Reflection on Personal Development Plan 1

Reflection on Personal Development Plan

Student’s Name

Course name

Instructor’s Name

University

City and State

Date
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Reflection on Personal Development Plan

Introduction

The pathway towards self-improvement is a continuous process of learning. It, therefore, gives

one the chance of evaluating their strengths and weaknesses to improve on them. The concept of

personal development plan has the aim of forcing one out of their comfort zone. Pushing one out

of his or her comfort zone implies that if an individual is weak or not good in a particular are the

personal development plans assist them in improving those areas. It also helps one to develop

their strengths. It makes one focus in nurturing and putting into use their strengths for them to be

excellent at it rather than being good. Having realized that I am not often that confident in what I

am doing personal development plan will help me to become more confident in improving my

decision-making skills and areas of weakness in life. My objective is to be somebody whom

people can look up to; therefore, personal development plan will make to be aware of those

requirements that are necessary for me to achieve my planned objectives.

Personal development plan as a tool of self review

Developing personal skills were not that easy. I came to learn about my skills through

continually doing activities that drove me closer to my objectives for instance self-motivation.

Being self-motivated enabled me to realize that there is a goal in life that I had to meet no matter

the circumstances. Through self-motivation, I learned the idea of not giving up even if the

circumstances were not in my favor. Similarly through interaction with other people and my

peers I came learn my skills. People around me and my peers could challenge me on various

aspects of, and I found myself to be getting better as days passed. The main reason as to why I

kept on learning about the personal skills is that as time went by I learned something new every
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day. Through continuous learning of personal skills, it brings about those hidden skills that one is

not aware of. For instance leadership skills, communication skills, team management skills and

conflict resolution skills among others (Cottrell, S., 2015, 26).

Likewise, the personal development plan has enabled me to improve on academic skills

making me improve in my academic work. During my days as a student, I was not good at essay

writing and presentations. However, through the development of personal development plan, I

managed to understand how to write a good essay and present my work without any difficulty

(Leone, S., 2013, 8). I was good at doing research work for my academics which is considered a

strength, but I was poor in putting my work in a properly written essay and presenting it either as

written or presentation before class. Similarly, I also sent a lot of time researching how to

improve my writing and presentation skills. After a while, all the hard work bore some fruits

where my work improved. I also developed some leadership skills by leading my classmates in

some group discussions since I was made in charge of those groups. Through academics, I have

learned to help others realize their skills by interacting with them (Cottrell, S., 2015, 248).

My career requires the skills like decision making where all the decision-making process

lies with the manager. Therefore the decisions should be of interest to everyone. Similarly, it

requires communication and accountability. The communication helps in the proper relay of the

message while accountability ensures proper use of the resources. Team management is another

skill that is necessary for a career. A manager is in charge of a group of people who needs to

work together to ensure the objective of an organization is achieved. One is able to develop these

skills through learning them form the employer or the manager who already have the experience

and knowledge about that career (Cottrell, S., 2015, 249). Likewise, the skills can be developed

through association with other colleagues and junior employees. The skills can also be developed
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through personal evaluation and assessment. It is necessary to take action of learning and

adapting to the environmental changes when developing the skills. Careers are different thus

flexibility is essential for every profession.

The indicators of success are evident if one can perform some task correctly as opposed

to what he or she used to do previously. To me, some of the indicators of personal success entail

that I can communicate effectively with my team members. From my perspective

communication is the most important of all since with poor communication then the chances of

activities taking place properly are limited. Before, there was that fear me that was hindering me

from communicating with my colleagues. The other issue is decision making which many people

used to do on my behalf; however, today I can make decisions and decide what is wrong and

right. As a team manager is in a position to oversee how my team is working and correct them

whenever they went out of line (Leone, S., 2013, 64). The organizational goal will be leading

factor in the achievement of success. The number one priority is often given to the organizational

success. Personal success and achievement will then come after the organizational success.

Personal insight

For my development plan, there are some areas that will require improvement,

particularly in the academic skills. Some of these areas include improving my employability

chances, time management, and information sources. Developing employability chances deals

with making all the relevant materials that might be required by an employer reader and in order

whenever they are required. Some of these elements are academic papers and well-written

resume. The other issue that I need serious adjustment on is time management. Time

management is essential since it enables the smooth running of the activities promptly and
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avoiding overloading of work. I can say am poor time manager since I often procrastinate a lot of

the activities and this gives a challenge of note completing the tasks assigned to me in time.

Finally, the issue of information sources is becoming another challenge towards the development

of my skills in the academic sector. Most of my information comes from the books and other

journals. However, it is essential to consult with the educators and other skilled persons and not

only rely on the written materials (Boud, D. and Brew, A., 2013, 210).

