectively, they gain
more confidence which further leads to an increase in their motivation levels (Professional
Development Training: A Win for the Entire Team, 2020).

Wagamama restaurant offers its employees regular training and development
opportunities to its employees so that they get a chance to enhance their skillset because they are
the ones who represent the company. Continuous Professional Development helps the company
in becoming more appealing and thus, offer better services to the customers. This further leads to
the company gaining a larger base of customers who are loyal to it. On-going professional
development is most important for the employees as it acts as a value add on the CVs which can
help them in future while searching for a new job (Cruess, Cruess and Steinert, 2018). They can
keep their overall qualifications update and thus, stand out from others. Also, when the staff
members attend a training program, they get a chance to interact as well as network with each
other which can lead to new and improved career opportunities.
The government is also considered to be a stakeholder for an organization and it can
benefit from continuous professional development of the employees (Tinkler and et. al., 2018).
This is because a highly trained and skills staff can help the company in meeting the demands as
well as expectations of the customers, both nationally as well as internationally. This further
helps the government of the nation in generating large revenues. It also helps the government in
implementing new systems within the country. On-going professional development can be
broadly divided into two categories, formal and informal work-related CPD. An organization can
make itself more appealing with the implementation of on-going professional development. This
is because it will ensure that standards across the organization consistent as well as high. As a
result, the staff is committed and engaged in their respective jobs.
Continuous Professional Development can also be beneficial for the employer as it
promotes a greater workforce engagement (Erickson and Pinnegar, 2017). Also, employees get
an opportunity to contribute effectively to the team in the decision-making process within the
workplace. Also, CPD assists the employees to advance in their respective careers and thus,
move to new positions where they can lead and manage teams of their own. Not only this, the
process also helps in developing a deeper understanding of the different tasks that staff members
within a company are expected to do and develop skills accordingly. Therefore, it is very
important to practice on-going professional development for both organization as well as its
employees. This was the company will be able to satisfy the needs of the customers in the most
efficient way.

P2 Investigate professional employer expectations of skills and competencies within a specific
organization
Professional employers within an organization expect the candidates applying for vacant
jobs at the company to have certain important skills. Wagamama Restaurant is one of the leading
restaurant chains in the United Kingdom and thus, employers within the company look out for
candidates who have the following skills –
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – Both teamwork as well as interpersonal skills are
important skills that employers expect individuals to have (Grubenmann and Meckel, 2017).
Employers expect their team members to be comfortable in working with each other while doing
their respective jobs. Organizations today promote team work in their workplace in order to
enhance the overall skills as well as productivity of their teams. When members within a team
work collectively, they combine their respective skills and knowledge in order to attain desired
output.
Communication Skills – Both verbal as well as written skills are required by almost all
jobs today as they help the employees of an organization to communicate with the customers
effectively. Therefore, understanding proper grammar, spelling and punctuation etc. are essential
requirements that employers within an organization look for. If a candidate finds it difficult to
communicate effectively, their chances of getting a job with Wagamama Restaurant is difficult.
This is because the company lays importance on effective communication skills as the
employees have to address the needs as well as concerns of customers.
Problem-Solving – Organizations can come across sudden problems or situations any
time, which is why employers expect the candidates to possess problem-solving skills (Harden
and Loving, 2019). Whenever a problem will arise, employees will be able to resolve the
problem before seeking help from their team leader or manager. These skills are important
because they help an individual in controlling any potential risks that can affect the overall
performance of the company. Also, they can find an innovative and creative solution to a
problem.
High Level of Integrity – Integrity can be defined as doing the right thing like being
honest, presenting the work on time etc. Employers expect a high level of integrity from the
employees. This is one of the most importance competencies that employers of Wagamama

