Reflecting

Reflecting is the evaluation of events, behaviours and mindsets. This can be about yourself (self-reflection) but also about another people, groups of people, fields or communities. Reflecting can help you to figure out whether strategies and ideas are effective or not. In this respect, it is important to be open to the personal feedback of others in relation to your own behaviour or thinking.

The skill of Reflecting is valuable not only in your academic research but also in your personal development, in that you can gain insight into your strengths and learn from your setbacks and failures.

Behavioural indicators:

• Takes the time to reflect in a broader perspective and the longer term.
• Shows real understanding of strengths and weaknesses in the behaviour, viewpoints or methods of oneself, groups of people and own discipline.
• Is open to receiving personal feedback.
• Shows evidence of sufficient self-criticism.
• Regularly evaluates own approach and considers what could be done differently or better and what can be retained.
• Regularly evaluates the strategy of activities or projects and considers what could be done differently or better and what can be retained.
• Tries to improve weaknesses by modifying own behaviour, viewpoint or method.
• Tries to utilise strengths by making use of opportunities and possibilities to employ these strengths.
• Reflects on where future opportunities and possibilities can be found.