25 Days of Gifts for The Boss – Day #5: Self-Reflection – the Gift of Introspection

by | | Be the Boss, Boss On, Boss Up, Get Better, Management Development, Motivation, Personal Mastery, Professional Development, Stress Management

Knowledge of Self only happens through self-examination.  This is different than the pre-cancer self-screenings we’re all encouraged to do. This reflection identifies a different cancer:  assumption

As I mentioned in a previous post, doing a deep dive into your own assumptions and mental models gives us a clearer picture of our own shortcomings and flaws.  It’s also an opportunity to get a new perspective on our life experiences.

Not long ago, I listened to a podcast interview with a master storyteller.  He suggested the following method to doing a good self-story, which for our purposes is a good way to do some introspection.

Select an event, experience, or person, such as an employee.  Now identify BEST, WORST, FIRST, LAST.

  1. My BEST employee was _______.  Here is why.
  2. My WORST employee was _______.  Here is why.
  3. My FIRST employee was _______.  Here is something about them.
  4. My LAST employee was _______.  Here is something about them.

Fill in the blanks and take some notes.  Reflect on those notes.  You’ll probably learn a lot about your own motives, desires, and assumptions.

Start today!