Personal and Organizational Development Portfolio - Essay Example

?Personal and organizational development portfolio Contents Introduction__________________________________________________ 2 2. Self assessment _______________________________________________2 3. Smart career plan______________________________________________4 4. Recruitment and selection practices ________________________________5 5. SWOT analysis________________________________________________8 6. Comparison of myself with graduate employers requirements ___________9 7. Action plan___________________________________________________11 8. Preferred communication style and its effectiveness___________________12 9. Appendice 1___________________________________________________14 10. Appendice 2____________________________________________________ 11. Appendice 3____________________________________________________ 12. Appendice 4____________________________________________________ 13. Appendice 5____________________________________________________ 14. References Personal and organizational development portfolio Introduction Self assessment is the process of getting to know more about oneself. It is extremely necessary when people take their development in their own hand. This development, The Continuing Professional Development (CPD,2010) is the lifeblood of lifelong employment. It is a two way process where people contribute their time, money and energy to gain more from life's opportunities. Different tests reveal more about a person's personality, aptitude skills and weaknesses. These form the guidance for self assessment and the development of plans from that knowledge. Self assessment My self assessment indicated that I have an ESFP personality, I am an explorer when it comes to learning, I have average numerical skills and my reasoning skills also fall somewhere near the average near the 31st percentile. This all can lead me to make an effective career plan for myself. The Myer-Briggs type indicator (MBTI,2010) is based on Carl Jung's psychological theory. It is dependent upon 4 pairs of individual preferences and he argued that these preferences remain the same throughout life. These four pairs are energizing, perceiving information, making decisions and living a life. The preferences are Extroversion and Introversion for energizing; Sensing and intuition for perceiving; Thinking and feeling for making decisions and; judging and perceiving for living life. Thus in all there are 16 different personality types. (McKay) From the Type dynamics indicator reports, I found out that my personality was ESFP, Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling and perceiving. My research showed that the Extroverted, High sensing, feeling and perceiving personality is very helpful and in congruence with my career goals. My energizer personality creates a warm environment and brings people together. Since the personality is also extroverted, I can communicate well and convey messages in a clear manner. These qualities are essential for a good leader and manager and therefore I see myself rising from a small managerial and assistant position to a higher ranking managerial position. The high sensing and the feeling part also results in empathizing with other people. High perception allows me to gather more information about people. Awareness of other people and forming accurate perceptions about them will help me in my managerial career. I also have a very perfectionist nature which is also demonstrated in the MBTI. This ensures that I end up doing things in a perfect way and though I am not very judgmental and harsh towards others, I can be very harsh upon myself. This is the greatest tool I have as I will be able to critically analyze myself thus leading to continuing professional development throughout my life. My Numerical analysis results also showed that I am certainly not exceptional in this category. Therefore I will assure that that any future career of mines does not entail excess use of numbers. Rather I will prefer to take a position which involves interaction with people and my previous work background will also support such a career plan. Possible careers for ESFP personality type people are those which involve creativity as well as a lot of communication with people. Being into sales and marketing provides me with the opportunity to hone my business skills and to interact with people, therefore they are an ideal career. My people skills as predicted by the career test and my business education will hopefully act together to make me successful in this career. SMART career plan. To ensure that my life follows a certain plan self assessment, education and skills come together to form a basic outline of a career plan. This career plan has to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-framed, in short it has to be SMART to be successful. On the basis of all these researches and self assessment tests, my SMART career plan will be as follows. I am currently employed at a store where I frequently interact with different customers, I greatly find this job satisfying. It is not that I am not ambitious but I plan to grow in the same direction. After I graduate in business next year, I will apply for at least ten different sales and marketing positions at different firms. Since I am bilingual and speak both English and Chinese, I will try to position this as an added advantage and apply at Chinese firms who want to market and promote their goods in the English market. Since I have lived in both countries, I understand the mentality and the cultural variations between both countries. I have also learnt the nuances of communication when communicating with members of the Chinese or the English community. Therefore I feel that I am pretty adept at making people understand my points of view and my job as a Sales manager will be pretty rewarding both emotionally and financially. My career goal is to ultimately become the sale manager of a large Chinese firm exporting products to England. The time frame I allocate myself is 10 years. In the beginning I plan to join the firm as an Assistant Sales manager and with my hard work and diligence I will ensure that I rise to a higher