Assignment Cover page

Victory Training and Development Institute

Kingdom of Bahrain
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

(Word Count: 2208)

An assignment submitted in part of the requirement for the CIPD Certificate in People
Practice - Foundation Level

Prepared by Sara Fouad Khoja

CIPD Membership No. 88421624
Unit Title Core Behaviour for People Professionals
Unit Code 3CO03
Assignment Type Essay
Student’s Assessor Rekha Utham
Submission Status 2nd Attempt
Submission Date 28 February 2024

Student’s authentication:

I confirm that the work/evidence presented for assessment is my own unaided work,
and has not been, in whole or in part, knowingly presented elsewhere for assessment.

 I have read the assessment regulations and understand that if I am found to have
‘copied’ from published work without acknowledgement, or from other candidate’s
work, this may be regarded as plagiarism which is an offence against the assessment
regulations and leads to failure in the relevant unit and formal disciplinary action.
 I agree to this work being subjected to scrutiny by textual analysis software if
required
 I understand that my work may be used for future academic/quality assurance
purposes in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
 I understand that the work/evidence submitted for assessment may not be returned to
me and that I have retained a copy for my records.

I understand that until such time as the assessment grade has been ratified through
internal and external quality assurance processes it is not final.

Date: 28 February 2024 Signature:

Task One – Ethical practice review

This response addresses the four review questions, focusing on my commitment to

ethical and inclusive principles in my work.

(AC1.1) Ethical Principle and Professional Value:

 Integrity:
Throughout my career, I've consistently encountered the unfortunate reality of
credit-grabbing, with colleagues across various levels and organizations claiming full
ownership of work completed by others. This lack of transparency and proper
recognition undermines teamwork, discourages collaboration, and ultimately erodes
trust within the workplace. Witnessing this behavior has motivated me to champion
integrity as a core principle in my own work. I believe in meticulously
acknowledging the contributions of all team members, regardless of their position
or seniority.

 Respect:
Respecting individual contributions goes hand-in-hand with maintaining integrity.
My professional value of respect translates into actively valuing and recognizing the
unique skills and efforts of everyone I work with. This manifests in how I credit
work: I consistently tag or mention all team members involved in a project or task,
ensuring they receive due recognition for their efforts. When a specific individual
plays a critical role, I go the extra mile by expressing a special thank you or
highlighting their individual contribution in meetings or reports. This approach not
only fosters a sense of fairness and appreciation but also motivates my colleagues
and encourages collaborative ownership of goals.

Definitions and explanation of ethics and professionalism quoting:

Ethics:

Ethics refers to a set of moral principles or values that guide individuals in

determining what is right or wrong in their conduct. It involves making decisions
and taking actions based on principles such as honesty, fairness, and respect for
others. Ethical behavior entails aligning one's actions with these moral principles
and demonstrating integrity, accountability, and responsibility in professional
settings.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), ethics in the
workplace involves adhering to moral principles and standards of conduct, which
includes honesty, integrity, and respect for others. It encompasses making fair and
unbiased decisions, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with laws

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 and regulations. Ethical behavior is essential for building trust, fostering positive
relationships, and maintaining the integrity of the HR profession.

Professional Values:

Professional values are the guiding principles and beliefs that shape an individual's
conduct and behavior in their professional role. These values reflect the standards,
expectations, and ideals of a particular profession. They provide a framework for
decision-making, behavior, and interactions with colleagues, clients, and
stakeholders.

As an HR professional, there are various professional values that can be relevant,

such as integrity, respect, confidentiality, fairness, and professionalism. These values
influence the way HR professionals approach their work, make decisions, and
interact with others.

Integrity refers to acting honestly, transparently, and consistently in one's actions

and decisions. It involves upholding a strong moral and ethical code, even in
challenging situations. Integrity fosters trust, credibility, and ethical behavior within
the organization.

Respect entails recognizing and valuing the unique skills, perspectives, and
contributions of individuals in the workplace. It involves treating others with
dignity, fairness, and courtesy. Respect promotes inclusivity, collaboration, and
positive relationships within the organization.

These professional values help HR professionals maintain ethical behavior, serve as

role models, build trust with stakeholders, and contribute to a positive work culture.
(Code of Ethics, 2023)

(AC1.2) Conforming to Ethics Legislation:

1. Data Protection and Privacy:

In 2023, our HR department underwent a transformation due to a significant increase in
employees. As part of this expansion, we implemented self-assessment/growth
assessment processes to evaluate performance and development. However, during the
first assessment submission, I discovered a security flaw. The system granted everyone
unauthorized access to all forms, including sensitive feedback and confidential
information. So, I escalated the issue to my line manager. This prompt action prioritized
the protection of employee data and ensured swift rectification.