Restaurant expect from the employees because those who work with integrity are trustworthy
and more reliable as compared to other employees. Therefore, candidates who apply for a job
within an organization should be consistent with their work and communicate openly.
Time Management – Employees in all organizations are expected to finish a certain
amount of work within a time frame. In order to do this effectively, it is important to have time
management and organizing skills (Helmich and et. al., 2017). The employers of Wagamama
Restaurant expect the potential employees to be efficient and organized in their work. This not
only helps in completing the task on tie but in a structured manner as well. Employers of the
respective company do not expect the employees to be wasting their time and socializing with
co-workers during office hours.
Passion and Attitude – This is another important skill that employers of the respective
company seek in the potential employees is passion and attitude towards their work
(Competencies Employers Want, 2020). Candidates who apply for a job at Wagamama
Restaurant are also screened for their attitude, if its positive or lethargic. The employers do not
want people who have a negative attitude towards their co-workers and customers.
LO 2
P3 Assess own abilities, skills and competences for a specific job role
I have an experience of working with a small restaurant business as a restaurant
supervisor, wherein I was responsible for overseeing the different advertising and
communication campaigns on television as well as social media, exhibitions as well as
promotional events (Hong, Greene and Lowery, 2017). The job provided me with various
opportunities of working as part of a team. I was able to work effectively and complete tasks that
were provided to me well within the deadline. I have good communication skills, both written as
well as verbal because I had to interact and network with a lot of people as a part of my job. I
also possess time management skills and have a habit of organizing and scheduling my time as
per the importance of tasks provided to me. Apart from this, as a restaurant supervisor I had to
oversee that all restaurant operations were carried out in an effective manner and that the staff
was properly trained. I had to make sure that all the employees within the restaurant complied
with the different safety regulations relating to food and health and that the complaints of the
customers were resolved..

Whenever I am given a task, I put in a of hard work and all my efforts in getting it
complete in the most efficient way. I was once working as part of promotions team in order to
promote a newly launched product from the company. I was responsible for carrying out market
research in order to get an understanding of the different market trends as well as creating
awareness about the brand in order to attract as many customers as possible. When the campaign
for product promotion was over, our team leader provided feedback to each ember of the team
regarding their performance. I was told to have effective research skills and a good
understanding of the product that was to be promoted in the market. But the team leader also told
me that although I have good communication skills, I should still work upon them I order to
enhance the overall way in which I speak.
I also possess a high level of integrity which means that I work with honesty and can be
relied on for any task. Also, I am able to build long-term and healthy relationships with the
suppliers as well as clients. I was sometimes asked to interact and collaborate with the managers
in order to prepare budgets and monitor expenses. The manager of our team used to involve all
his team members during the process of decision-making. We were encouraged to put forward
our views and share thoughts as well as feedbacks (Kyratsis and et. al., 2017). This helped me in
enhancing my motivation as well as confidence levels. Therefore, I possess creativity skills and
also have an innovative way of approaching a problem as well as finding solution to it.
Also, working as part of a team helped me in acquiring skills that not only helped me in
performing well, but will also be a great value add on to my CV. Creativity is a skill that almost
all companies seek while hiring candidates and I possess creative thinking skills. The skills will
be helpful in finding solution as well as in coming up with a new and innovative ideas. I am a
competitive and a hardworking individual who prioritizes the work assigned without
procrastinating it. Also, being able to connect and network with other has helped me gain their
trust, although I need to work upon my presentation skills as well as knowledge about the latest
technology. This was also one of the feedbacks given to me by the team leader.
P4 Review a range of learning theories and approaches used for personal and professional
development processes
Many theories and approaches have been developed over the years relating to learning.
Most of the theories that are developed explain the importance of learning and how is it

