Report: Personal and Professional Development at Sainsbury Plc

This report focuses on personal and professional development within the context of Sainsbury Plc, a major UK retailer. It delves into various aspects of self-managed learning, including different approaches and their benefits for both individuals and the organization. The report identifies ways to encourage personal and professional growth, such as self-evaluation and continuous learning, highlighting the advantages of these strategies. It addresses work-based problems, like a lack of coordination, and proposes solutions such as improved communication channels and organizational structure clarity. The report also explores different learning styles to overcome communication issues and outlines effective time management strategies. Furthermore, it examines the alignment of individual skills and competencies with professional standards, identifies development needs, and proposes a personal and professional development plan. The report emphasizes the implementation, documentation, and evaluation of the developmental activities, including updating the plan based on feedback.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning ..................................................................................1
1.2 Ways by which personal and professional learning can be encouraged ..............................2
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation..................................3
4.1 Work-based problems' solution.............................................................................................4
4.2 Learning styles which can help in overcoming issues and communicating..........................5
4.3 Time management strategies.................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Own skills and competencies against professional standards...............................................6
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities for satisfying them........................7
2.3 Identification of developmental opportunities to meet current and future needs..................8
2.4 Personal and professional developmental plan.....................................................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Process and activities required to implement developmental plan.....................................10
3.2 Undertaking and documenting development activities as planned.....................................10
3.3 Evaluating own learning against the set objectives and standards......................................10
3.4 Updating developmental plan as per feedback and evaluation...........................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
.......................................................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is very vital term by which an individual sets
goals, objectives and target for getting success in their future. It can be defined as a process that
helps in increasing skills or knowledge of a person. By this procedure, individual can get their
desired objectives and goals within specified period of time. With the help of this development
process, a person can identify various growth opportunity by which he can develop their
personality (Avalos, 2011). If people will have proper skills or knowledge, then they will
become able to perform their job in an efficient and effective manner because these skills are
required for getting good employment in the market. This project is based on Sainsbury Plc
which is the biggest retailer in United Kingdom. It provides various range of products to their
clients and households. Different self-managed learning approaches and their benefits will be
stated in this project. It will also identify development opportunities by which current and future
needs will be meet and will also provide work based solution so that operation can be carry out
smoothly and effectively. This report will also have defined various time management strategies
by which project can be completed within stipulated period of time.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self-managed learning
There are several kinds of approaches which can be used for managing development and
learning process. As per concept of self-managed learning, individual should analyse their own
strengths or weaknesses so that effective and successful plan can be made (Brody and Hader,
2011). If person will do that then he will be able to reach to his decided destination within
stipulated period of time. There exist various kinds of approaches which can be used by
employees of Sainsbury plc for increasing their skills or knowledge that are described below-
 Visionary approach- As per this framework, an individual should be optimistic that
means should have own vision so that his personality can be developed. It is a best way
for own development because it provides directions to him that what activities should be
done or not so that specified targets can be obtained.
 Meta approach- With the help of this approach, mentality level of people can be changed
so that they can give their response to a particular situation.
1

 Strategic approach- It develops intelligence level of an individual by which he becomes
able to give response in strategic manner to a particular situation.
 Seminars and conferences- Sainsbury Plc company conducts various types of
programmes for their employees so that they will attend this event and will get
knowledge about various new developments (Elliott, 2011).
If chosen organisation wants to enhance the learning process of their employees, then it
can use various kinds of styles that are given below-
(Source 1: Ben Oldman, 2013)
1.2 Ways by which personal and professional learning can be encouraged
In today competitive environment, it is necessary that person should evaluate their
strengths or weaknesses on a regular basis so that he can make himself perfect for getting good
2

job because it will help in increasing confidence as well as communication skills of that person.
Sainsbury Plc company uses following given methods by which adaptability skill of employees
can be enhanced easily that are described below- Evaluation of staff- In order to identify my own strengths and weaknesses, I carry out
self-evaluation process through SWOT analysis by which my capability can be
understood easily. In short, by using this technique, ability or efficiency of an individual
can be enhanced effectively (Hamza, 2010).
 Continuous learning- For increasing team work at workplace, selected organisation
takes various kinds of action that helps the employees to move into same and right
direction and also aids in increasing the learning abilities of workers. In a team, there are
different personalities who have different knowledge and behaviour. If everyone will
work with teamwork, then they will share their new or unique ideas with each other
which will enhance the knowledge level of members by which they will become able to
attain their desired goals and objectives within stipulated period of time. There are
various approaches which can be used by an individual to learn new things which
enhanced their personal and professional development. For instance, different social
media tools such as Facebook, Instagram etc. provide a platform for the people where
they can interact and share their capabilities and knowledge.
 By attending different cultural programs and events an individual can learn new
approaches and increase information and lifelong learning.
1.3 Benefits of self-managed learning to the individual and organisation
Concept of self-managed learning is very beneficial for everyone whether it is an
organisation or an individual. By using this framework, various kinds of factors can be
developed that helps in resolving issues in more appropriate manner. Some advantages to an
individual are described below-
 With the help of this model, employees start to engage themselves in learning process by
which their skills or competencies are enhanced effectively and appropriately.
 After application of this concept, individuals become able to take effective and successful
decision by which all issues, which are coming in their job, can be resolved properly.
3

