Leadership Personal Development Plan Using GROW Model

Choosing the GROW Model for Personal Development Plan

In this report I have presented personal development plan based on different feedback from peers and superiors as well as on understanding the exiting phase of my life and career stage. The plan is development based on model of personal development to give a string foundation and addresses all aspects that are needed to prepare a plan for my leadership development goal in future roles in my company Baker Delight.

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According to Lynn (2017) one of the most effective personal development model that I have chosen for my PDP plan is GROW model that was proposed in 1979 by John Whitmore and Graham Alexander and the reason behind its selection is that model is simple to comprehend and can be utilised in simultaneity with coaching expertise and attitudes. Basically the model is preferred as it is self-developing coaching model for effective leadership performance and behaviour.    

The GROW model emphasise on need of coaching that has probability to unlock people’s potentiality so as to enhance their performance and it focuses more on building awareness and developing accountability as well as helps in learning with help of simple structured approach to efficacious coaching and leadership development with model of coaching.     

The model states that key to GROW is to use growth successfully and allow enough time on exploring growth elements to establish appropriate goal at both motivational and stretching level and then developing flexible series of actions and as per intuition reviewing goals again if required. The model illustrates four stages:

Step 1: Identifying Goals: at this stage a person needs to identify and understand clear goals with proper and deep understanding of ultimate results of goals, self-development needs and then progressing goals along the way. Also interpretation on principles, own aims and aspiration is needed to be understood and clarified at this stage to develop goals to reach to desired outcomes with use of GROW model.  

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Step 2: Understanding Reality: in this stage a person needs to assess existing situation in context to actions taken and should be clear on outcomes and effects of earlier taken actions. Also the person should be aware of internal barriers and blocks that are restricting current performance or progress.

Step 3: Identifying Options: at this stage the person needs to identify opportunities and options and should outline and ask range of inquisition on approach for progress or development.

Step 4: Identifying Will/Actions: at this stage the person need to understand the learning gained and things that can be improved further to attain initially set goals. Also summary should be built and plan of action should be prepared for execution of steps that have been recognised. Further an outline of potential barriers and consideration for continued attainment of goals as well as support and development needs should be made along with estimating the stability of commitment to agreed action steps. Lastly person should insure to emphasise the accountability and attainment of goals that were established initially.    

Description of the GROW Model

Fig: GROW Model

Source: interactiondesign.org (2018)

In order to develop my own Personal development plan as a leader it is essential for me to first design a relative evaluation of my own leadership journey by including the feedback from others like my team partners and others.  This will help me to reflect on my current experiences and focus on the future stage of my development plan as leader during the next 2 years period. Currently I have been working as Marketing manager at Bakers Delight and have gained ample experience holding the position as well as based over my previous experiences, I have chosen a development plan for 2 years period as I perceive that I will be promoted to next leadership role within this period for which I am planning to prepare proactively with a focused PDP and efforts of course of action to make a career progression as is desired.

The stages of my Personal development plan will consist of following:

Stage1: Personal analysis: in this initial stage I will analyse my strengths and weak areas and will reflect by drawing a personal SWOR exercise i.e. my development plan will be based on observation of my current state of career where I will evaluate what is working for me, what requires attention, how can my department benefit from my learning and development etc (Ross 2014). These observation on my current state and outcomes supplemented by Personal SWOR will help me perceive opportunities that will be derived due to my experiences and potential threats if any to my continual success.  

Stage 2: Setting Goals: in this second stage I will start establishing new and clear defined goals for myself which will be measurable and will provide me clear guidance.

Stage 3: Personal objectives: in this stage I will include establishing my own personal goals which can be set in terms like development of my civilian employment that will assist me reinforce my values.  

Strengths

Opportunities

My own strategic capabilities and effective communication are strength that drive my personal administration within Bakers Delight

My basic skills of deliberation and consistency that I have owned with my analytical skills are strong enough in context to building effectively strong relationship at work, understanding needs of my team members whom I lead as marketing manager.

My detailed knowhow and experience is strong enough to demonstrate my strategic thinking capabilities thus helping me to find solution to identified issues.

