Introduction
Professionals design personal development plans (PDPs) to match their current strengths and skills with their goals. A PDP is defined as an effective checklist intended to identify goals, required competencies, and areas that require continuous improvement. This PDP begins by utilizing a Skills Audit template to identify six skills critical for my organizational and professional objectives. Based on the outlined competencies, the second part outlines key activities intended to support the realization of my aims. The third part describes ways of remaining updated with my industry and organization. The next section discusses the major challenges I might encounter in the pursuit of my career aims and evidence-based strategies to tackle them.
Skills Audit Template
Table 1: Audit of personal skills
The outlined competencies are important in-line with organizational objectives and professional standards. Specifically, technical skills in computers and data analysis are essential since they can help me to complete tasks much faster and guarantee organizational success (see Table 1). These competencies resonate with the needs of more companies operating in various digital industries. The selected behavioral skills of decision-making and communication help a person to interact with others and be involved in pursuing organizational aims (Aldulaimi, 2018). Personally, effective decision-making abilities will make it easier for me to solve problems and find solutions to emerging issues. In the business world, sales and marketing are key competencies that help companies deliver their products and services to the end customers. Similarly, effective leadership guides people to pursue their goals diligently while making their companies more successful.
Personal Development Needs
My long-term career aim within the selected organizational setting is to become a competent leader capable of maximizing business performance. Based on the Skills Audit, the three PPD needs that are critical to supporting my future goals include being a skilled manager, having better or improved communication abilities, and having the power to make timely decisions. These critical needs resonate with my present and future aims. To achieve the intended objectives, there is a need to consider two key activities. The first one is to engage in lifelong learning. This strategy has the potential to equip me with additional skills in management, communication, and leadership (van Woerkom & Meyers, 2019). The second activity is joining various teams to offer leadership and help the targeted followers make timely decisions. Such activity will present an opportunity to exercise proper communication, leadership, and decision-making. These key initiatives are evidence-based, informed by my current gaps, and capable of supporting my future professional objectives.
Remaining Informed and Updated
To remain updated, I always consider the political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) aspects associated with my industry. The political attribute sheds more light on the changing policies and government incentives capable of promoting or hindering organizational performance (Kjellström et al., 2020). The economic attribute helps me understand the best approaches for pursuing proper marketing in accordance with the recorded inflation, exchange rates, disposal income, and demand. The social factor helps me monitor the changing demographics, skills needed to support business operations, and cultural dynamics. The technological attribute made it easier for me to identify computer and data analysis skills as critical for the sector. Through lifelong learning, I believe that I will be in a position to acquire additional insights regarding the trends experienced in the industry. The approach will make it easier for me to identify the much-needed competencies and how I can apply them to improve organizational performance.
Personal Development Plan
Table 2: Personal development plan
To support the realization of the above objectives, I will engage in proper time management by allocating adequate time for each program, activity, and seminar. It is appropriate to liaise with the relevant leaders and mentors in an effort to complete the activities outlined above within the stipulated period (Coopersmith, 2022). Additionally, I will rely on the use of journal entries to denote what has been gained (see Table 2). The approach will make it easier for me to identify possible gaps and consult the relevant resources to make the process successful. Through these efforts, I will be in a position to implement the plan effectively and get closer to my professional and personal aims.
Possible Challenges
While the ultimate objective is to meet most of the personal and professional goals outlined above, the journey might be characterized by unique hurdles. The first possible problem capable of affecting the process is the inability to manage time more effectively. The fact that I expect to complete various activities, programs, and seminars within a period of five months could be tedious and unmanageable. Nonetheless, the best action plan to overcome the challenge is to remain resolute and focused throughout the process (Aguinis & Gabriel, 2022). I will maintain journal entries to manage all the intended activities and eventually record timely results.
The second predicament I anticipate is that of financial constraint. Most of the outlined projects and seminars require enrolment fees. The best action plan would be to liaise with different partners, family members, and relatives to present the much-needed financial support. The third possible hurdle arises from the fact that I should combine all these activities while continuing with my learning objectives (Aldulaimi, 2018). The use of an effective timetable will allow me to balance all activities until the much-needed goals are realized.
Conclusion
The completed PDP reveals I possess unique abilities capable of supporting my professional objectives. I can rely on the findings to engage in additional strategies to improve my skill sets. In conclusion, I am planning to continue engaging in a wide range of initiatives in the future since they are capable of supporting my personal and career goals. Such gains will prepare me for additional achievements and performance in the future.
References
Aguinis, H., & Gabriel, K. P. (2022). If you are serious about impact, create a personal impact development plan. Business & Society, 61(4), 818-826.
Aldulaimi, S. H. (2018). Leadership development program and leaders performance for mid-level managers in Saudi Petroleum Company, ARAMCO. Arab Economic and Business Journal, 13(1), 15-24.
Coopersmith, K. (2022). Personal development planning and vertical leadership development in a VUCA world. The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, 15(1), 1-27.
Kjellström, S., Stålne, K., & Törnblom, O. (2020). Six ways of understanding leadership development: An exploration of increasing complexity. Leadership, 16(4), 434-460.
van Woerkom, M., & Meyers, M. C. (2019). Strengthening personal growth: The effects of a strengths intervention on personal growth initiative. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 92(1), 98-121.