Personal and Professional Development Plan for Travelodge Managers

This report presents a comprehensive personal and professional development plan tailored for managers at Travelodge hotel. It begins by assessing self-managed learning approaches, highlighting the benefits for both individuals and the organization. The report then delves into the evaluation of current skills and competencies against professional standards, identifying development needs in areas like time management, collaborative working, and analytical skills. It outlines specific development opportunities to meet current and future needs, including strategies for implementing and documenting the development plan. The report also addresses solutions to work-based problems, effective communication styles, and the use of time-management strategies, concluding with a critical reflection on learning and plan updates. The report emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and its impact on enhancing knowledge, employability, and overall job satisfaction. The report provides a detailed framework for personal and professional growth within the context of the hospitality industry.

Personal and
professional
development plan

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1 ..........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Assessing approaches of self managed learning..............................................................1
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning should be encouraged..................................................2
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals as well as Travelodge........................3
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................4
2.1- Evaluate own current skills and competencies against professional standards
organisational objectives........................................................................................................4
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities which are required to meet them.. 4
2.3 Identifying development opportunities for meeting current as well as future needs.......5
2.4 Devising a personal and professional development plan based on the needs identified.. 6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Process and activities required in implementing development plan...............................7
3.2 Undertaking and document development activities........................................................8
3.3 Critical reflection on own learning against original aims and objectives........................9
3.4 Updation of development plan based on feedback as well as evaluation........................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Solutions to work based problems..................................................................................10
4.2 Communicating in a variety of styles and appropriate manner at various levels...........11
4.3 Evaluation and usage of effective time-management strategies.....................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Development is the need of today's fast moving generation. Personal and professional
development is a name given to a concept which deals with overall development of an
individual. Main aim of personal and professional development is to effectively manage own
learning and growth of an individual. It is quite an important tool that helps in increasing and
developing skills and knowledge of an individual (Allen and Penuel, 2015). This report has been
made on basis of Travelodge hotel which is a private sector business concern in hospitality
sector. It is located in Llford, UK . It is a chain of around 400 hotels which is known for its
hospitality services as well as new innovative schemes in holiday packages at very attractive
prices. As per this report, it is important for manager of Travelodge to effectively develop and
manage their self learning skills leading to growth in future opportunities. Furthermore,
professional development plan has been designed by managers for assessing strengths and
weaknesses of its employees. Lastly, interpersonal as well as transferable skills have also been
mentioned here.
TASK 1
1.1 Assessing approaches of self managed learning.
Self managed learning refers to a process which is used by individuals for finding
alternate ways of lifelong learning whether it may be within organisational boundaries or for
their personal and future opportunities. Self managed learning is a process which is used by
individuals for enhancing their learning skills. This concept is highly preferred by business
entities that lay emphasis on developing skills of their employees by means of training and
development. In present scenario, manager undertakes self managed learning for improving his
own efficiency which may further help in timely accomplishment of goals and objectives. Some
important approaches or techniques that help in self managed learning have been stated as under:
Internet: Internet is a quite widely used medium which is accessible by almost everyone.
It acts as an effective tool in improving potential of people at their respective workplaces (Brody
and Hadar, 2015). Through internet, individuals can access a great amount of data and
information on various topics. All this further helps in developing knowledge of an individual
and also makes them successful.
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Conferences and seminars: Conferences and seminars are an effective and constant tool
which keep people updated with current happenings in surroundings. Both these tools provide a
platform to employees where they can present their knowledge and information in front of other
people. Also, it is an important tool for resolving issues and gaining confidence. As knowledge
of employees enhances so does their confidence level also (Bukor, 2015). In Travelodge also,
managers are given a chance to attend seminars and conferences which enhances their morale
level.
Social network: Social media acts as a channel that facilitates interaction between
humans. This further helps in developing self managed learning skills of individuals. Hence, to
receive benefits from social media platform owners and managers of Travelodge hotel always
provide guidance to their employees about using social media and keeping updated with day to
day changes in surroundings.
Above stated are certain tools and approaches that help in developing self managed
learning in employees and further facilitates in timely achievement of goals and objectives.