My deliberation skills are good enough which makes me extremely conscious of things that can go wrong and I have sound knowledge to identify risks and take capable decisions.

I am consistent in my performance and results and have confidence and rational logic which I proved during development of brand expansion for Bakers Delight with strong ability to cope with pressure of responsibilities for role in directing media relations of company. I was evaluated to be consistent and trustworthy as well as composed during practical work and gave clear direction to my team to direct brand extension for company.   

With an opportunity to lead marketing team over a long period of time, I showed that I had capability to give clear direction and administer people to attain specific tasks even under pressure.  

To demonstrate to my senior managers and director of Marketing that I have had both structured administrative and leadership skills and experience of directing team to attain specified tasks and responsibilities.  

To present that I have been wide open to a more structured approach to evaluate problems which will support me in giving clear solutions that will be of value to quality of my work and role within the Bakers Delight for which I work.   

To find out more scope for reviving a demanding business environment to attain a better work-life balance that will allow me to be active, energised, reinvigorate and focus more at work (Goldman, Scott & Follman 2015) 

Looking for guidance from senior managers and my Marketing Director in line for support to my role as well as for personal development.

Attending Bakers Delight annual appraisal procedure will give me a source of assured feedback on my professional front and on my results of performance in current state helping me to look for future scopes.

Aspiration

Results

It was demanding for me to maintain work-life balance as well as my own physical fitness goals during my professional commitments due to which I faced some difficulties and even lost some fitness.

My interpretation of estimated planning procedure is still offhand in some places and needs more detail.  So I need to learn and take more time to ensure detailed planning of tasks in hand as thoroughly as possible so that I can support balance between professional and personal commitments (Ebrahimi Mehrabani  & Azmi Mohamad 2015).

I need to learn giving charge of some tasks to my subordinates after briefing them details of tasks where I will offer solution and not provide problem identification.   

In order to improve my confidence in giving command I need to get more experience and exposure for team management in different scenarios.  

Obtaining a balance between work and life commitments

Demonstrate more focus on understanding own areas of current performance and identify future betterment areas (Mikacic & Ovsenik 2013).

Giving more responsibility to team will allow them take charge of their roles and make capable decision under supervision thus making them realise issues both in context to current tasks and potential ones that may arise at work.

Based on my personal SOAR analysis I have identified my professional objectives that I would need and aspire to fulfil by this time in coming 2 years which will give me experience to focus on outcomes. To set my goals further for stage 2 of my PDP planning I will draw measurable goals using SMART approach.  

Specific Objectives

Actions

Demonstrating capacity  in understanding and applying functional skills in marketing  

I can accurately plan marketing activities like media campaigns and planning in time

I can be able to interpret and identify issues and figure out discrepancies with majority of capable solution   

I can use process documentation insights to strengthen my technical capacity that will be beyond ordinary

Demonstrating capability to break problems into components and organise them systematically to look at causes and think through series of different action steps  (Crayford, Fearon, McLaughlin & Wim 2012).  

I can use step by step approach to break down issues or process in hand into component sections to realise causes and effect to better identify patterns in problems

I can understand trends to identify reasons for occurrence of problem areas and what course of action can be taken based on earlier outcomes

I can assess problem to reach to adequate solution by checking viability of all options and information available to consider suitable solution

I can detail significant components and the manner they can be related to problems and procedure     

Demonstrating critical thinking capacity to recognise problems, dilemmas and explore as well as assess significant information and incorporate results into development of resolution  

I can recognise and clarify the problem through review of available information and assess evidence for value, validity and accuracy depending on information that is explored

I can understand and assess policies through review to check if and when it can be applicable to solve issues

I can resolve problems or inaccuracies by reflecting on cause of issues, developing a systematic plan of resolution to address issue and then executing the plan

Demonstrating active search for solution in a matter that consist of doubts, uncertainty or complexity by applying procedure of research, evaluation and decision making

I can define the issues and investigate the information that will be needed to decide solution

I can explore a wide range of sources that are available to collect information such as performance report of employees, company policies and process, training manuals or other sources to research issue and identify problem solving measures (Singh & Dali 2014).

