Professionalism: Self Review
- personal995
- Jun 14, 2024
- 4 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 are my long-term professional goals, and how well am I aligning my current actions with these objectives?
Reflect on your overarching career aspirations and assess whether your current efforts and decisions are moving you closer to those goals.
2. Am I consistently seeking opportunities for learning and professional development?
Evaluate your commitment to continuous learning. Consider whether you actively seek out new information, attend relevant events, and engage in activities that enhance your skills and knowledge.
3. How effectively do I manage my time and prioritize tasks to maximize productivity?
Assess your time management skills. Reflect on whether you prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency, and if you allocate time efficiently to achieve your professional objectives.
4. In what ways do I contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment?
Consider your interpersonal skills and teamwork. Reflect on whether you actively contribute to a positive workplace culture, communicate effectively, and collaborate well with colleagues.
5. How do I handle setbacks and challenges, and what strategies do I employ for overcoming obstacles?
Reflect on your resilience and problem-solving abilities. Consider how you approach challenges, whether you learn from setbacks, and the strategies you use to overcome obstacles in your professional journey.
6. What steps am I taking to build and maintain a strong professional network?
Evaluate the strength of your professional relationships. Reflect on whether you actively network, build connections, and nurture relationships within your industry.
7. How well do I adapt to changes and embrace innovation in my field?
Assess your adaptability and openness to change. Consider whether you actively seek out new ideas, technologies, and methodologies, and if you are willing to adapt to changes in your industry.
8. Am I consistently delivering high-quality work, and how do I measure and improve my performance?
Reflect on the quality of your work. Consider whether you set and meet high standards, seek feedback, and continuously strive for improvement in your professional outputs.
9. What steps am I taking to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize self-care?
Assess your work-life balance. Reflect on whether you prioritize self-care, manage stress effectively, and maintain a healthy equilibrium between your professional and personal life.
10. How do I demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity in my professional activities?
Reflect on your ethical standards. Consider whether you consistently act with integrity, adhere to ethical principles, and uphold professional standards in all your interactions and decisions.
11. How do I handle feedback, and am I proactive in seeking constructive criticism to enhance my performance?
Reflect on your receptiveness to feedback. Consider whether you actively seek constructive criticism, how you handle feedback, and the steps you take to implement improvements based on received input.
12. How do I handle conflicts and disagreements in the workplace, and what strategies do I use to promote positive resolutions?
Consider your conflict resolution skills. Reflect on how you navigate conflicts, whether you promote open communication, and the strategies you employ to reach positive resolutions in professional disagreements.
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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