position, eventually taking the highest position in that company. The plan is very achievable as I see that it is extremely common to find executives and chief managers who are in their 30's. Having young sales managers is the new trend as younger people are more environment savvy and are more flexible. They can change and make changes quickly which is the requirement of this profession. The plan is also quite realistic as 10 years of hard work is enough time for any person to climb the organizational hierarchy and make it to one of the top positions. Since I have both the educational background required and prior experience in this department, I feel landing at a junior position initially will not be very difficult. I will assure that my success remains measurable throughout my career and I will assess myself from time to time by ensuring that I get promotions and pay raises. The plan is adequately time framed as lean organizations of today have around 6 positions leading from junior most to the top most and I personally think that 10 years is an adequate amount of time to move through all these and 10 years of experience is also adequate to run the marketing department of a large or medium sized firm. Recruitment and selection practices The ultimate goal of all employers is to hire employees which match completely with the organization and the job. The recruitment, selection and the analysis process ensures that this goal is achieved. The traditional recruitment and selection process starts with the prospective employee submitting his or her resume to the companies which are employing. In some cases selected candidates are required to take certain tests, otherwise the interview process follows. Candidates are filtered during both tests and interviews and in a majority of cases multiple interviews take place. This also curtails with the choice of an employee. The process will be analyzed in detail. The first step in the selection process is the preliminary interview. This is the initial screening of the candidates which quickly eliminates those candidates who do not meet the job requirements. This includes straightforward questions about job qualifications and requirements which easily filters candidates. The second step includes the review of the resumes and often includes tests. These tests are done to assess the candidates ability to fulfill job requirements. These tests rate the aptitude, personality, abilities and motivation of potential employers. They may also test job knowledge and skills incase specific skills are required by the job. These tests are standardized, objective and reliable and all the candidates are tested for the same things to eliminate bias and chances of unfair favoritism. Companies often also analyze handwritings to help place and screen job applicants. A recent study reported that 85% of European companies utilize handwriting analysis. (Mondy, 2008). Besides this grapho analysis, some companies also make their employers take the polygraph test. This is particularly important in organizations where emphasis on honesty is placed as this test is believed to detect lies. These tests are followed by job interviews. Job interviews are goal oriented conversations in which meaningful exchange of information takes place. This is done to confirm that the qualifications presented on paper both on the test and the resume are not misleading. The interview also tests the candidates confidence and motivation. Sometimes a stress interview takes place which also analyzes the candidates ability to handle stress. The candidates inter personal skills and organizational fit are also assessed during the interview. There are three basic types of interviews and the numbers of interviews depend upon the firm. The first is one a one to one basis when an employer interviews a prospective employee. The second is the panel interview, where a group of employers interview a lone candidate. This is generally more stressful than others. The last is the group interview in which a group of prospective employees is interviewed by the employers. This is often done to check the confidence level of candidates. The companies ask different types of questions to ensure compatibility between the organization and the employer. These questions revolve around job knowledge and work requirements. Candidates might also be posed with a work situational question to determine if the applicant will make the right decisions in the right conditions. Employers also perform pre-employment screening and a background check to ensure that the employers do not have criminal or doubtful backgrounds. It is also done to verify college degrees and character so that employers hire better people. Reference checks or validations are also made from people who know the candidate. This is again done to verify the accuracy of the data provided by the candidate. After all these steps the candidate who is the most fitted to fill in the job position is selected and hired. Even after hiring, the employers assure that any wrongful hiring can be either corrected or terminated. This is ensured by a training and orientation process which allows the new employee to acclimatize and adjust to the environment or by termination of the problematic employee at the end of the probation period. Thus graduate employers make multiple efforts to assure that hiring the best possible candidate is done. Self evaluation SWOT analysis The first step which I took for my self assessment was to conduct a SWOT analysis of myself. Strengths Good communication skills. Keen observation and perception Learning through mistakes Optimism Empathy as sensing in the MBTI Very motivated to achieve diploma and then a psychology degree Good linguistic skills making it easy to become a therapist Weaknesses Weak intuition Average interpersonal skills Less job experience Average IQ level Less rationality Introverted hindering communication Prone to reckless action taking Opportunities A good current grade University near home Multiple job opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Threats Work load Active social life Comparison of myself with graduate employer's requirements My self evaluation and self assessment