conveyed from one person to another (Lawson and et. al., 2017). Learning can take place both
formally as well as informally, as part of a group, mentoring, coaching, self-learning etc. The
different theories as well as approaches for personal and professional development processes are
explained below –
Theories
Behaviorism – This is a learning theory that is based on the assumption that an
appropriate behavior can be taught to individuals through continuous repetition of a particular
task along with feedback. If an individual is offered positive feedback, they will listen to it
carefully and work upon the same in order to succeed (Mylrea, Sen Gupta and Glass, 2017). On
the other hand, continuous negative feedback can bring down the overall motivation levels of
employees and discourage them from working effectively. This theory views the learners as
blank slates who should be provided with experience. Also, changes in the behavior of an
individual is acquired through association between responses as well as stimuli.
Cognitivism – This theory is concerned with role that the mind of a person plays in
processing the learning as well as developing opportunities. Cognitivism theory of learning does
not pay focus on the observed behavior. It is based on the assumption that environmental
conditions play an important role in facilitating learning among individuals. Learners are viewed
as information processors under this theory and focuses on the internal processes as well as
processes that take place during learning. This theory encourages the learners to explore the
learning material and built deeper understanding of the same. As a result, the individuals develop
effective problem-solving skills as well as long-term learning.
Approaches
Coaching – This is an important and commonly used approaches to learning that
basically focuses on improving the overall performance of an employee. This is typically used as
an approach for personal development of an individual working within an organization. Many
organizations have external coaches, mainly for employees who work at a higher position
(Olausson, 2017). Wagamama restaurant has coaches within its workplace and sometimes the
managers of the company act as a coach to their respective team members. They provide
guidance and support to them whenever there is a need. This helps in improving their overall

morale as well as contribute to their personal development. As a result, they are more focused
and engaged in their jobs.
Consultancy – Consultants pay an important role in an organization as they assist
employees by being an educator, facilitator and a resource. Wagamama restaurant has
specialized consultants who help employees both newly hired as well as already existing ones.
They are responsible for enhancing the overall learning within the workplace through the
application of principles of psychology. The consultants work closely with the management of
Wagamama restaurant and help the solve common issues relating to the business. This is done
through reorganization and elimination of unnecessary issues as well as finding solutions to the
same. Respective company hires consultants for specific projects. Consultants help the
employees within the organization by advising them regarding particular tasks and issues that
they may come across.
LO 3
P5 Construct a development plan to enhance chosen skills and competencies
A professional development plan outlines the goals, competencies, required skills and
objectives that an individual need in order to accomplish his/her desired goals and objectives. It
also contributes to the overall improvement as well as career development of the person (Provan,
Dekker and Rae, 2018). It is important to have a professional development plan because it helps
in identifying skills that a person needs to develop in order to move forward in their respective
careers. The plan not only supports professional development of the individual but personal
development as well. A professional development plan in order to earn a job of restaurant
supervisor is described below -
S.
No.
Learning target Present
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria for
Judging
Attainment
Time Scale
1. Presentation
Skills
7 9 An individual can
improve overall
presentation skills
by practicing
effectively before
delivering a
Managers and
Team Leaders
30 days

presentation and
attending
presentations by
other speakers
(Rasmussen and
et. al., 2018).
Notes should be
jotted down and
referred to while
preparing for own
presentation. The
individual should
also have an
understanding of
the audience
because this will
help in delivering
effective
presentations.
Also, the speaker
should have a
positive body
language and a
confident way of
speaking because
this will help in
keeping the
audience attentive
and engaged
during the
presentation.
Also, the
presentation
should include
easy and
understandable
language.
2. Communication
Skills
9 10 Communication
skills plays an
important role and
contribute to the
overall learning as
Managers and
Colleagues
20 days

well as personal
development.
These skills can
be developed by
interacting with
people and
attending online
classes. The
individual should
use easy to
understand
language rather
than using a
complex one.
Reading books
about different
cuisines should be
made a habit and
relying on visual
aids should be
avoided most of
the times. One of
the other ways of
improving
communication
skills is to
develop listening
skills and
maintain eye
contact while
speaking to
someone.
3. Knowledge of
latest technology
8 9 It is important to
have knowledge
about the latest
technology and in
order to enhance
the same, an
individual should
read technical
books and try
gaining as much
Team Leaders
and
Colleagues
50 days