 With the help of this, person's capability is increased by which he becomes able to
perform his job in an effective and efficient manner (Hopkinson, 2014).
Along with individual benefits, organisation is also get various kinds of advantages that
are described below-
 By having skilled or efficient manpower, productivity of Sainsbury company will also be
enhanced because everyone will perform their job as per specified standards.
 With the application of self-managed learning concept, healthy and positive environment
can be created at workplace which will motivate to the employees to perform their job in
an effective and efficient manner. If they will do so then positive brand image of
company can be created in the market and everyone will prefer to buy its products as
comparison to its rivals.
 Decision making skills one of the most significant to make a decision more effective and
quickly. It is a long term process which required experience and enough knowledge for
an individual.
 Problem solving is another skill where an individual should get training provide an
effective solution for a problem.
4.1 Work-based problems' solution
In today competitive environment, there occurs various types of issues which create
disturbance in business operation (Kumari, 2011). Sainsbury Plc has also to face various
problems like-
Collaborative working- In Chosen organisation, there is lack of coordination among
members that creates hurdles in carrying out business activities smoothly and effectively.
Because if there will not be proper coordination among members then no one will perform their
job as per specified standards than organisation will not be able to reach to its decided
destination within stipulated period of time (Lago, 2010). By having this problem, available
resources will not be utilized in an optimum manner that will enhance the cost of the company.
So for resolving this issue, resources should be utilized in appropriate manner so that existing
issues can be resolved. Apart from this, there are also other methods which can be used by
Sainsbury plc for achieving same that are given below- Development of communication channel- For resolving this issue, it is necessary that
there should be proper communication channel so that everyone can interact with each
4

other effectively and important information can be flowed easily. At present, firm has not
proper channel for for communication which is creating hurdles in the growth and
development of organisation.
 Decrement in confusion- For resolving present issue, it is necessary that every member
should be cleared about organisational structure so that they can carry out their job
accordingly. For removing confusion from members, managers should organise training
programme so that they become familiar with organisational culture and can focus on
their job.
4.2 Learning styles which can help in overcoming issues and communicating
Communication can be defined as a process in which two or more person interact with
each other and shares information. It is very important term that should be present at every
business because without having this, no one can attain their desired result.
In order to remove existing problem at workplace, Sainsbury company can use various
kinds of learning style which will help in achieving the desired result. Every employee have
various kind of personality and they learn things in different method so a manager should use
tools and techniques as per abilities or knowledge of employees so that their skills or experience
can be enhanced. If he wants to adopt new style that can be adopted on the basis of logical,
solitary and verbal because it will assist in satisfying needs or wants of employees by which they
will perform their job as per specified standards (Maskit, 2011).
In order to inform any kind of information to all level, there are availability of different
kinds of channels which can be used by manager of Sainsbury company. For example- If any
information is necessary to share with operational level then direct instructions style can be
adopted. On the other hand, if communication is necessary with top level then analyser or
promoter style can be used for exchanging information with them.
4.3 Time management strategies
Some effective strategies should be followed by the management of retail industry so that
overall work can be performed efficiently. Sometimes, work will not get managed properly and
due to which overall profitability is get hampered and objectives will also not get achieved in
timely manner. There are some time management strategies which play an essential role in order
to manage the tasks as per their deadline and these are explained below:
5

Scheduling: The scheduling approach will be followed by an enterprise is based on some
aspects like nature and market of a business. In this, overall tasks will be scheduled in an
appropriate manner so that deadline can be achieved. Through this, performance can be achieved
in an effective manner and along with this staff member will be able to enhance their knowledge.
Prioritising: This is one of the effective strategy which can be followed by the people of
Sainsbury. In this, the manager set some priorities of each and every task which needs to be
completed in order to attaining the targets. This can lead an organization towards success as all
project can be implemented in an effective manner. If priority of any task is high as compare to
other, then this will be going to complete first as any other work. Through this, overall work can
have performed timely and goals can be achieved.
Get organized: In this type of strategy, manager will be focusing on the mismanagement
at the current retail industry. Due to such kind of management, overall performance of Sainsbury
will get influenced so it is necessary to be focused on organizes the things so that success can be
achieved (McNiff, 2010).
TASK 2
2.1 Own skills and competencies against professional standards
In order to gain specified objectives and goals, I will identify my own strengths and
weaknesses on continuous basis so that I can take corrective action for improving myself. For
this, self-evaluation process will be carried out which can also be known as self-auditing by
which individual will be able to know about their own growth in near future.
Sl.
No.
Skills and Competencies Score Score from
others
Variances
1 Problem solving capacity 7 8 -1
2 Management abilities 6 8 -2
3 Counsellor and listener 8 9 -1
4 Research ability to know about new concepts and
techniques
7 5 2
5 Motivation or influencing power 8 6 2
6