1.2 Ways in which lifelong learning should be encouraged.
Lifelong learning refers to a voluntary and ongoing learning process which can be used
for both reasons personal as well as professional. It is a quite effective approach which helps
people in achieving their goals and objectives on a timely basis. Furthermore, it also enhances
social inclusion of a person along with self sustainability and competitiveness. This process
keeps changing depending on person to person. This approach is considered by managers of
Travelodge for solving their issues and maintaining a healthy work balance in their organisation.
Importance of lifelong learning has been discussed as under:
It enhances knowledge of employees in Travelodge by well developed career
advancement techniques. It is also responsible for enhancing employability level which further
leads to development of promotion aspects. All these factors combined together lead to
motivation and a developed satisfaction level (Bynum, 2015). Lastly, it can be said that lifelong
learning is an essential approach that aids people in grabbing growth opportunities that are
available in market. There are various methods of Lifelong learning that are available. These
methods have been stated as under:
Continuous professional development: Continuous professional development is a key
technique which is undertaken by managers and employees of Travelodge hotel for enhancing
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their skills as well as knowledge. This approach deals with overall personality development of a
person. Continuous professional development helps employees in assessing their strengths and
weaknesses. CPD has two benefits that is both professional as well as personal growth.
Self directed learning: Self directed learning is an important tool that is undertaken by
individuals for accepting and assessing challengers that are present in competitive market. This
approach enables people to successfully complete challenges without any further guidance or
help (Carpenter and Krutka, 2015). In context of Travelodge hotel, this approach proves to be
very useful whenever managers wish to implement new tools and techniques which will lead to
timely accomplishment of tasks. For enhancing lifelong learning it is important that managers
focus on opportunities that are available and will lead to enhancement of collaborative working
skills of employees. This can further be done by providing them a constructive feedback from
time to time. Also benefits of lifelong learning have been discussed here:
Benefits of Lifelong Learning:
 It helps in improving self confidence of an individual which further leads to growth of his
skills.
 Practical life skills get easier to learn with lifelong learning skills.
 It helps by providing individuals a creative approach and way of doing things. They tend
to learn more and more things at a quite faster pace.
1.3 Benefits of self managed learning to individuals as well as Travelodge.
Self managed learning refers to a structural process which is considered by managers and
leaders for taking necessary actions that help in growth and development of a business. This
process is known to be key factor which helps in timely accomplishment of goals and objectives.
In context of self managed learning, there are basically two benefits which are stated as under:
Benefits for employees: This process is used by individuals for development of skills and
traits that are needed for carrying out operational activities within business premises. Self
managed learning is a flexible process as it helps individuals in developing effectiveness as well
as efficiency while delivering performance in Travelodge. Self managed learning helps
managers so that they can develop ways for dealing with complex and critical situations that
arise unexpectedly in business premises.
Benefits for Travelodge: Self managed learning is quite beneficial for every business
concern as it leads to cost reduction in a business entity. In present context, it helps managers of
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Travelodge by enhancing and developing effectiveness in their skills and knowledge. With this
approach, they can effectively manage activities and operations of their business. When leaders
and managers in a company are effective they aim towards timely completion of tasks assigned
(Cottrell, 2015). This also gives a competitive edge to a business in competitive market by
effective workforce and management.
TASK 2
2.1- Evaluate own current skills and competencies against professional standards organisational
objectives.
Skills of an individual are key factors that differentiate them from other individuals. They
are an essential part of a person's personality (Cruess, Cruess and Steinert, 2016). These are traits
or competence that any person should develop so that they can effectively perform all
professional as well as personal activities. Skill audit is a measure by which assessment of one's
own skills is done. By this assessment, a person comes to know as to which skill is developed
and which skill needs to be developed. Main reason before conducting a skill audit in case of
Travelodge hotel is to evaluate and recognise skills and efficiencies required by staff members
which will help them in timely completing their activities. I have also conducted a skills audit to
analyse my own skills that will help me in growth and development.
Skills and Competencies Score (out of 10)P1 Analyse key factors of cost, market,
environment and competition that drive global commerce
and trade.