information as
possible. Also,
expertise
knowledge should
be developed.
This is because it
will help in
gaining the
required job role
as most
organizations pay
focus on the
individual having
proper knowledge
about technology.
Therefore, in order to get a job of restaurant supervisor, it is important for me to develop
and enhance my overall knowledge about various skills (Ritacco Real and BolĆvar BotĆa,
2018). And before doing that it is important to first understand the job requirements of the
particular position. I must work upon my weak skills in order to become better at them and gain
expertise in the same. Apart from this, I can also make use of a professional development plan as
it will help me in attaining my personal as well as professional goals and objectives. Also, it can
be referred to in future as it is in written form.
LO 4
P6 Undertake a job interview for a suitable service industry role
Why would you like to become a restaurant supervisor?
I am really passionate about hospitality industry more specifically restaurant. I am
excited to work as a restaurant supervisor and manage different activities of this restaurant. I
have required skills and knowledge to become a restaurant supervisor. I have capability to
implement new and innovative strategy that will assist in growth of restaurant.
What kind of skills you possess you think are required in this role?

I have different skills that will support in perform role and responsibility of restaurant
supervisor. My effective communication skills will help in delegating task to different employees
in correct manner and resolving their issues. This skill will also support in developing strong
relationship with customer. Organizational and management capability will assist in managing
and controlling different activities of restaurant and increasing productivity of staff members.
What previous experience do you have in relation with this position?
I have 3 years of working experience in this position and my last working experience
have significant impact on my performance. In that role my major responsibility to
communication with customer and collect their feedback in order to enhance performance of
restaurant as well as enhance experience of customers. I have to manage day to day activities of
restaurant staff member for increasing performance.
What do you think your weaknesses are?
Sometimes I get very impatient when activities does not work according to plan and
colleagues or employees are not able to match with my expectations. I am quite strict when it
comes to working and expect employees finish work in set deadlines. This affect my relationship
with employees.
P7 Review key strengths and weaknesses of an applied interview process
As per the above interview some of my strength and weakness are determined. In this
different challenges and obstacles that affect my performance as restaurant supervisor has been
determined. My strengths and weaknesses are mention below –
Strength – Proper knowledge about cooking and restaurant sector can be consider as my
strength. Communication skill and active listening skill support in enhancing my performance as
restaurants manner as well as conduct job role in more creative manner (Sherwood and
O’Donnell, 2018). Good listening helps in understanding demand or feedback of customers and
communication skill support in developing strong relationship with customers. I have strong
team work skills and along with this ability to create effective team. This skill support in
improving capability of staff member and help employees in enhancing performance.

Weakness – I consider my major weakness is time management skills. This lead to affect
my work and performance. I am working to enhance my time management skills. Lack of these
skill affect decision making process. I always critically evaluate each and every aspect before
taking decision and this is very time-consuming process. Due to this I consider fast decision
making and managing time in proper manner is my major weakness.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it can be concluded that professional development is an important
component that helps employees within a company to acquire necessary skills and knowledge.
This not only helps them professionally but is also a value add on in their respective CVs. There
are many benefits of on-going professional development for the different stakeholders in an
organization like employees, customers etc. The benefits can include acquiring important skills,
getting an opportunity to interact and network with each other etc. Also, professional employers
expect various skills and competencies from candidates applying for a job within the
organization. Lastly, in order to earn a desired job within an organization, it is important for an
individual to work on his/her weaknesses and become an expert in the same. Overall,
professional development contributes to the success of an individual in their respective
workplace.

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Online
Competencies Employers Want. 2020. [Online]. Available through:<
https://www.studentmentor.org/blog/2010/11/what-and-employer-wants/ >.
Professional Development Training: A Win for the Entire Team. 2020. [Online]. Available
through:< https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/management-tips/professional-development-
training-a-win-for-the-entire-team>.