Some of the skills in the career that needs further development are the capability of

accepting and learning from the critiques. It is essential that every person should show the

willingness of learning from other people. In an employment sector people have different skills

and knowledge; therefore, it is necessary that everybody should be willing to learn new things

irrespective of age and experience. It is also imperative that one should be able to plan, organize

and give priority to work that matters a lot in their career. The planning and organization of work

ensure the smoothing running of the activities and providing room for the most critical activities

to be carried out first. Therefore this skill needs more development since it is the primary source

of employees and organizational success. The last career skill that requires development is

flexibility and adaptability. In a career it is necessary that one becomes flexible enough to adapt

to changes faster whenever they occur particularly when it comes to the environment,

management, conditions as well as rules (Boud, D. and Brew, A., 2013, 216).

Development of academic and career-related skills ahs the following importance; they

enhance personal growth. Education and training are not essentially meant for instilling

particular skills in specific areas. Instead, the importance of training and educating is for

networking, communicating, as well as time management. The other significance of developing

career and related academic skills is to increase career development opportunities. Several
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individuals have the urge of developing their careers in a chosen field of work. Therefore

experience alone is not sufficient for employers whenever they want to offer a promotion to the

staff. Through education and training, it gives the employee's opportunity of developing his or

her career is developed. On the other hand, through training and education, one is also able to

increase their employment opportunities (Tymon, A., 2013, 842). To be employed in an

organization there are necessary qualifications that one must meet and some of these

requirements can only be gained through education and training. Therefore, if an individual

accomplishes his or her training course, they increase their chance of getting employment.

The significant aspect of academic and career-related skills that one needs to consider to

further his or her career pathway entails the following learning to lead. The leadership skills are

proof that the leader is in a position to take on one or more responsibilities and improve in his or

her role. The leader is also in a position of ensuring that other organization members understand

the value and how the organization operates. Similarly academic and career skills engage and

influence other people in the organization. The engagement and influence can be employed by

using the communication skills which facilitate the spreading of quality information throughout

the organization. Therefore the employers will only go after those employees who are capable of

influencing the organizational function (Tymon, A., 2013, 846). Finally, through academic and

career-related skills one can understand the context in which their organization operates.

Professionals have the obligation of working entirely through the organization to oversee the

valuable improvement of the organization. Therefore, every organization has the context in

which they operate.

Some of the essential things I would suggest improving the personal development plan

class for me to help other students also to develop entail controlling of emotions with care. When
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life turns to be a roller-coaster ride, then it is upon one to make sure they enjoy it to the

maximum. It is very inappropriate to let emotions control situation rather it is essential to learn to

control these feelings. Controlling emotions helps one to stay centered and calm especially when

challenges arise. Effective communication is another factor that is helpful in making other

students develops the skills. Communication can take place through one presenting themselves

or when one expresses his or her feelings (Tymon, A., 2013, 853). A communication that is

clearer enables people to respond to the communicator in a better and more favorable manner. It

is also essential to build on the body language. The body language explains a grater of one’s

personality. Similarly, it also helps in telling if one is confident of conscious. Therefore it is also

necessary to work on the body language.

Future plans

Identifying personal development needs are essential in improving my strengths and

overcoming my weakness so that I could be better. Personal development needs also help in

teaching, guiding, counseling, managing, life coaching and mentoring others. Some of the needs

entail improving the self-awareness. It is often critical to be aware of the situations which exist

within a surrounding. Through this one can make rational decisions. The other personal need that

needs attention is identifying personal knowledge. It would be difficult for one to handle

situation or issues that he or she has little or no knowledge about. Therefore self- knowledge is

fundamental. Moreover, it is also necessary to learn new skills which will is very important in

bringing about creativity and innovation. The new skills can be learned from the employer or

employees. Therefore, it is necessary that a close contact exists between the employee and the

employer. Organizing of seminars and going for benchmarking can also be a way of learning the

new skills (Hardingham, A., 2017, 34).

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Undertaking the needed development aims at improving skills, knowledge, and interest to

enhance one’s abilities and effectiveness. The undertaking of required development deals with

the setting of goals. The goals direct one on the way in which he or she should follow. Therefore,

when setting goals, it involves SWOT analysis which is strength, weakness, opportunities, and

threats. The goals and actions ought to be SMART where it is specific, measurable, achievable,

and relevant and time-related. In undertaking the needed development, it is also necessary to in

cooperate the following the purpose of development. This entails knowledge, understanding of

leadership, for personal fitness and achieves some skills (Brownell, J., 2015, 303). The activities

that need to be undertaken are also crucial to completing monitoring and evaluation forms as

well as offering training. The available support and resources also need consideration. The

appropriate method of measuring success like course assessment is also necessary. Finally, there

ought to be target dates of reviewing the plan is suitable for instance post 31 March report or

March annually.

