A season for self-reflection

A season for self-reflection

The year end is a good time to sit down and conduct a self-evaluation. Why? Because, in Thailand people are reluctant to give us feedback. We believe that criticising each other will jeopardise relationships. In fact, constructive feedback is healthy for any sincere relationship. Hence, we need to give ourselves feedback. Find some time alone, and do the following exercise. To benefit from self-reflection, follow these guidelines:

FDon't take it personally. Nobody is perfect. It's normal that we have some flaws, as long as we recognise and improve them.

FHave an open mind; do not think of yourself in only positive terms.

FBe honest with yourself.

FRecall remarks from your peers, family and subordinates. You will see some patterns.

Let's do self-reflection for each group, starting with leaders:

FWhat went well this year?

FWhat went wrong?

FWhat did I learn?

FWhat will be challenges for me next year?

FHow will I prepare: team, organisation and myself?

FWho will be my successor?

FHow will I prepare that person?

FAnd see all others below!

Now here are some questions for managers:

FHow did I want my staff to regard me?

FWhat did they actually think?

FIf it was not the same as I had planned, why not? How should I modify my actions next year?

FHow did my department perform? Why?

FWhat went well this year? Why? Should I maintain the same approach or should I modify something?

FWhat went wrong this year? How will I prevent that from reoccurring?

FWhat did I learn this year that I can share with others?

FWhat are the challenges for next year?

FHow could I prepare my team and myself?

Knowledge workers: Knowledge worker, a term coined by the management theorist Peter Drucker in 1959, is someone who works primarily with information, or someone who develops and uses knowledge in the workplace. Ask yourself:

FHow did I perform this year?

FIf my boss was really honest with me, what would be the constructive feedback?

FWhat would be the positive feedback?

FWhat would be areas for improvement?

FWhat are the knowledge and skills that I need to cope with next year's challenges?

FAre my existing knowledge and skills sufficient enough to take me through next year?

FWhat are the skills and knowledge that might be obsolete in the near future?

FWhat else could I do to prepare myself to cope with next year's challenges?

FWho could help me?

FHow could I share my knowledge with others? Remember, your knowledge will not be maximised if you don't teach others. The more you teach, the more you know.

If you received a low score on a performance evaluation, consider this: There is nothing wrong with getting a low score. Life is a long series of lessons. A low score is not the end of the world. In fact, it's a sign that you need to review yourself with honesty. People who receive low ratings feel that the boss or organisation is not fair. It's a normal defence mechanism. Do yourself a favour. Stop thinking like that because you will never learn anything from that kind of mindset. Ask the following questions:

FWhy did you get a low score? What is the real root cause: attitude, skills, knowledge or talent?

FDo you work best in this organisation culture? If not, what should you do?

FIf you are really honest with yourself, what are the things you must change in order to improve your rating next time?

FDoes this work really fit you or would you rather quit and do something else?

Finally, here are some tips for people who are seeking employment:

FWhat are my strengths in terms of skills, knowledge and talents?

FWhat is my passion?

FWhat would be the role that fits my strengths?

FWhat kind of organisation would I be comfortable working with: harmonious, relaxed, competitive or performance oriented?

FIf you prepare yourself for an interview:

FHow do you know about the organisation?

FWhy do you want to work there?

FWhy do they have to take you as an employee?

FHow does this work align with your long-term career plan?

FHow could you contribute to the organisation?

FHow do you prepare to stay for more than three years? In the first year you learn, in the second year you contribute and in the third year you do extraordinary work that prepares you for climbing the corporate ladder.

When you go to an interview, once the interviewer finishes, ask that person:

FWhat went well?

FWhat could be improved?

FWhat suggestion could he or she could recommend for you to have a better interview the next time?

After each interview, ask yourself:

FWhat went well?

FWhat could be improved?

FWhat did I learn?

Kriengsak Niratpattanasai provides executive coaching in leadership and diversity management under the brand TheCoach. He can be reached at coachkriengsak.