INTRODUCTION
This learning resource is designed to help individual employees understand and implement a self reflection process to improve their self awareness in the workplace. The information provides an overview of self reflection, the possible benefits of undertaking self reflection and offers some tools to help employees conduct a self reflection process. The intended outcome is that employees can use this as part of a suite of tools to help improve their leadership capabilities.
WHAT IS REFLECTION?
Reflection is a process by which an individual or group stops and thinks about their actions and emotions, consciously analyses their behaviours and decision making, and draw on theory and relate it to what can be done in practice.
In the context of an organisation, reflection can occur collectively (as a group) or individually (known as self reflection). This guide will focus on self reflection, and how employees of an organisation can use the process of self reflection to improve their work performance.
BENEFITS OF SELF REFLECTION
Self reflection in its simplest form is asking yourself thought provoking questions so that you can develop a deeper level of understanding about yourself. The process of self reflection can help an individual to:
- better understand strengths and weaknesses
- identify and question underlying values and beliefs
- acknowledge and challenge possible assumptions on which ideas, feelings and actions are based
- recognize areas of potential bias or discrimination
- acknowledge fears, and
- identify possible inadequacies or areas for improvement.
Self reflection can lead to greater self-awareness, a key component of emotional intelligence as defined in Goleman’s 1995 model of emotional intelligence (EQ):
Taken from: website
The link between self reflection and self awareness has significant relevance to the workplace, as EQ is widely regarded as a vital factor in organistional leadership. In summarising the results of various studies on EQ in organisations, Carlopia and Andrewartha (2008) state that “The point should be clear: effective managers have developed high levels of competency in emotional intelligence”.
Greater self-awareness is an important first step to positive change – it is a necessary stage in identifying areas for improvement and growth in both personal and professional contexts. Taking time to reflect can help to identify approaches that have worked well, and in that way reinforce good practice.
CHALLENGES WITH SELF REFLECTION
As self reflection is a personal individual process its measurability for an organisation is difficult and it relies on the individual conducting the activity as honestly as possible to allowadequate opportunity for learning and self improvement to occur.
Certain personality types may find it difficult to engage with the 'feelings' elements of the self reflection process however this component is critical for successful outcomes to be achieved.
