Professional Development for Strategic Managers: Skills Review

This report evaluates the personal and professional skills of an HR manager at the Ritz Carlton hotel, focusing on skills essential for leadership and strategic goal achievement. The report utilizes methods such as checklist skill reviews and rating performance scales to assess time management, problem-solving, communication, coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills. It includes tables and figures illustrating skill evaluations and a personal development plan. The analysis identifies strengths and areas for improvement in order to support the strategic direction of the organization. The report emphasizes the importance of skills such as effective communication, problem solving, and time management in the context of a competitive business environment. The report also includes an analysis of learning styles, a SWOT analysis, and a personal development plan, with the ultimate goal of enhancing leadership capabilities and contributing to the success of the organization by ensuring that team members perform their duties effectively.

UNIT 2: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR
STRATEGIC MANAGERS
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
REVIEWAND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Contents
I. INTRODUCTION 1

EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
1.1 Use appropriate methods to evaluate personal skills required to achieve strategic goals
1
1.2 Apply techniques to assess the professional skills required to support the strategic
direction of the Organization. 4
2.1 Carry out the skill audit to evaluate the strategic skills needed to meet current and future
leadership requirement 6
2.2 Apply appropriate techniques to identify preferred learning style 7
3.1 Construct a personal development plan that meets leadership development requirements
identified in the skill audit 8
3.2 Use suitable methods to assess the outcomes of personal development plan against
personal work objectives. 9
3.3 Evaluate the impact of own learning against the achievement of strategic goal 10
II. CONCLUSION 11
III. REFERENCES 11
IV. Apendices 12
Tables and figures
Table 1: Evaluation of Time management Skills
Table 2: Evaluation of problem Solving skills
Table 3: Evaluation of Communication Skills
Table 4: Evaluation of Coaching and Mentoring Skills
Table 5: Evaluation of Leadership and Management Skills
Table 6: SWOT analysis
Table 7: VAK Model Framework
Table 8: Scores of VAK Model Framework
Figure 1: My Preferred learning style
Table 9: My personal Development Plan
Table 10: Outcomes of Personal development plan
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
I. INTRODUCTION
This report aims to evaluate my personal and professional skills which are essentially needed in
being an individual in leadership or managerial role. As presently I am working as the human
Resource (HR) manager at one of the most famous hotels of United Kingdom (UK) named as
Ritz Carlton and managing the team of 300 members.
As it is established from Moon, (2013) that in order to gain the success in the competitive
business environment, only managers or leaders are the key persons who are able to recommend
an appropriate business strategy for its corporation and leads it to the success. Henceforth, in
order to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of being associated with the given position, I will
have to develop number of skills and competencies. Thus, evaluation of my personal and
professional skills are presented as follows
1.1 Use appropriate methods to evaluate personal skills required to achieve
strategic goals
It is widely accepted that the time management, problem solving and verbal and written
communication skills are some of those personal qualities which are immensely required to
achieve the strategic goals. Thus, with the help of these skills only, I had been able to direct my
efforts with regard to leadership as well as manage employees of Ritz Carlton hotel in an
appropriate manner.
Henceforth, in order to acquire the strategic goal of my organization which is to ensure that my
team members are performing their duties effectively and dutifully; I will evaluate my above
mentioned skills with the help of checklist skill review method which helps me highlighting my
strengths and shortcomings. Through this method, I prepare the list of all the characteristics
which defines these key skills. Then, I will put the check mark in front of the respective
characteristic to acknowledge that I am confident doing that, needed improvement or not at all
confident. Thus, in this way, I will be able to find out my strengths and areas of improvement
which later helps me developing action plan related to learn these skills. In addition, I will be
able to assess that whether I am going on the right direction or not.
The illustration is presented below in Table 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
Table 1: Evaluation of Time management Skills
Skills I’m really
confident I can do
this
Not entirely
sure –I could
still improve.
I really need
to work on
this.
I am able to organize my time so that I
comfortably meet all my deadlines for my
tasks

I seek help or support from higher
authorities if I have difficulty completing a
task

I keep a diary or calendar so that I always
know when I have to order stock, manage
staff, meet staff and prioritize tasks

