ABSTRACT
In this introductory chapter, Carole Smith aims to demystify this concept by examining the different definitions of personal development and asks you to look at your personal understanding of its meaning. Linked to this, a useful exploration of self-awareness is offered. You are encouraged to look at your aims for personal development and how to recognise this through the exercises provided. This chapter introduces the personal development (PD) group and what this involves. It looks at how this can be used for your development and encourages you to look at your expectations and objectives for this. The value of the PD group and potential difficulties are discussed and research is drawn upon.
