Reflection Is A Powerful Tool In Development ✓ Solved
Reflection Is A Powerful Tool In The Development Of
Reflection is a powerful tool in the development of business leaders. The process of self-assessment or critical reflection allows for the construction of new knowledge and meaning. To facilitate that, you will use a well-designed tool produced by the University of Portsmouth, which describes reflection as: 1. Looking back at something (often an event, i.e. something that happened, but it could also be an idea or object). 2. Analyzing the event or idea (thinking in-depth and from different perspectives, and trying to explain, often with reference to a model or theory from your subject). 3. Thinking carefully about what the event or idea means for you and your ongoing progress as a learner and/or practicing professional.
Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to: · Interpret communication strategies in relation to personal experience. · Evaluate changes in one's own learning over time to envision a future self.
Instructions: 1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade. Pay close attention to the rubric details for each of the following grading criteria as these will serve as your guidelines when preparing your reflective paper: a. Quality of Reflection b. Organization c. Written Communication 2. Review the pre-reflection paper you wrote in Workshop One. 3. Use the process outlined in the Reflective Writing: A Basic Introduction article to write a 2-page reflective paper (approximately 500 words). 4. Review your paper to be sure it is written clearly and is easy to read. Use Grammarly (free for IWU students) or another tool to correct basic writing errors. 5. Submit your final reflection paper by the end of the workshop.
Paper For Above Instructions
Reflection plays a vital role in the development of business leaders by allowing them to learn from their experiences and shape their professional journey. Through critical reflection, I have come to understand the importance of self-assessment in recognizing my strengths and weaknesses as a communicator and leader.
Reflective Framework
The first step in my reflective process was looking back at significant events in my professional life. This included presentations I have delivered, team projects I have managed, and interactions I have had with colleagues and clients. Reflecting on these experiences has allowed me to recognize patterns in my communication style and the impact it has on those around me.
For example, during a recent project presentation, I received feedback that I had used overly technical language, which alienated some team members. This experience forced me to analyze my communication strategies and consider how I can adapt my language to ensure clarity and engagement.
Analysis and Interpretation
Using models from communication theory, I began to analyze the event more deeply. I referred to the Shannon-Weaver model of communication, which emphasizes the importance of encoding and decoding messages. My failure to effectively engage my audience stemmed from poor encoding of my message—specifically, failing to consider my audience's background knowledge and expectations.
By applying different perspectives to this experience, I realized that effective communication is not just about the content I present, but also about how it is perceived by my audience. Understanding their viewpoint has led me to appreciate the necessity of tailoring my communication style according to the audience and context.
Meaning and Personal Growth
This reflective exercise has profound implications for my development as a future business leader. I have learned that reflection is not merely an academic exercise but a critical component of my continuous professional growth. It has reinforced the idea that every experience—positive or negative—holds valuable lessons that can inform my future decisions.
Moreover, I have recognized the significance of adaptability in leadership. As I envision my future self, I see a leader who is not only aware of their communication strengths but actively works to improve upon them by seeking feedback and being open to change. This mindset will help me navigate the complexities of leading diverse teams and collaborating with various stakeholders.
Challenges in Reflection
While the process of reflection is immensely beneficial, it is not without its challenges. Revisiting difficult experiences can evoke negative emotions, causing reluctance to engage fully in the reflective process. To overcome this, I have learned to approach reflection with a growth mindset—recognizing that each challenge offers an opportunity for growth. This perspective allows me to engage in reflection without becoming overwhelmed by past failures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reflection serves as a powerful tool in the development of business leaders. By critically assessing my experiences, I can enhance my communication strategies, identify areas for improvement, and envision a more effective leader in the future. As I continue my professional journey, I will prioritize reflection as an ongoing practice, ensuring that I remain adaptable and committed to my personal and professional development.
References
- University of Portsmouth. (n.d.). Reflective Writing: A Basic Introduction.
- Edinburgh, University of. (n.d.). Reflecting on your experiences.
- Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication.
- Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development.
- Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action.
- Gibbs, G. (1988). Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods.
- Heath, R. L., & Bryant, J. (2000). Human Communication Theory and Research: Concepts, Findings, and Future Directions.
- Trait, C. (2005). The Importance of Communication in Business.
- Argyris, C. (1991). Teaching Smart People How to Learn.
- McCarthy, N. (2018). The Role of Reflection in Professional Development.