I arrive on time to work, appointments and
meetings

I am aware of the things that cause me to
waste time and am able to avoid them
when I have
work to complete

I have future targets in mind regarding my
career and use these to help me focus on
current tasks

Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited
The above given table gives explanation about my time management ability. Thus, this depict
that I am able to perform my work within a given deadline. However, I still believe that I have to learn a
lot many things with respect to manage my work effectively. For example, maintaining register.
In this context, (presented in table 1), I had analyzed that being HR manager of firm I
possess some of good time management skills apart from some areas of improvements which
enables me to organize, prioritize and plan my given tasks. In addition, by using these skills, I
had given direction to the employees of hotel appropriately as a result of which, strategic goal of
firm can be met. However, I need to seriously work on possible hurdles and interesting
diversions that cause me to waste time and lose focus.
Table 2: Evaluation of problem Solving skills
Skills I’m really
confident I can
do this
Not entirely
sure –I could
still improve.
I really need
to work on
this.
I am able to use different methods for
exploring a problem.

I am able to consider a range of alternative
solutions to a problem

I am able to work productively with others to 
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
solve problems
I know how to find out what is expected of
me in a particular task

Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited
The given table is giving the description about the problem solving skill. Here, I felt
myself very confident when I have to search different type of problems. For the purpose to
perform this, I take help from number of method. But, I still need to learn the ways to resolve the
problem while working in a team.
Thus, it is learnt from the above table that with the help of problem solving skill, I can
resolve all the problems which are creating hurdles in the process of attaining the tactical goal of
hotel. It establishes that, I am good in identifying possible solution to the problem; however, I
need to work on enhancement of team work and would be able to solve problems for others.
Thus, with the use of given skills, I can attain the Ritz Carlton strategic goal of delivering high
quality services to customers effectively
Table 3: Evaluation of Communication Skills
Communication skill is needed in order to transfer information about the company to the
respective employees appropriately (Nicholls, 2014). Following is the assessment of my
communication skills.
Skills I’m really
confident I can
do this
Not entirely
sure –I could
still improve.
I really need
to work on
this.
In staff meetings, I listen to others and I
value and respond to their contribution
even if I do not agree

I am confident that I can contribute ideas
and opinions to a group projects

I think of relevant follow-up
questions as people are speaking
and ask them once they have
finished

I am confident in explaining new
concepts to other people

I am confident in giving a presentation to
my peers

I am confident in conducting staff
appraisals and staff interviews

I am confident that I can structure
reports, record minutes of meetings,
maintain other relevant

Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
The table depicts that I actively listen all the things which has been discussed within the
company meetings. This entail that I have good communication skill. But, I face the major
difficulty when I will have to confront my problem in front of large number of people. However,
I felt very confident when I will have to give explanation regarding any concept to other people.
Thus, it is learnt from the above table that since, communication skills are immensely needed in
an effective manager or leader, therefore I needed to seriously work on acquiring them. Though I
am good at listening and give value to others comments but needs to work on improving verbal
and written communication skills.
1.2 Apply techniques to assess the professional skills required to support the
strategic direction of the Organization.
In order to support the strategic direction of the organization, develop and share mission and
vision with the stakeholders, build an effective and competent workforce for the organization,
the manager need to present an effective coaching and mentoring and leadership and
management skills (Moon, 2013). The evidence of my competence towards these above
mentioned skills will be presented in the following table 4 and 5 respectively and will be
evaluated through rating performance scale method. In this method, I will assess the outcome of
my own professional skills on the four point scale criteria such as 4 means exceptional
performance, 3 means moderate performance, 2 means good performance and number 1 means
bad performance.
Table 4: Evaluation of Coaching and Mentoring Skills
Coaching and
Mentoring
Skills
Evidence Rating
of 0-4
Personal style I build rapport and establish trust 3
I maintain confidentiality 4
I am committed to the development of people 3
Giving
feedback
I give constructive feedback 3
I help people to gain new insight 4
Questioning I always try to give specific example 2
I question and probe others to understand problems fully 2
I use questions to help others review their progress. 1
Strategic
Objectives and
Direction
I help others to set clear and achievable goal 4
I encourage others to work towards challenging professional and personal
development goals
3
I set goals which ensure that people continue to develop new knowledge
and skills
4
Active
Listening
I balance the amount of talking and listening 4
I listen carefully and give full attention 1
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
when talking to others, I frequently clarify and check understanding 4
Flexibility I am open to new idea 4
I stimulate people to use their creativity and explore different solutions 4
I help people to find their own solutions rather than telling what to do 4
Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited
The above table give description about the ways which I have used for the purpose to
improve to evaluate my coaching and mentoring skill. Here, with an aim to do the same I have
used different criteria such as active listening, personal style, questioning and giving feedback
etc. I have given rating to these criteria on 1-4 scale.
Thus, it is learnt from the above table that I possess some of satisfactory coaching skills;
however I need to work on some more key areas such as active listening and questioning. I have
also realized that with the help of given skill, I can maintain an effective relationship with my
employees. Thereby, I can get information about the problem which is being faced by them.
Here, by working upon the assessed problem, I can enhance the satisfaction level of employees
and coach them effectively. Through this way, I can meet the strategic goal of my organization.
Table 5: Evaluation of Leadership and Management Skills
Leadership and Management Skills Rating of 0-4
I am confident in persuading and motivating my team in order to make things
happen
3
I am supportive of my team members in times of need 4
I am good at delegate tasks to employees with appropriate skills set 2
I am clear about what direction I need to give in times of change 2
I readily accept responsibility for mistakes and wrong decisions 4
I can plan, organize and execute tasks as per the set objectives 2
Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited, modified by author
In this table, I have carried out the evaluation of my leadership and management skills.
For this purpose, I have set different criteria. In this regard, I have assessed that being a leader I
prove very supportive to my team mates. However, I believe that I always proved ineffective
when I will have to give direction to my team mates. In addition to this, I also believe that I
should work upon my organizing skill.
Hence, it is evident from the table 5 that I seriously need to enhance my leadership and
management skills. Though, I am supportive of my team with their queries and come out with
the remedy as well, but there are some areas which need to be addressed.
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
2.1 Carry out the skill audit to evaluate the strategic skills needed to meet current
and future leadership requirement
It is an undoubted fact that in order to meet current and future requirement, firstly, it is important
to evaluate current strengths and weaknesses and establishes possible threats and opportunities
that could affect future plans. Henceforth, I have carried out my own skill audit with an aim to
perform the same.
The evidence is presented in table 6a
Table 6a: Skills Audit
Key: 4= very Confident, 3= Quite confident, 2= somewhat Confident, 1= Not at all confident
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
Source: Stella Cottrell (2015) Skills for success, Macmillan publishers limited
The skill audit table provides description about the different type of skills which I
possess. The skills which are assessed consists of communication, problem solving and time
management etc. Here, different sub points have been created with regard to all the skills. In
addition to this, I have also given rating to the above mentioned skill in 1-4 scale. Here, I have to
work upon those skills which are rated 1.
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Skills Required
Time and Self Management
I am able to organize my time so that I comfortably meet all my deadlines for my tasks 4
I seek help or support from higher authorities if I have difficulty completing a task 2
I keep a diary or calendar so that I always know when I have to order stock, manage
staff, meet staff and prioritize tasks 2
I arrive on time to work, appointments and meetings 4
I am aware of the things that cause me to waste time and am able to avoid them
when I have work to complete
3
I have future targets in mind regarding my career and use these to help me focus on
current tasks
2
Problem Solving
I am able to use different methods for exploring a problem, such as considering
different points of view or options
2
I am able to consider a range of alternative solutions to a problem and predict the
best one in the given circumstances
2
I am able to work productively with others to solve problems 1
I know how to find out what is expected of me in a particular task 2
Communication skills
In staff meetings, I listen to others and I value and respond to their contribution even
if I do not agree
2
I am confident that I can contribute ideas and opinions to a group projects 2
I think of relevant follow-up questions as people are speaking and ask them once
they have finished
2
I am confident explaining new concepts to other people 2
I would be confident in giving a presentation to my peers 2
I am confident in conducting staff appraisals and staff interviews 1
I am confident that I can structure reports, record minutes of meetings, maintain
other relevant administrative records effectively
1

EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
Moreover, I have taken assistance from the tool such as SWOT analysis as the acronym says that
it helps analyzing my strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in order to meet my
personal and professional present and future goals.
I have used this tool or method as it helps me developing my personal development plan to
inculcate necessary personal and professional skills audited above in table 1,2,3,4 and 5. In
addition, it helps me identifying and enlisting my strengths which I can use to overcome my
weaknesses with regards to opportunities and current and future professional job requirements
given to me whilst considering calculated risks and threats that could influence my plans.
The application of the same is depicted in the following table 6:
Table 6b: SWOT analysis
Strength
 I am good communicator.
 I am able to resolve the problem of an
individual in an effective manner.
 I have good listening skill.
 I manage my time in most effective
manner I am flexible and eager to learn new
skills
Weakness
 I find difficulty in managing and
leading people
 I do not have good interpersonal skill.
Opportunity With the number of years of
experience and my eagerness to work
and undertake challenges, I may got
promotion in my role
Threat
 The rapid flux of technology, such as
continuously changed management
information system, language,
transcripts etc.
Source: author’s work
The above table 6 explicitly explains the evaluation of my different strategic skills which
I require for the purpose to attain the current and future leadership requirement of Ritz Carlton
hotel. The table is giving brief explanation regarding the skill in which I felt strong. However, it
is also showcasing my weak points too. Here, along with the weak points the table is also
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
depicting the different opportunities which I can avail with an aim to work upon my weaknesses
in an effective way.
For example, in order to meet the current leadership requirement, I will require good
communication skill. This is because, as with the help of this ability only, I will be able to direct
my efforts with regard to communicate all the essential things of enterprise to the respective
workers. Thus, through this way only, tactical goals and objectives of hotel will be met (Tams,
2008). However, it has been evaluated that in order to fulfill the future leadership requirement of
hotel, I will require good time management and interpersonal skill. This is because, with the use
of given skill, I can be able to lead and manage the team of hotel in an effective way. Thus,
through this way, I can accomplish my all roles and responsibilities related with the hotel HR
manager position in an effective way both at present and in future.
In addition, it is also learnt from the table 6 that with regards to my current professional job role,
I have an opportunity to get promotion and can be given a chance to lead bigger team with raised
salary and attractive monetary incentives needed to survive prosperously. At the same time, there
are also some unavoidable threats that should be taken care of diligently. For instance, there is a
flux of continuously changing technology that influences each and every aspect of business
activity. Thus, compliance to technological skills is crucial to undertake future challenges and
job security.
2.2 Apply appropriate techniques to identify preferred learning style
With an aim to identify my own preferred learning style, I have taken help from the National
Occupational standard for management and leadership criteria based on the VAK model. This
model suggests that every individual learns through 3 different ways which are as the acronym
depicts: visual (Learn by seeing), auditory (learn by listening) and kinesthetic that is learning by
touching or doing things.
Henceforth, I have developed and undertake VAK model frame work, attempted questions
through rating score method, illustrated in table 7 and 8, (Please see appendix A and B) and have
analyzed that my preferred style is visual based which is evident in figure 1
Figure 1: My Preferred learning style
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EDSML level 7: Unit 2 Pooja Ben Gandhi
Source: Author’s work
Thus the above table 9, depicting VAK analysis from the table 7 and 8 (See Appendices A and
B) framework model explicitly demonstrates that my preferred style is mainly visual and
auditory based. Hence, based on these results, I acknowledged that since I can learn using visual
presentation and listening instructions better, therefore I can work on my weakness areas (skills)
highlighted in SWOT analysis through this method. In addition to this, with the help of VAK
model, I have also analyzed that I prefer to learn new skill in reading and writing format (Killian,
2010).
3.1 Construct a personal development plan that meets leadership development
requirements identified in the skill audit
As highlighted in skill audit (table 6), I have identified following as my areas of improvements
and useful personal and professional skills which I will need to address to fulfill my managerial
and leadership role not only for my current job position but also with regards to future
expectations. As such, it is established, that these skills are highly needed in professional roles.
 Problem solving/Conflict management skills
 Communication Skills – Oral and Written
 Leadership and Management skills
 Information communication technology (ICT) skills
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