I can collect and evaluate information and generate alternatives through research and select best option by reviewing most suitable one

I can resolve issues and inaccuracies by realising cause, developing a plan for resolution and then designing execution plans   

Demonstrating and developing procedure and tools that can build effectiveness, productivity and insure fulfilment of specified goals

I can develop or use systems to arrange and keep trace of information through maintaining to-do checklist, follow up file systems

I can establish priorities with adequate sense of significance and urgency and then plan with suitable and realistic sense of time demand that will be included

I can keep trace of activities that are accomplished and yet to be done so as to complete specified goals that are established currently and for future progress   

Demonstrating transference of thought, ideas or knowledge related to marketing information and expressing viewpoints either by communicating or in written form to teams or individual member  

I can actively listen and restate thoughts that need to be communicated either by practising it or by reflecting back to message using speakers exact word

I can clarify understanding of message and encourage interpretation of cues to extend communication and more about thinking process

I can be intentionally silent to allow some time for communication to work and sink in as well as dissipate strong emotions or an opinion

I can correspond purposefully and timely to insure action and tasks are accomplished when needed and ask clear and well detailed questions through planning to insure possible follow up of members

I can identify communication styles and my teams interest, capabilities and knowledge level to correspond in different manner to diverse audiences

I can even express fact and thoughts in written form in concise and organised manner   

What do I want to learn

What do I have to do

What support and resource I will need

How can I measure success

Timeline for review

Goal1: wider depth of knowledge of directing a team in business external exercises

Participating and finishing motivation and learning (M&L) program during weekend course and engaging in Training and Young Managers (YM)development program of Bakers Delight (Baron 2016).

1. Training institute in local  area for M&L course

2. Finding course coordinator of YM program

1.  Courses Evaluation

 2.  YM Program evaluation report

3.  Senior managers Appraisal Report (LMAP) as well as mid-year appraisal will evaluate performance and opportunities

2 weeks

Getting to understand my marketing team and building their confidence and decision making  

Suggestion from my senior managers and Marketing Director as well as team feedback

1.  Formal and informal appraisal. 2.  Self-appraisal.

3 weeks

Recognise primary training need and possibilities in Business Forecast and deconflict with work and social life due to YM program as I may be unable to get involved in all of them  

I will require to review and consider my priorities with my senior manager and Marketing Director

1.  Precedence of objectives will involve part of my appraisal procedure 2.  Insure that I have participated in all the considered  high priority training.

Always till goal is met

Goal2: Enlarge my comprehending  of leadership.

Learning by watching experienced superiors and people in key roles.  

Wining their association and faith

Senior mangers

Coaching and performance evaluation during development sessions

Till specified 2 years period as planned

Goal 3: Improving planning/ decision-making skills.

Acquiring more experience of business analysis procedure

Applying knowledge at work scenarios to speedup and develop better decision making  

Using training possibilities and reviews

Competent Young Managers Development course report

End of 2 year period

Goal 4: Attaining core business skills.

Completing essential update training i.e. CPD of Baker Delight

Getting bonus benefits as adequate

Annually

Goal 5: Building confidence as effective leader/ in senior management.

Volunteering to direct ad-hoc cross department projects to create reliability and exposure in more scenarios as well as in context to leading different domain of functions  

Senior manager and Directors

Assessment report from the team and the project evaluator

End of 2 years period

Personal goal

Improving my personal fitness.

Allocating specified evening after work hours for fitness training and giving time in weekend

Developing personal fitness routine to develop fitness and energy

Suggestion from Gym Fitness Instructor

Better fitness levels will be self-evident.

Appropriate Personal Fitness test score

Quarterly, Annually

Short term objective (6 months)

· Accomplish successfully Young Manager Development Program of Baker Delight so as to qualify for getting engaged in complex business analysis projects and exercises. I acknowledge that some of these objectives may get extended into 2 years but not more.

