Report: Personal and Professional Development of a Travelodge Manager

This report focuses on the personal and professional development of a Travelodge hotel manager. It begins by defining personal and professional development and explores self-managed learning approaches, including learning via research, the internet, and continuing professional development (CPD). The report highlights the advantages of self-managed learning (SML) for both individuals and organizations, emphasizing benefits such as improved self-awareness, employee engagement, and cost-effectiveness. Task 2 delves into the specific skills required for a Travelodge manager, such as leadership, communication, customer service, and financial management, and identifies areas for development. The report proposes development opportunities within Travelodge, including the skill academy training center. A detailed personal and professional development plan is presented, outlining goals, activities, resources, and evaluation criteria for improving communication and problem-solving skills. The plan includes strategies like attending coaching classes, watching educational videos, and analyzing business case studies to enhance the manager's capabilities. The report concludes with a reflection on the implementation of the development plan and strategies for time management, and suggests communication styles for different levels of the hotel to solve workload problems. The report is a comprehensive guide to professional development within the hospitality sector.

PERSONAL AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Self managed learning approaches...................................................................................1
1.2 encourage life long learning............................................................................................2
1.3 Advantage of self-managed learning................................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Personal development portfolio of Travel lodge manager...............................................3
2.2 Travel lodge manager development need.........................................................................4
2.3 development opportunities in Travelodge Hotel..............................................................5
2.4 personal and professional development plan....................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 implement the development plan...............................................................................................7
3.2. Implement and document the development activities...............................................................8
3.3 Critical refection.............................................................................................................9
3.4 updated development plan..............................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 and 4.2 covered in poster................................................................................................11
4.3 time-management strategies...........................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Personal and professional development is a formal way of learning something new and
update the existing knowledge and skill. It is a continuous learning practice and experience that
helps in carrier growth and improved performance. Present report will articulate the means,
approaches and advantage of self learning. Report also covers the personal and professional
development of Travel Lodge manager along with implementation and critical refection of plan.
Lastly, suggestion will be given to manager for workplace problem and suitable communication
style for different level in hotel. Various time management stargates will help manager to solve
the workload problem as well. Travelodge is a private operating hotel headquartered in UK.
Hotel is known for it's budgeted service. It owned seconds position in the largest budget hotel in
UK.
TASK 1
1.1 Self managed learning approaches
Self learning is a procedure in which, learners take initiative to identify their learning
need, formation of learning objective, diagnose the material and human resources of learning,
adopt and implement the most suitable learning approaches and examine the outcome of learning
process. Learner can take assistance of other or can conduct whole process by themselves.
Different SML approaches are given below:
Learning via research: in this approach, individual can learn by gathering fact about
particular subject. Generally individuals, learn by conduct the systematic study for their area of
interest.
Learning via internet: here, individual take help of technology like videoconferencing,
online tutorials, blogs, audio taps, Virtual Academy and website etc.
Learning via CPD: CPD is the documented process in which employer write down
learning need and goal of employee's , related with future and current job (Bennett,2017).
Other sources: learning also learn by attending official and unofficial work shops,
secondments, media, coaching and monitoring, bulletin boards, interviews, seminars and
industrial links etc.
CDP is most suitable learning approach can be use by Travelodge Hotel. CDP directly
targets to individual learning need which instantly enhance employee morale and motivation.
1

