Reflection is a process in which we raise the awareness of ourselves and think about the ways we can change.
Reflection is not looking at yourself at a mirror. When looking at the mirror we see a replica of what we are looking at. Reflection, however is a transformative process. We not only looking at the mirror to see what is there but also making changes to improve.
Reflection allows to develop both knowledge and intuition.
Stages
Moon (1999) developed five stages of learning:
1) Noticing the situation
2) Making sense and asking questions "why"
3) Making meaning and opportunities for learning
4) Working with meaning and assessing how it affects us
5) Transformation of doing things differently
A very useful way of reflection and a systematic method would be a personal SWOT analysis. We can therefore, make the most of our opportunities and talents.
SWOT analysis
SWOT analysis is generally a tool that may businesses use to help develop their strategy. SWOT stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It helps organisations in determining what they should and shouldn't be doing. You can use this framework on a personal level as well. You might spot opportunities that you didn't know existed. You may also identify circumstances which have negative effect on your career.
To perform SWOT analysis first think about your strengths. What advantages do you have that others don't? What do other people say that you do better than anyone else? What skills and experience you have that make you unique?
Next, think about your weaknesses. What tasks do you avoid because you don't feel confident doing them? What are your son negative work habits? You may also ask other people what they see as your weaknesses.
Now, its time to know your opportunities. Is there a way that you can create opportunity for yourself by taking advantage of one of your strengths? Or, by eliminating one of your weaknesses? Is anything happening in your organisation, that can be an opportunity for you?
Next, you need to list the threats. Threats might be standing on the way of your dreams and goals. What problems your weaknesses could cause and how can you address them?
Finally, look at the lists you have created and decide what actions you should take to minimise threats and take best advantage of the opportunities.
If you look at yourself from the SWOT framework, you can start to separate yourself from your colleagues. You can further develop essential skills and knowledge that will advance your career, you can transform.
You need to be as objective as you can. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and strengths from personal as well as external perspective.
As a result of performing this analysis you can take new approaches.
Develop personal identity
Now that you have completed your personal SWOT analysis it is important to action the points you have made. Make the best possible use of your opportunities and plan how you address the threats.
You need to develop personal identity with knowledge, skills, personality, norms, emotions and values.
You might want to increase your knowledge for example by undertaking a research, course or study. You can improve your knowledge in the area of your focus. You need to be reading, attending meetings, watch videos and attending training courses where available.
You also may want to develop skills to do a job and working on higher level of quality and efficiency.
You also need to decide how you want to behave. Although personality is difficult to change, you can still decide how you act and react at work.
You might have came across of John Holland's theory of six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.
Realistic personality type likes to work with animals, machines and tools. This person will avoid social activities like teaching and informing others. This person values practical things that you see and touch.
Investigative personality type likes to study and solve maths and science problems. This person would avoid selling and persuading people. The person will see themselves as intellectual, scientific and precise problem solver.
Artistic personality type likes to create art, drama, dance, music or writing. This person does not like repetitive and structured activities. The person will see themselves as creative, original and independent.
Social personality type likes to do things to help others. The person likes teaching, providing information and avoids using tools and machinery. The person will sees themselves as friendly, helpful and honest.
Enterprising personality type likes to lead and persuade people and will avoid activities which require careful observation. This person will value success in politics, leadership and business.
Conventional personality type likes to work with numbers and records. This person will avoid unstructured and ambiguous activities. The person likes to work in orderly way and follow a set of plan.
Norms, are the ways that people typically behave. We also tend to choose career that suits us. When looking at employment it is important look at the norms in the organisation. Sometimes, we might choose to work in organisations which norms do not fit us and attempt changing things.
We also looking at developing our emotions. We know that at work raised emotions are rarely effective and generally people like to work with those who are calm and reasoned. Therefore, we need to understand our emotions. We need to reflect on things that trigger emotional reactions. We need to learn to control them and learn of ways to do so.
Finally, we need to think about our values. Some of us may value honesty and integrity, others hard work. Our values are often deeply rooted and we need to reflect on these values. Being forced to do something which conflicts with our values can be very difficult to manage. In such a situation many people choose to leave the organisation, rather than continue with the conflict.
It is important that we are able to identify our opportunities and make most of them. We need, therefore, take time to reflect. It is often difficult to find the time and we might think that we are not being productive then we reflect, but we must take the time.
Reflection is an important stage of learning.
Bibliography:
Career Key, Holland's 6 personality types, https://www.careerkey.org/fit/personality/holland-personality-types?rq=personality%20types (Accessed 31/10/2021)
Mind Tools, Personal SWOT Analysis, https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_05_1.htm (accessed 31/10/2021)
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