The possible action plan entails attending a course. Most organizations and schools offer

classes that will help one achieve their action plan. Therefore, it is one’s responsibility to identify

an appropriate course that fits their interest and attend the session to gain knowledge. It is also

necessary to qualify to achieve action plan. Setting plans that one is not eligible for acts as

barriers towards their achievement. Joining an institution which has standardized qualifications

requirements is crucial since it considers everyone’s capabilities (Hardingham, A., 2017, 96).

Furthermore, it is appropriate to look for coaches and mentors who will help in achieving the

plan. The mentors and coaches ought to be those individuals who have more experience in that

area. The mentors and coaches assist in coming up with the right solutions towards a particular

problem or challenge. It is also essential to attend meetings and classes to gain more skills
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experiences. The session encourages interaction with people with different techniques. Having a

performance review is an import way of evaluating whether the action plan is successful or it

failed.

From the development of action plan, it is worth noting that there is a significant

achievement since through attendance of training course one can gain knowledge and improve

the self-awareness by learning new ideas. It is considered a plus since the training impacts on the

learners understanding and comprehension of what is being taught. When an individual set the

qualifications that are up to his or her standards, then they are in a good position of succeeding

rather than establishing requirements and rules which are not achievable. People have different

capabilities, therefore, the fit in various areas of specializations. Having coaches and mentors

helps one learn and be perfect since he or she associates with individuals who have vast

knowledge in these areas (Brownell, J., 2015, 306). The coaches and mentors will try and see

these individuals follow their footsteps. Therefore, most mentees will develop some characters of

their coaches and mentors. After meetings and seminars, these individuals will always put what

they have been taught into practice. There will also be a change in the performance review.

When reviewing the personal development, it is essential to set aside time for the

reviewing to take place. The review should not be in a rush since one might omit some crucial

details. For instance, improving in communication will require constant communication with

others and not being in a secluded place. Similarly, whenever one is reviewing and evaluating

their goals, it is relevant to have the original goals and planned activities to avoid reflections on

those items that are not necessary. The previous goals and planned activities act as a reminder

towards the events that were given priority. It is also imperative that the activities to be assessed

whether they have been accomplished within the set time frame and if not what might have been
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the causal factor towards not achieving them. Addressing the causal factors of not completing the

activity within the set time frame will help in evaluating what might have gone wrong in the

process. For example, time management and leadership skills assess what was being given more

priority. Like me is used to engage in other activities like my hobbies and failing to manage my

time very well (Ainscow et al., 2013, 28).

The other issue of reviewing and evaluating my planned activities it was at times difficult

for me to decide on what to do since most of these activities were often the same. I used to do

them the same way as other activities. Getting support also became difficult since most people

whom I relied on were often busy therefore I found myself always alone. It did not perform well

in some of these activities since they require assistance and guidance. The activities should also

not take that long but a shorter period. Some of my plans were taking years which I even forgot

that had set them. However, through reviewing and evaluating, I came to realize the mistakes and

corrected them. For now, my activities and plans are moving on smoothly without any difficulty

and helping me to manage other groups and developing my leadership and personal skills

(Ainscow et al., 2013, 30).

My development plan involved the use of learning theory that was put in place by Kolb

(1984). The theory is much interested in integrating series of events like functions of feeling,

thinking, perceiving and acting. Kolb learning cycle theory involves concrete experience,

reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experiment. The theory as enabled

me to put my plans into actions have a good plan by associating with other to get their

experience (Kolb, D.A., 2014, 50).

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Conclusion

In conclusion, having a personal development plan is essential since it guides one the activities

that he or she needs to take part in. It also helps in nurturing and building necessary skills that an

employer might need for the employee. Similarly, the plan enables one to organize his or her

activities and priorities to the set down operations and planning on how to handle these activities.

It can also be realized that through personal development plan one keeps on learning on how to

perform various activities. Through interaction and attending of courses, the learning takes place.

The mentors and coaches also facilitate the process of learning among the people developing the

personal development plan. The use of personal development plan is a source of individual

development skills since people get different ideas from their colleagues as well as those

surrounding them. Therefore, skill development becomes more straightforward and efficient.
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Reference

Ainscow, M., Beresford, J., Harris, A., Hopkins, D., Southworth, G. and West, M.,

2013. Creating the conditions for school improvement: A handbook of staff development

activities. Routledge.

Boud, D. and Brew, A., 2013. Reconceptualising academic work as professional practice:

Implications for academic development. International Journal for Academic

Development, 18(3), pp.208-221.

Brownell, J., 2015. Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills. Routledge.

Cottrell, S., 2015. Skills for success: Personal development and employability. Palgrave

Macmillan.

Hardingham, A., 2017. The coach's coach: Personal development for personal developers.

Kogan Page Publishers.

Kolb, D.A., 2014. Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.

FT press.

Leone, S., 2013. Characterisation of a personal learning environment as a lifelong learning tool.

Springer Science & Business Media.

Tymon, A., 2013. The student perspective on employability. Studies in higher education, 38(6),

pp.841-856.