2. Anti-discrimination:
As a part of our recruitment process, we share an offline task with a deadline. To
conform with ethics-related legislation and promote fairness, I make it a point to treat
all candidates equally. Regardless of personal circumstances or connections, I ensure
that the same rules and standards are applied to every candidate. For example, if there
is a deadline for task submission, I do not accept late submissions from one candidate

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while declining them from another. I consistently adhere to the agreed-upon timeframe
for all candidates, avoiding any potential bias or favoritism. This approach maintains
equality and prevents discrimination during the recruitment process.

(AC2.1) Demonstrating Inclusive and Respectful Behavior:

a. Contributing Views and Opinions:

Inclusive Behavior: Recently, I had the opportunity to train new joiners and interns in
our department. During this process, I noticed that many of them were hesitant and
reluctant to contribute their views and opinions. Having been in their position before, I
empathized with their situation. To address this issue, I took the initiative to create a
supportive environment where they felt comfortable expressing themselves. One
strategy I employed was organizing brainstorming sessions, where everyone's ideas
were welcomed without judgment. Through these sessions, the interns and new joiners
gradually gained confidence and started actively participating in discussions. As a result,
their improved performance became evident to the entire team.

Enhancement: One way to further enhance my behavior is to actively seek feedback for
personal growth. Regularly ask for input from colleagues, supervisors, and the
individuals I train. Incorporate their suggestions into my training approach to show my
commitment to improvement. Engaging in professional development activities can also
help refine my techniques. By continuously striving to enhance my behavior, I can
become an even more effective trainer.

b. Clarifying Problems or Issues:

Inclusive Behavior: Working in consultancy firms often requires continuous staffing. In

my role, I am responsible for coordinating hiring interviews and managing the
recruitment process. However, we encountered some issues related to scheduling. Our
hiring managers frequently rescheduled interviews and provided limited interview
slots, which had a negative impact on our company's reputation and efficiency.
Recognizing this problem, I raised the issue with the decision-maker and explained the
situation. To address the problem, I proposed a solution: designing a dashboard to track
interviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing fixed interview slots
on a weekly basis. This approach aimed to improve scheduling efficiency and ensure a
more streamlined recruitment process.

Enhancement: One way to further enhance my behavior is by actively seeking feedback

from hiring managers and candidates. By listening to their input, I can identify areas for
improvement in the scheduling and interview process. Regularly reviewing and
adjusting the dashboard I designed to track KPIs will also help optimize efficiency. This
commitment to continuous improvement demonstrates my dedication to enhancing my
behavior and the recruitment process.

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c. Working Effectively as Part of a Team:

Inclusive Behavior: I value individual strengths and expertise, acknowledging that

diverse capabilities contribute to team success. I readily delegate tasks based on skills
and interests, promoting ownership and engagement among all members.

Enhancement: To further strengthen team dynamics, I could proactively organize team-

building activities that encourage informal interaction and relationship-building beyond
work-related tasks.

(AC2.2) Staying Up-to-Date in People Practice:

Staying up-to-date with developments in the world of work and people’s practice is
crucial for people practice professionals. It enables them to adapt to evolving trends,
make informed decisions, and contribute effectively to their organizations.

Two effective methods for staying current in this field are continuous learning and
building professional networks.

Continuous learning involves attending conferences, workshops, and webinars,

enrolling in relevant courses or certifications, and reading industry publications. By
actively seeking out learning opportunities, professionals can expand their knowledge
and skills, staying abreast of the latest tools, techniques, and approaches.

Building professional networks is another valuable method. Connecting with peers,

industry experts, and thought leaders through platforms like LinkedIn and participating
in networking events and online communities provides opportunities for knowledge
sharing and collaboration. Additionally, I have personally found studying and taking the
CIPD Level 3 qualification to be highly effective. Through this qualification, I have gained
in-depth knowledge, applied theoretical concepts to practical scenarios, and accessed
valuable resources for professional development.

By utilizing these methods, such as continuous learning, building professional networks,

and pursuing relevant qualifications, people practice professionals can stay current,
enhance their skills, and contribute to the success of their organizations.

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Task Two – Professional Development

This response presents an essay format that outlines the development plan for the
upcoming year.