Employees engagement boosts as they feel, taken care of by organisation. Manager also get to
know the exact need of individual in fewer efforts and render personalized training.
1.2 encourage life long learning
Lifelong learning is, self motivated, voluntary and continuous persuasion of knowledge
for personal and professional cause. Travelodge Hotel can encourage lifelong learning by
following methods
Self-direct learning- in self-direct learning, manager cheers individual's learning by
rendering them what they exactly wants. For instance- leader can provide to employee, some
financial assistance, leaves, courses and events, which help them to learn as per their interest.
Recognize the learning- every organization should appraise the outcome of self learning
of individual. Manager can give individual a completion certificates, voucher, achievement
reward, small gift and time off (Thang, Lim and Tan, 2018)
Apprenticeships- in apprenticeships method ,an individual can learn while earn. Here,
employee can receive on job training along with working for Travelodge Hotel. This type of
training focused on industry specific skill and knowledge enhancement. For instance manager
can organize leadership training to an individual in working hours.
Recognition of prior learning- RPL is method which is used by govering authority like
CDP practitioners, leaders, HR managers and traning institutes. Here, manager access the current
qualityfication, skill, expeinace, competnecy, againts specified stnadrads. For instnace Travel
lodge HR managers evlauate the skill of indiviual for supervisor job position, If any
incompetency is recognised by them, they will arragne traning accordingly.
Continuing professional development- it is most widely used tool to encourage life long
learning in company (Graves, 2018). CDP is made by head person after asking the individual's
short term and long term goal. Main reason to implimenet CDP is to enhnace the employee
competency for existing job and future carrier growth.
1.3 Advantage of self-managed learning
Benefit of SML for individual- Employees who pratice SML for their growth get many
direct and indirect benefit. Like their self-awareness, knowldege and learning the new way to
life, self reliance, better confidence, self-conscience, meeting hurdles and objectives, dealing
with uncertainty etc, will be enhance during the whole SML process (Evans and Broome, 2017).
These behavioural and psychological lessons will help them in personal and professional life.
2

Benefit of SML to organisation – self managed learning can help Travel Lodge in better work
environment, innovation, smooth relation with employees, lower employee turn over ratio, less
absenteeism, high employee engagement, less error. An employee whose incompetency is
removed, can perform in better way. Employees motivation and commitment will improve If
they find, their interest is protected by employer. SML indirectly benefits in competitor
advantages and increased market share (Bennett, 2017). For instance, employees who recently
received training on customer relation management skills, they will use this learning in making
harmonious relationship with guest. And guest satisfaction is one of the crucial element in taking
competitor advantage is hospitality industry.
Cost and efficiency of training session can be improved by implement the self managed
learning culture in firm. Like manager formulate personalised training and development
programme, which is far batter than standard training. One fit size can not render the best
solution as every person has different need and expectation. Employee's Creativity also get boost
as they now have deep understanding of their area of interest (Dolmans and et.al., 2015). People
will not leave the organisation if they find enough carrier growth opportunities given by Hotel.
Also, it makes image and goodwill in market by referrals, word of mouth and positive feedback
by employee to friend, family and social circle. These positive image will help firm, to attract the
best talent from market.
TASK 2
2.1 Personal development portfolio of Travel lodge manager
To work as Travelodge Hotel manager in hotel industry one should possess industry
specific skill and competency in order to achieve good position which are as follows:
Leadership skills – managers should know how to influence, inspire and stimulate the team
member to gain desired result. They should have basic knowledge of human physiological
behaviour (Mackay, 2017). Also, manager should know the models, techniques and approaches
to infuse motivation in himself and subordinates in adverse work conditions.
Communication skill – These skills are very much essential because manager has dealt all with
people only. They interact with their staff member and clients both. Communication skill
comprises- good listing, speaking, Empathy, Respect, mindfulness and Feedback etc.
Customer.
3

Detail Oriented – managers should have hyper-vigilant skill to ensure the unbeatable client
experience. They should have knowledge of the current industry trend, empathy, customer need
and expectation, organising skill etc.
Financial management skill – managers should have sound financial arrangement skill as they
are responsible to revenue management, bank deposits, cash flow management, and accounts
payable and receivable (Domac and et.al., 2015). They should know how to make key financials
reports with software and how to intepretate and analyse the given report.
Problem solving skill- leaders should have rational, logical and quick thinking so that he can
find the solution of uncertain situation as soon as possible.
By analysing the above competencies, I found that I am blessed with high detailing skills,
which help me to understand and meet the guest expectation. Also, I have optimum financial
management skill, this help me in trend analysing. But I lack in interpersonal and communication
skills. I have less patience, empathy and understanding. These behaviour incompetencies hamper
my leadership skills (Cottrell, 2017). I am unable to understand the people by their side. I owned
average problem solving skill as sometime I stuck in deep analysing, where quick action is
required.
2.2 Travel lodge manager development need
Skill Development area Method for development
Problem Solving skill To improve my this skill, I will study some real business
case study and try to analyze the solution for that
situation. Also, I will try to engage myself in
management training activities like role playing,
management games etc (Ryan and Deci, 2017). Critical
Thinking Workbook can help me as it stimulate the
critical thinking.
Communication skill I will use online tutorials and coaching classes. I will
also see movies so that I am able to know body
language, responding and eye contact. I will try to use
empathy while having conversation. To correct my
speaking, I will also use blended learning online tool.
4