clearly indicated that since I am around average in numerical skills, I should refrain from any job involving numbers. My overall average grades can be easily compensated by the fact that I have a strong work background. My academic qualifications are ideal for any graduate employer and it is further strengthened by the fact that I have worked in Sales and marketing both here and abroad. Employers often look for people who have a strong work experience before and I think I fall in that category. Marketing and sales companies often look for people who are confident and well versed with different communication styles and since I have worked in different cultures of both UK and China, I think I understands cultural diversity and communication nuances very well. My learning style inventory predicted that I am an explorer. This means that I value options, complexity and flexibility. I also try out new things and am always looking for different opportunities. Since I am both adaptable and flexible, enjoy the learning and discovery process, I can contribute greatly to my organization as the marketing world is a very rapidly changing world. My learning style indicator stated "Explorers can learn to enjoy almost any subject. In particular, they tend to enjoy marketing, social sciences, humanities, counselling, languages and business studies" and therefore my current field of studies and probable career fall in the same category which is also an added advantage. My great weakness lies in attending to details. I cannot observe minute descriptions or get involved in work due to my habits and my naturally short attention span. This might cause problems in work and I will try to tend to these by trying to improve my observational and descriptive abilities. For these I will try to stay quiet while paying attention to what other people are saying and doing and only speak when required. Since I am always trying out new ideas, I have the advantage of being innovative. But at the same time it shows my great propensity towards risk. This might have negative implications and therefore I will have to learn to control rash and risky decisions. To achieve this I will have to ensure that I properly evaluate and analyze each and every decision I am making and try to avoid decisions which I will regret later. I am proficient in work related activities and know how to operate basic computer programmes. I also engage in social activities and work and do not have any background indicating problems. I am bilingual and know marketing techniques well. I am also confident and can communicate well. These all greatly contribute to my being an ideal candidate for any employer. I also have to become a better listener and follow an observing style of learning. This is so because this is the way I can excel in my work as a judge of people and then decide what is needed to promote and market products to them. Action plan Target s Activities to perform Resources and support needed Obstacles and how to overcome them Criteria for success Time horizon Acquiring emotional intelligence Change job and get one which is more team oriented and client centered. Get a more interactive job. Good referrals. Adaptability Not a long job experience Be empathic. Confident and cooperative 1 year from now Complete my degree and get a good job Go to college, complete residency. Time and tuition money No money, currently working. Work and save money and work part time with school. Also apply for a scholarship and financial aid Completion of college degree 2years from now. Objectives Get more fluent in English Take an English conversation course Concentration, time and hard work Part time job, social life Getting the diploma certification 1 year from now Become a more rational thinker Controlling emotions, be unbiased Constant self monitoring, practicing patience Emotional personality, short tempered Elimination of very radical ideas, can emphatize more with people 3 months from now Acquire better time management skills Ability to do work on time Get more alarms, ask friends and neighbors to constantly motivate, self monitoring, make to do lists, penalize self for not being punctual Laziness, multiple tasking makes me lose track of time A time table being followed, to-do lists being completed 6 months from now Preferred communication style and its effectiveness My preferred communication style is both deferential and receptive. Since I admit that I cannot give great importance to details but I have to admit that I can be a good listener. Besides that I am always open to new ideas so my preferred mode of communication is not closed. I can allow other people to discuss their ideas and make my contributions side by side. The types dynamics indicator indicated that I have an Extrovert, Sensing, Feeling perceiving personality. This says a lot about my communication style as this portrays me as an energizer. ESFPs have very strong inter-personal skills, and may find themselves in the role of the peacemaker frequently. Since they make decisions by using their personal values, they are usually very sympathetic and concerned for other people's well-being. They're usually quite generous and warm. They are very observant about other people, and seem to sense what is wrong with someone before others might, responding warmly with a solution to a practical need. They might not be the best advice-givers in the world, because they dislike theory and future-planning, but they are great for giving practical care. Thus my communication style can be of great use to employers. I have an advantage of understanding people's feelings and therefore I draw them around me. I also feel that I have the abilities to create a positive work environment and my focus on practical ideas is also very helpful when making decisions. All these factors will be obvious when an employer is interviewing me and I feel that it will markedly increase my impact on the potential employer. The employer might also recognize that I am quite easily prone to stress and this might be a major disadvantage. To overcome this I will ensure that I clearly tell the employer in my interview that I recognize stress as one of my weaknesses and I have found solutions