Cultivating Growth: A Journey of Leadership, Strategy, and Focus

My professional journey is driven by a constant desire to evolve, to not just excel in my

current role, but to expand my skills and become a leader who inspires, strategizes
effectively, and maintains unwavering focus. This past year has been a testament to that
pursuit, characterized by three distinct activities that have profoundly shaped my work
performance and behaviors.

1. Leadership Through Dialogue: Embracing Collaborative Communication

My first step towards higher leadership was recognizing the transformative power of
communication. While I'd always considered myself communicative, a company-wide
leadership development program opened my eyes to a more collaborative, dialogue-
oriented approach. The program delved into active listening, empathetic
communication, and fostering open conversations. Initially, putting these learnings into
practice felt awkward. Asking probing questions instead of giving directives, truly
listening to my team's perspectives, and creating a safe space for dissent were
significant shifts from my prior, directive style.

However, the impact was immediate. Team meetings became more engaging, leading to
richer ideas and solutions. Morale improved, and I witnessed a newfound confidence in
my colleagues. My own leadership style grew more nuanced, allowing me to leverage the
collective wisdom of my team for stronger outcomes. This experience highlighted the
importance of ongoing communication development and solidified my commitment to
fostering a culture of open dialogue within my team.

2. Charting the Course: Navigating Through Strategic Planning

Strategic thinking had always been a nebulous concept for me. I understood the
importance of setting goals, but weaving them into a long-term, cohesive plan felt
daunting. To bridge this gap, I decided to participate in a series of online webinars
focused on strategic planning frameworks. These sessions introduced me to tools like
SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, and the OKR framework, providing a practical
roadmap for translating vision into actionable steps.

Armed with these frameworks, I embarked on a personal strategic planning exercise. I

envisioned myself five years from now, defining my professional aspirations and
outlining the milestones needed to reach them. I then translated these milestones into
SMART goals for the upcoming year, aligning them with the broader organizational
objectives. This exercise instilled a sense of direction and purpose, transforming my
approach from reactive to proactive. I became more adept at anticipating challenges,

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prioritizing tasks, and making decisions that contributed to the larger picture. The
experience also revealed the need for continuous strategic re-evaluation, prompting me
to schedule quarterly reviews to adapt my plan to evolving circumstances.

3. Taming the Chaos: Mastering Focus in a Distracted World

Being "more oriented" initially felt like an abstract goal. However, a particularly chaotic
week highlighted the detrimental impact of poor time management and lack of focus.
Deadlines loomed, tasks piled up, and my productivity plummeted. Recognizing the need
for a change, I delved into research on time management techniques and stumbled upon
the Pomodoro Technique. This simple method, involving focused work intervals
punctuated by short breaks, resonated immediately.

Implementing the Pomodoro Technique was transformative. My previously scattered

attention sharpened, allowing me to tackle tasks with laser focus. Distractions became
manageable, and the satisfaction of completing tasks within set timeframes boosted my
motivation. Furthermore, the technique instilled a sense of control over my workday,
empowering me to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. Looking back, this
experience highlighted the importance of continuous self-reflection and the need to
actively seek solutions for areas of improvement.

These three activities, diverse in nature, have collectively woven a tapestry of growth in
my professional life. My leadership became more collaborative, my strategic thinking
more refined, and my focus sharpened. However, this journey is far from over. The
lessons learned have generated new development needs. The desire to hone my public
speaking skills to better motivate and inspire my team has emerged, along with the need
to deepen my understanding of financial analysis for more informed decision-making.

Going forward, I remain committed to embracing lifelong learning and seeking out
opportunities to challenge myself and refine my skills. My personal development plan
will continuously evolve, fueled by reflection, feedback, and a relentless pursuit of
growth. As I navigate this journey, I carry the conviction that these acquired skills and
the unwavering spirit of learning will propel me towards becoming the leader I aspire to
be – one who inspires, strategizes effectively, and leads with unwavering focus.

Target Dates for Review and Completion:

 Leadership Development: Ongoing evaluation with quarterly reflections and

adjustments to communication strategies.
 Strategic Thinking: Annual review and strategic plan recalibration based on
organizational changes and personal milestones.
 Time Management: Monthly assessments of Pomodoro Technique effectiveness
and exploration of additional time management tools.

This journey of professional growth is a testament to the power of intentional learning

and active reflection. The past year has been a whirlwind of new skills, transformed
behaviors, and a strengthened commitment to lifelong learning. As I press forward, I do
so with unwavering confidence, knowing that the seeds of leadership, strategy, and
focus I've sown will continue to blossom.