6 Own capabilities and efficiency 8 7 1
7 Quality standards 7 8 -1
8 Good team members 7 7 0
9 Kind of leadership style 8 6 2
Being a manager in Sainsbury Plc company, I require some specific and unique skills or
knowledge in order to perform job in an effective and efficient manner. By analysing own
capability or limitations, my personal details are given below-
Name:
Residence address:
Mail ID:
Telephone number:
Career target: I want to work in that company whereby my skills or knowledge can be
enhanced by learning new different things.
Educational background: Post-graduation in HR and Finance specialization.
Achievements-
 I beg 1st prize in best disciplined girl at college level. Won debate competition in inter college competition.
Experience: I have worked experience of 3 years as a store manager in Sainsbury Plc company.
Capabilities:
 Have good communication and leadership skills.
 Have value of time.
 Adaptability skills because I can adjust myself as per requirement. Have also problem solving ability.
7

Declaration: I hereby that all above mentioned information is written down as per my own
knowledge.
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities for satisfying them
In order to gain competitive advantages over its rivals, every company is focusing on
hiring best qualified and skilled employees so that they can perform their job as per specified
standards and help the company in reaching to its decided destination within stipulated period of
time. So for getting job in popular company, I need to analyse my own strengths against
professional standards so that I can correct myself, if required (Moon, 2013).
I require to fulfil my certain needs by which my own abilities can be developed
effectively and easily that are described below-
 There conduct various kinds of learning events so I should attend that for removing my
weaknesses.
 I should do experiments of my learning so that if there is any mistake that can be
corrected.
Communication skills This is one of the key skills for me so that I can easily
communicate with team members in an effective manner.
Presentation skills I also need an effective presentation skill so that I present any
specific topic in front of top management.
Time management skills Time management one of the major aspects which required to
complete a task in a given period of time.
2.3 Identification of developmental opportunities to meet current and future needs
Development is a part of human life which have to take in account by an individual and
take some essential steps over on them. Future development needs are those which are a
weakness of an individual and on which they want to recover in near future time. Hence, I have
to determine my all current needs and make a list of all such requirement which really want to
achieve in future course of time (Malanga, 2011). Identification of future development need
enable in grab more and more opportunities and facilitate to work in an appropriate manner. This
8

will support in increasing effectiveness and efficiency. To meet with future goals, I have to
concern with several number of activities which are as follow:
 Involvement in more decision making process is an essential thing ion which I have to
work so that my future targets get ascertain in minimum time frame.
 Engage in brainstorming session for increasing the ability of research about new methods
and techniques to perform a task in an appropriate manner.
 Need to attend session so that learn how to motivate others. I have to improve this fact so
that in near future I also get encourage to perform every task in an appropriate manner.
 Use and improve skills so that whole work gets meet with quality standard. As this is
helpful for grabbing more and more future opportunities.
 I also have to work on my leadership style. Currently I am using autocratic style of
leadership but democratic style is more suitable to adopt.
By performing all these things in an adequate manner, I become able to ascertain all future goals
in an appropriate manner. Although these are the basic thing for development in future context of
my own.
2.4 Personal and professional developmental plan
Personal and professional development plan is an essential thing which enable in
measuring that all things are getting done in right direction or not. Along with this it also enables
in analysing the deviations which are taking place in an individual so that they appropriate steps
can be taken to improve them. By providing appropriate and suitable ranking and marks all the
things get determine in an easy manner. Below is the personal and professional development
plan of myself, for analysing all the things in an appropriate manner:
SL.
no.
LEARNING
OBJECTIV
E/GOAL
CURRENT
PROFICIENCY
TARGET
PROFICIENCY
DEVELOP
MENT
OPPORTU
NITIES
CRITERIA
FOR
JUDGING
SUCCESS
TIME
SCALE
EVIDENCE
1 Leadersh
ip style
I am using
autocratic
leadership
Many people
think that this
style is not
Get
knowledge
from
Senior
managers
judgement.
15
days
Top
manageme
nt report.
9