Blending learning tools render face to face conversation
with tutor on internet.
2.3 development opportunities in Travelodge Hotel
Development opportunities are platform and programme, where individuals try enhance
their capability and current deficiency. There so many development opportunity are available
outside the organisation like Enrolment in certification programmes and formal degrees, attend
the national and international meeting and conference, Conducting research etc. Travelodge
Hotel also taken care of its employee improved efficiency. Travelodge Hotel opened skill
academy training centre (Donelan,2016). This training centre has three stage namely, the
Discoverer, the Traveller and the Adventure. For develop the Problem Solving skill, I will try to
be close to my mentor so that I can know his approach and critical thinking to solve tough
situations. But it is not enough, so I will try to implement the standard problem solving process
on daily basis (Bates, Phalen and Moran, 2016). I will try to in-roll myself in communication
modules, learn vocab and practice. Skill Based Training also given by Hotel, so I am eager to
take participate in these.
2.4 personal and professional development plan
Development
Goal
Priority Activities to
be perform
Resources Target
Start Date
Target End
Date
Criteria for Success
Communication
skill
Very high Attend the
coaching
class, watch
online
educational
video,
practice
speaking in
front of
mirror, learn
Online
learning
tools. Ask
sub-
ordinates
about to
give
suggestion.
01/02/19 01/04/19 Feedback from sub-
ordinates and Clint.
Also, ask to senior
manager to share their
view on learning
outcome.
5

by speaking
of
successful
speakers etc.
Problem Solving
skill
High Try to
understand
the problem,
rite down
the possible
solutions.
Then
implement
and evaluate
the decision.
Case study
reading, ask
manager to
give tips to
solve the
problems.
Try to
stimulate
critical and
logical
thinking by
brainy
games and
activities.
Attend
business
seminars
and
conferences.
I will also
try to
implement
problem
solving
problem my
self by learn
techniques
01/04/19 01/06/19 Measure the time taking
in making problem
decision. Success of
problem solving
training also depend
upon number of
solution can find for one
problem. Take feedback
from various
stakeholders.
6

from
internet.
TASK 3
3.1 implement the development plan
I want to make and implement development to improve my communication and problem
solving skill, so that I am able to match the skill standard set for manager by Travelodge Hotel
high authorities. Following is the process of implement develop plan
Set the objective: first and foremost I will set clear objective and goal, which I want to
achieve. Clear objective will help me to formulate small step, acquire resources and make a blue
print. For this development plan my object is to enhance my two critical skill I.e. communication
and problem solving (Stone,2018). I also take care that my objective will meet the SMART
criteria of goal setting.
Create timeline and set priority: I prefer to choose 2 months for each leaning objective
as I find this time enough for me. Also, would take help of performance and activity tracking
apps in mobile. These help will help in record my growth. I would try to give high priority to
communication skill because I have to greet and meet hotel guest frequently. Problem solving
skill also implement to manage internal management, so I will put it as high priority.
Implement the plan: after finishing up the initial step of implementation process, I
would execute the plan. In this stage, I will take action for activities which are enlisted by me in
“ Activities to be perform” in development plan. Like for problem solving skill, I would take
help of my senior person as they also faced same problem when they were at my position. Also, I
will try to take participation in national and international conference because these works shops
focuses on real life problem facing by the hotel industry (Lee and Choi, 2015). So, if I take
engage myself to get exposer of industry, it will also enhance my awareness and knowledge too.
For communication skill, I not only take help of offline and online classed but I will
practice all the essential act ivies by myself at home.
Evaluation the development plan: without measuring the outcome process, this process
cannot be end up. I know the importance of measure the outcome. I would like to take feedback
7