· Capacitating accountability for vital cross department projects at work

· Learning further detail to accuracy and attention to complete activities more thoroughly with detail eye on concern for all areas included irrespectively and monitoring and checking information or task exercises and plans regularly as well as arranging time and resources to deliver quality standards

· Providing timely information in usable manner and updating team and senior managers precisely about things to be done and progress expected   

Middle term objective (next 1 year)

· Leading and administering teams to assist challenging and vital business projects

· Getting engaged in support functions of cross department project to get scope of learning and getting relevant business exposure

· Undertaking tasks with conviction of uncompromising ethics and integrity at all times both professional and in personal area with intention to adhere to rules and core values. Following commitment and making only those ones that can be kept and taking care of needs of my team and department (Kearney & Zuber-Skerritt 2012).

· Taking accountability and authority to lead critical tasks or address difficult issues

· Practising company policies and code of conduct

Long term objective ( beyond 1year)

· Getting promotion in bigger role to senior managerial level and gaining support from co-workers and senior managers, marketing director

· To get responsibility to manage critical work and supervise bigger teams of direct reports (working towards becoming Head of Department)

· Demonstrating influence and persuasive ability to encourage others with desired course of action for terms of tasks or agreement to various business projects and negotiating with others alternative to reach to results that can gain consent of all.

· Deciding solution and verifying agreements and developing ideas with others to reach to consent and support. Giving chance to other so as to present ideas and listening them actively and then presenting own perspective to balance view and goals  

Goal

Core competence

Action steps

Timeline

1. Extending depth of knowledge to direct a team in complex business

Technical skills/Critical thinking

Coaching, course of self-development

2 years

2. Enlarging understanding   and leading vital project and activities

Analytical skills/ Problem solving and decision making

Job shadowing senior managers and directors  

2 years

3. Refining planning/ decision-making expertise

Functional, time management

Engaging in vital roles, training course on effective leadership and management

2 years

4. Learning critical business skills, gaining trust of senior management.

Critical business learning, Communication, Integrity

Job training and mentoring

2 years

Personal goal

5. Improving personal fitness.

Enrolling in training centre and practising fitness activities as per time schedule after work hours

Continuous

Conclusion 

Thus from this discussion it can be evident that understanding of own strengths, aspiration, weakness and areas of development helps to establish clear goals for career improvement and progress at both professional and personal context. Also effective understanding of goals and relating them to outcomes desired helps to form suitable actions steps or plans for attaining those goals thus ultimately leading to effective planning, progress, reviewing and assessing for effective outcomes and development.

References

Baron, L. (2016). Authentic leadership and mindfulness development through action learning. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 31(1), 296-311. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JMP-04-2014-0135

Crayford, J., Fearon, C., McLaughlin, H., & Wim, v. V. (2012). Affirming entrepreneurial education: Learning, employability and personal development. Industrial and Commercial Training, 44(4), 187-193. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00197851211231450

Ebrahimi Mehrabani, S., & Azmi Mohamad, N. (2015). New approach to leadership skills development (developing a model and measure). The Journal of Management Development, 34(7), 821-853. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1695737525?accountid=30552

Goldman, E. F., Scott, A. R., & Follman, J. M. (2015). Organizational practices to develop strategic thinking. Journal of Strategy and Management, 8(2), 155-175. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1680409246?accountid=30552

Kearney, J., & Zuber-Skerritt, O. (2012). From learning organization to learning community. The Learning Organization, 19(5), 400-413. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09696471211239703

Lynn, G. (2017). Performance coaching to develop emotional intelligence through a lens of double loop learning: A UK hospitality industry study. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 8(3), 15-51. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1880365886?accountid=30552

Mikacic, M. T., & Ovsenik, M. (2013). Career planning as a building block for personal excellence. Organizacija, 46(6), 235-252. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.2478/orga-2013-0024

Ross, S. (2014). A conceptual model for understanding the process of self-leadership development and action-steps to promote personal leadership development. The Journal of Management Development, 33(4), 299-323. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JMD-11-2012-0147

Singh, P., & Dali, C. M. (2014). Relevance of A leadership development programme to develop the leaders’ work-integrated learning competencies. The International Business & Economics Research Journal (Online), 13(6), 1213-n/a. Retrieved from doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.19030/iber.v13i6.8916