Communication skills 8
Collaborative working 6
Analytical skills 7
Decision making 8
Time management skills 7
From the above stated skill audit, it has been assessed that my communication skills and
decision making skills are quite developed. This will help me in maintaining a healthy work
environment and also easily reaching to desired goals and objectives. Also,. It has been found
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out that my analytical skills and time management skills will help in setting standards for my
subordinates and help in timely achieving targets within a specified time frame. Furthermore, I
will also have to focus on developing a personal as well as professional development plan which
will help me in analysing my current set of skills and if they match up with future requirements.
Lastly, I will have to lay emphasis on my collaborative working skills that will help me in
maintaining co-ordination.
2.2 Identification of own development needs and activities which are required to meet them.
Assistant manager in a business concern is responsible for managing operations within a
business entity. In relation to Travelodge, assistant manager is assigned role of maintaining co-
ordination between staff as well as senior managers. For becoming an effective assistant
manager, I should have well developed leadership skills. Basic skills that I need to focus on
improving have been mentioned as under:
Time management skills: Time management is basic necessity of every manager.
Managers should be well aware about behavioural features of employees (Ekanayake and
Wishart, 2015.). By maintaining a record of employees, I will be able to provide responsibilities
to my staff members as their skills. This will also help me in timely achieving all my goals and
objectives.
Collaborative working skills: Leaders and managers should possess certain set of skills
in every business concern. This further helps in timely accomplishment of goals and objectives
within a specified time frame. I can enhance collaborative working skills by way of ascertaining
my strengths and working upon utilising it more. Also, it is essential that I analyse my
weaknesses in relation to communication and leading employees of Travelodge so that I can
ensure that there is no discrepancy in individual as well as collective performances.
Analytical skills: These are essential skills to be effective as a manager in any
organisation. I can develop my analytical skills by adopting certain practices like possessing
positive and optimistic thinking, maintaining emotional stability, collaborative working etc
(Gaudin and Chaliès, 2015). Moreover, maintaining healthy relationship with employees helps in
ascertaining their queries and resolving them within time so as to create a positive atmosphere at
workplace.
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2.3 Identifying development opportunities for meeting current as well as future needs.
Development is a continuous and ongoing process which is used by managers for
enhancing skills of employees, making them competent enough that they can accomplish their
activities in a timely manner. It is most effective and less time consuming process which works
towards development of workforce and employees in a more desirable manner. By this business
concern attain a competitive edge over their competitors and rival firms. Various development
opportunities have been stated as under:
Welfare programmes: Welfare programmes are an impactful and significant tool which
is used by managers of Travelodge for skill development of their employees. In this approach,
employees get trained by their line managers. Furthermore, welfare programmes also help
employees in assessing their potential and making optimum use of it. By considering welfare
programmes, employees are able to work in a more formal and structural way.
Tutorials: Tutorials are yet another important tool which individuals undertake for
improving their set of skills as well as knowledge. This tool helps employees in delivering
standardized performance within a specified time frame. Tutorials also help individuals in
effectively dealing with complex situations which may arise in future. Also, it has been assessed
that due to tutorials and growth programmes will help employees in achieving their desired
performance without any extra variances (Gould and Taylor, 2017).
Team leading: Team leading is an effective tool that will further help me in leading and
providing right direction to my team members while they are performing business operations.
Managers of Travelodge use this technique to keep an eye on employees that if they are
performing effectively without any much discrepancy.
2.4 Devising a personal and professional development plan based on the needs identified.
Personal and professional development plan refers to a strategic means that is used by
individuals for setting their future goals and objectives (PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT PLANS. 2012). These strategies also help in finding skills that lead to skill
development and also help in finding variances between actual and desired proficiencies.
S.
No.
Learning
target
Present
Proficiency
Target
Proficiency
Development
Opportunities
Criteria for
Judging
Time
Scale
6

Attainment
1 Analytical
skills
7 10 I will be able to
develop and improve
my analytical skills by
indulging in
interactive sessions .
These interactive
sessions will help me
in assessing my
positive and negative
qualities.
Managers
and senior
executives
45 days
2 Collaborativ
e skills
6 10 For attaining
efficiency in
collaborative working
skills, i have chosen
attending personality
development
workshops . All these
workshops will give
me ample number of
chances about how to
work in co-ordination
with each other.
Peers and
colleagues
1 month
3 Time
management
skills
7 10 I can improve my
time management
skills by attending
various training
sessions.
