Clarity: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Introduction
Richard Feynman, the great physicist, once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”
We need to check in with ourselves and keep ourselves honest. We all stray from our Values, Goals and The Path. That is normal, that is okay. What we do when we realise we have strayed is what matters.
The Socratic method is a form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. It is named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, who employed this method in his teaching.
In the Socratic method, instead of providing direct answers to questions, a person engages in a dialogue to explore and clarify their own (or others) thoughts and beliefs. This process involves asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and uncover underlying assumptions or contradictions.
When applied to the self, the Socratic method becomes a means of self-inquiry and reflection.
Process
In the tradition of the Socratic method, the below is a series of questions to consider when checking in with yourself as you progress:
Review each question one at a time. Are you being honest with yourself? Do you truly know your position and progress?
The Self Review Worksheet in The Workbook can be used to help document your thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward.
Based on your review, thoughts, answers and plans for moving forward:
Do you need to adjust your Models & Theories to course correct or move forward?
Do you have further Lessons to learn to adapt your approach?
Are there Tactics that could assist you to better handle specific scenarios?
Whatever the answers are you discover about yourself, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. What matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Self Review
1. What is the primary goal or purpose of my communication?
Is it clear and well-defined?
2. Have I thoroughly considered the needs, preferences, and perspectives of my audience?
How well do I understand their background, interests, and potential concerns?
3. Have I anticipated potential reactions or objections from my audience?
How well-prepared am I to address these reactions and maintain clarity in my message?
4. What aspects of my communication preparations can be refined or improved upon for future interactions?
In what ways can I continually enhance my planning process?
5. Have I struck an appropriate balance between providing enough information for clarity and avoiding information overload?
How can I streamline my message without sacrificing key details?
6. To what extent have I considered the emotions and perspectives of my audience?
How can I enhance empathy in my communication to strengthen the connection with others?
7. What potential long-term impact does my communication aim to achieve?
How does this align with my broader life and career goals?
8. Have I anticipated potential crisis scenarios and developed communication strategies for them?
How can I maintain clarity and composure in high-pressure situations?
9. What non-verbal cues am I sending during my communication?
How can I enhance my body language, facial expressions, and tone to reinforce the clarity of my message?
10. Have I strategically employed moments of silence in my communication?
How can well-timed pauses contribute to clarity and impact, especially in intense or tricky conversations?
11. Have I effectively managed the expectations of my audience?
How can I set realistic expectations while maintaining optimism and motivation, even in challenging circumstances?
12. Have I utilized storytelling techniques to convey my message?
How can the strategic use of anecdotes or narratives enhance clarity and engagement, particularly in complex or high-pressure situations?
13. How can principles of influence and persuasion be integrated into my communication preparations?
What subtle yet impactful techniques can I employ to achieve buy-in or cooperation?
14. Have I identified potential sources of resistance to my message?
How can I proactively address resistance by framing my message in a way that aligns with the concerns or values of my audience?
By posing these self-reflective questions you can deepen your awareness of your current position. In turn, enhancing the clarity and most important steps of your strategic approach moving forward.
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