from person who close to me in workplace. Like customer, peer group, my higher authorities
because these people know my working style on daily basis.
3.2. Implement and document the development activities
Date of
Activity
Activity What's been learned Outcome Further Action
01/02/19 to
01/04/19
Start attending
communication
classes. And, begun
watching online
tutorial, educational
video and movies.
I have learnt that
effective listening
and speaking ticks.
Also, classes boost
up my confidence as
I took participation in
classroom activities.
Online Tutorial
Video helped me in
listening. Now I am
able to concentrate
while having
conversation. I also
learn how to
understand think by
leaving ego and fix
perception behind.
My sentence now
become more precise,
short and
constructive.
Better relationship
with customer and
staff member as I am
now able to
effectively
understand and
deliver my message
to them. Listening
skill help me to build
trust with customer
and improved work
environment.
I will enroll myself
in advance
communication skill
courses, after
completion of basic
one. Also, will try
to attend personality
development
training, seminar
and conference to
flourish my skills as
per my industry.
01/04/19 to
01/06/19
Start to read business
case studies, take
suggestion from
seniors and play
I learn how to
understand the
problem and find
alternative for it.
Problem solving
process, enhances
my understanding for
situation and better
I will try to continue
this practice as I
want to solve more
critical situations.
8

critical thinking
games and activities.
Problem solving
process help me to
look a situation from
different dimensions.
Now I am able to
think about
alternatives and more
solution for one
problem. Now I do
not feel panic,
demotivate by any
situation. I eagerly
welcome tough
conditions, because
now I know how to
proceed a better
decision making.
communication. I am
now capable to risk
handling. This
improvement helps
me in increase the
potential of my team.
Now my staff
members feel more
open to me tell their
problem to me as
find I am able to
think unbiased. Clint
also receive solution
for their problem as
soon as possible.
Brainy games boost
up my concentration
and logical thinking
power.
Also, I will try to
implement the
experience in
personal life too. I
will continue the
training till I ab able
to handle situation
with minimum
effort and fast time.
3.3 Critical refection
Critical reflection is process to define the activities performed by me, measure the
outcome of activities and future improvement regarding that. Critical reflection helped me in self
awareness and surroundings. I also enable me to recognize the area in which I have to put more
effort, in order to attain more efficacious outcomes.
I choosed to go communication classes, which was a very good decision of mine. These
classes helped to remain constant in my efforts. I received lesson from experienced mentor,
which save my time a lot. But sometime I failed to attain classes because of my tight schedule
and high Clint flow (Black, 2015). Watching educational tutorials render me a great flexibility, I
can watch these video any time. These high flexibility also has drawback, that I become lazy
after watching 7-8 videos and movies. As far as concern with problem solving efforts, case study
and manager's guidance helped me lot. These case study was related to hotel industry. So I
9

memorized these techniques for daily uses. Puzzle and brainy game stimulate my thinking
capacity. Problem solving process although assist me a lot, but Is not ideal for problem which
require quick resolution. I felt that I still need to find more way to correct my communication
and problem solving skill. I should not relay on one sources only. Also, i will try to covey my
sinor to render me on job training on these concern, as I do not have much time for make off job
efforts (Radcliffe, 2015). One can learn effectively in real time and working environment. So I
will try to use more piratical approach than academical.
3.4 updated development plan
Dimension Priority Activities to be
perform
Resources Target
Start
Date
Target End
Date
Criteria for
Success
Communicati
on skill
Very
high
Compelling
storytelling, receive
quick feedback from
listener and speaker,
implement the PIP
approach, recognize
the nature of
audience. Record the
voice audio. Attend
the communication
business conference,
workshop, training
session.
Engage more in
communication,
Feedback and
suggestion from
stakeholders.
Implement the
communication
principle in real life.
01/02/19 01/04/19 Feedback
form
customer,
senior and
staff members.
Problem
solving skill
High Use real problems,
recognize the teaching
moments, idea journal
keeping, use mind
maps to Visualize
The problem, Play
Attain Problem
Solving Skills
Training, use mind
map, write down
alternative and ideas
in handbook.
01/04/19 01/06/19 Measure the
estimate time
in solve the
problem.
Feedback
from peer
10