Managers
and
colleagues
2 months
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TASK 3
3.1 Process and activities required in implementing development plan.
Strategic planning process of Travelodge is not happening as per planned strategies. My
purpose behind infusing development plan or strategic planning process is to is enhancing my
overall personality to help me work with greater efficiency. So to resolve such issues, I have
designed a development plan that will help me in timely achieving my goals and objectives. As
per my development plan I need to develop my soft skills such as decision making, time
management etc. By undertaking these skills I will be able to innovate new time and cost
effective ways of doing certain tasks.
Goals and
objectives
Short Term Mid Term Long Term
Timely
achievement of
goals and targets.
I need to enhance and
develop my skills.
In mid term, it will help
employees in developing
their skills and talents by
training.
In this part, timely
achievement of goals
and objectives has been
mentioned.
Acquiring more
skills and
knowledge
Here, I need to
enhance my
knowledge so that I
can achieve goals and
objectives.
Knowledge can be
enhanced by training
sessions, seminars etc.
Training helps me in
timely achievement of
goals and objectives.
Learning new
skills and
technologies.
Learning new skills
and technology
improves knowledge.
Working with improved
skills acts as a motivation
channel.
Development of new
and innovative
technology will hep in
timely completion of
tasks
Time required for
performing skills
3 months 7 months 1 year
Outcome of undertaking a development plan for myself are:
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 I was able to achieve all my specific goals and targets within a specific period of time.
 Also I developed new and innovative ways of using latest technology. It was greatly
helpful as it saved costs incurred by me and also saved time.
3.2 Undertaking and document development activities.
Time Period Action
Interpreted
What has been
learnt till now
What is required
to be done next
Estimated time
3 months I have chosen
democratic
leadership style in
my organisation
for practising
effective decision
making.
This will help me
in taking
appropriate
decisions which
are beneficial for
my business
concern.
It is quite useful
when employees
have to go
through training
and development
sessions.
2 months
3 months In this case,
managers need to
adopt
collaborative
working style
which will
develop a
coordinated work
environment.
It helps
businesses in
meeting quality
standards.
In this part, I need
to emphasize on
employees and
their overall
growth and
development.
3-4 months
Critical reflection of the development plan:
As per the above stated development plan it has been noted that I could find certain
strengths and weaknesses. For example, I chose democratic leadership style it had a positive
impact on my working style, I was able to take suggestions and feedback from my subordinates
and it greatly enhanced by productivity and decision making. Using democratic leadership style
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gets quite complicated in a large size organisation as it delays key decisions. Taking feedback
and suggestions from a lot of people delays the entire working of an organisation.
3.3 Critical reflection on own learning against original aims and objectives.
From the above data, it has been evaluated that I will have to regularly analyse and assess
my own skills for maintaining effectiveness in strategy implementation. Some major methods
which are chosen by me have been stated as under:
Critical reflection: It is a basic reasoning process that helps in forming meaning of an
experience. Critical reflection is a quite descriptive , analytical and critical process that can be
articulated in a number of ways that may either be oral , written or expressive ways.
Superior knowledge and experiences: As a manager, I will have to analyse skills of
employees working in Travelodge . For a complete evaluation process, I will even have to assess
their past and present knowledge and experience. This will help me greatly in enhancing their
knowledge and skills that will be a benefit for both, organisation as well as employees.
Motivation: Motivation acts a key tool in every business concern that encourages
employees and also enhances their satisfaction level greatly (Grant, 2017). Managers of
Travelodge use motivation as a tool for encouraging their employees. It also helps in keeping
morale level of employees quite high. Main aim of managers behind practising motivation is
timely achievement of goals and objectives.
Benefits or uses of critical evaluation:
 It is easy to understand both strengths and weaknesses and after analysing weaknesses
they can be turned into strengths by using effective strategies.
 It also helps in analysing the depth of the weaknesses.
3.4 Updation of development plan based on feedback as well as evaluation.
My development plan was not as per desired standards. So to resolve any sorts of errors I
chose taking feedback from my subordinates which will help me in updating my development
plan. Newly updated development plan has been stated as under:
Qualities Feedback Action for
improvement
Required Time period
Developing knowledge
It has been noticed that
I lacked skills and
In this context, I have
decided about
2.5 months
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