This podcast forms part of the career skills series. It explores how and why self-reflection is such a vital self-development tool. For those not used to the habit of personal reflection, there are some great reasons to develop this tool moving forwards.
- It improves self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This helps us to realise our strengths, weaknesses, values and goals. It provides perspective, allows understanding and enables us to see things from a different point of view.
- We are better able to respond, not react, in situations. Wait 24 hours before addressing something you’re upset about. This gives time to reflect, marshal emotions and get more perspective.
- It allows a deeper level of learning and is very well recognised in education. We’re better able to make connections as well as recall information.
- It improves confidence, which helps decision making, building influence and effective communication in the workplace.
- It challenges self-limiting assumptions. Tackle negative beliefs by stepping back and seeing how valid that belief actually is. This helps you go further at work and get there quicker.
- It allows you to act with integrity, which is often challenged in stressful situations. Taking the time to review decisions and actions – evaluating them against your core values – is key to solidifying integrity.
Naomi then talks us through the how of self-reflection. Many techniques exist and it’s up to us to figure out what works best for us as
individuals. Some general guidelines include a quiet space, choosing a defined time, task or event to reflect on. We should think about our successes and what we did well, as well as mistakes and areas for improvement. Importantly, how we felt should be included. This is a cyclical process we should repeat in order to reflect how we’re growing over time.
Explore our other Career Skills podcasts, including negotiation, networking, listening and conflict resolution