like drawing help or dividing work to overcome this. When attending a formal public meeting, I make friends quickly and communicate rapidly. This means that I can be exposed to many different environments and be expected to adjust in them. I also am confident and do not get confused or afraid of my multi ethnic background. I am also well dressed so people are not biased towards me and my appearance. The formal public meeting also reflected that I can speak well when required to and can communicate my ideas succinctly but effectively. This is particularly invaluable as employees are often required to prepare and then present reports in a comprehensive but brief manner. My workshop activities showed that I need to develop communicating in English as it is a bit weak. This can be related to the fact that I learnt English as a second language and my vocabulary is not developed. To overcome this problem I try to converse in English as much as I can and plan to take an English conversation course. I also expect my conversation to become more fluent during my stay in England. The effectiveness of my communication style depends on who my employers are. If my employers are looking for an extremely quiet, hardworking but a monotonous soul, I am certainly not the one and they might not like me. If my employers are looking for someone who quickly conveys ideas and does not retain information for personal use but rather pass it on to the organization, then certainly I am the one they should like. My listening skills are strong and I am further trying to develop them. Good listening skills are vital to find solution to grievances or even when making sales calls. They show that the person is taking interest in the speaker and understands the problems. Therefore I will try to ensure that I further strengthen my listening skills. Interview questions and answers 1. Why should we hire you? / What will you bring to the organization? This will depend on the organization and its requirements. For example I can contribute to personal sales as I have both the knowledge and adequate skills for this job. Besides that I am willing to put all my energies into this job. 2. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations. I am also able to communicate well and also meet deadlines efficiently. The same can be my weakness as I try my best to meet deadlines well before time which often creates a sense of urgency. 3. Why did you leave your previous job? I have been volunteering in this capacity and love it. I'm seeking to turn my passion into the next step of my career. I'm looking for an company where I can contribute and grow in a team-oriented environment. I recently achieved certification and I want to utilize my educational background and technical skills in my next position. I am also interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am very ready for a new challenge and my new degree very much grants me the skills and the knowledge to do so. 4. How do you handle stress? Stress is common at work and I handle stress by keeping on realizing that nothing is impossible. I divide things in manageable small pieces of work and tackle them one by one without thinking about the rest. 5. How do you prefer to work? Individually or as a team and why? I am equally comfortable working as a member of a team and independently. In high school, I enjoyed playing soccer and performing with the marching band. Each required a different kind of team play, but the overall goal of learning to be a member of a group was invaluable. I continued to grow as team member while on my sorority's debate team and through my advanced marketing class where we had numerous team assignments. I'm very comfortably working on a team, but I can also work independently, as well. 6. How do you evaluate success? How would you remove barriers to your success? I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work, the feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates. Besides feedback, success can be measured by happiness and satisfaction. I believe that barriers to success can only be removed by diligence and hardwork though if anything illegal or harmful appears I believe in taking help regarding that. 7. Describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it? A difficult work situation arose when I had my previous semester exams and it was the peak sale season so I couldn’t take time off from work. Though those days were very difficult as I was expected to manage different things simultaneously, I handled them by ensuring that I have planned for both beforehand. I completed my assignments and readings well before time so I could get good grades without my employer being unhappy. 8. Why do you want this particular job? This company is a place where my qualifications can make a difference. It seems tailored to my competencies, which include sales and marketing. This job is a good fit for what I've been interested in throughout my career. It offers a nice mix of short- and long-term activities. My short-term achievements keep me cranked up and the long-term accomplishments make me feel like a billion bucks. 9. What are your career goals and salary requirements? My career goal is to be satisfied with what I do by delivering the best I can. Since I intend to work very hard, I feel that my salary should be competitive and I should be paid what other employers are paying for a job at my position. 10. Describe your dream job? As a child, I dreamed of being the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. When I realized I did not have a fast ball, or a change -up; I concentrated on my skills in marketing because I realized it is an area where I not only can make significant contributions, but I enjoy using my talent in a corporate environment. References Experiential Learning (Kolb) . (2010). Retrieved Nov 7, 2010, from learning-theories: http://www.learning-theories.com/experiential-learning-kolb.html McKay, D. R. (n.d.). Personality Type and Career Choice. Retrieved Nov 7, 2010, from about.com: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/selfassessment/a/personalitytype.htm?once=true& Mondy. (2008). Human Resource Management. India: Pearson education. Read More