Reflection
noun
1. [MASS NOUN] Serious thought or
consideration
Reflection
is an every day process. Without even realising, we as humans reflect on a
number of everyday situations in a number of different ways. This reflection
may happen in-action (whilst a situation is occurring) or on-action (after the
event has happened).
We
don't follow a formula for this it just happens as feelings, thoughts and
emotions about something gradually ‘surface’. We might choose to do something
differently, or not, as a result of reflecting, but reflection is essentially a
kind of loose processing of thoughts and feelings about an incident, a meeting,
a day – any event or experience at all.
Reflection
is a type of thinking associated with deep thought, aimed at achieving better
understanding. It contains a mixture of elements:
1. Making sense of experience
We
don’t always learn from experiences. Reflection is where we analyse experience,
actively attempting to ‘make sense’ or find the meaning in it.
2. ‘Standing back’
It
can be hard to reflect when we are caught up in an activity. ‘Standing back’
gives a better view or perspective on an experience, issue or action.
3. Repetition
Reflection
involves ‘going over’ something, often several times, in order to get a broad
view and check nothing is missed.
4. Deeper honesty
Reflection
is associated with ‘striving after truth’. Through reflection, we can
acknowledge things that we find difficult to admit in the normal course of
events.
5. ‘Weighing up’
Reflection
involves being even-handed, or balanced in judgement. This means taking
everything into account, not just the most obvious.
6. Clarity
Reflection
can bring greater clarity, like seeing events reflected in a mirror. This can
help at any stage of planning, carrying out and reviewing activities.
7. Understanding
Reflection
is about learning and understanding on a deeper level. This includes gaining
valuable insights that cannot be just ‘taught’.
8. Making judgements
Reflection
involves an element of drawing conclusions in order to move on, change or
develop an approach, strategy or activity.
Reflection
can be a great way of creating better self-understanding and becoming aware of
your strengths/weaknesses both in your personal and professional life.
For
me, reflection is about learning from my experiences and also from any mistakes
I have made. In my full time job I am a manager of an immediate team of 30 and
a further wider team of 100. It is important for me that I use reflection
effectively to ensure I am being the most efficient manager and leader I
can possibly be. As a manager not only do I have to ensure I am effectively
coaching a team but I also have to coach myself to continually grow as an
inspiring and influential manager and reflection is the most productive way of
me doing this. I often have to draw on my own experiences to help lead one of
my team and give them the best possible advice on dealing with a situation or
task and so it is important that I have reflected on my experience of such task
so that I can offer the best and most beneficial direction.
I
read an incredible piece of writing titled:
'Self-reflection:
The key to effective leadership'
This
can be found
at: http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&context=peter_miller
Is
is WELL worth a read. I found it incredibly inspiring and it really stood out
to me as I felt I could really relate the theories used to my job role.
To
summarise, I think reflection is a great tool for self-discovery and growth in
both personal and professional life. Reflecting effectively on my daily
experiences has enabled me to develop my personal and professional
understanding which has in turn seen me receive 3 promotions and 3 pay rises in
9 short months. Now if THAT isn't a good enough incentive for using reflection
as part of your daily routine then I don't know what is?!
GET
REFLECTING.
Sources:
http://www.qmu.ac.uk/els/docs/Reflection.PDF
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/
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