Friday, September 4, 2015

Coaching and Mentoring - the Gentle Art of Reflection

University, MSc/PGDip Advanced Coaching, competencies, 1. Continuous reflection. Sigh. I do believe in it actually, it's just doing it. Hence my mission, to blog more. It's a way of reflecting. I've never been much into blogging although I do like reading the posts of those people who I like if it's a subject I'm interested in. For me I have some mental blocks. I see it as a rather self indulgent process, who wants to read anything I write anyway?

So how to make it interesting, at least for myself! This is what I have to try to achieve.
Reflection is something that has been harped on about in all circles for ages... And I do get it. It's a very useful learning tool. I think my resistance is that I find it common sense. Of course we are continuously reflecting on our actions and our decisions, and sometimes we have to write reports or reviews depending on our line of work. Putting things into boxes and being told I have to call it something specific or do it in a certain way has never really been my style. So maybe writing a few posts will help me reflect more, I've heard it's good practice ;) as long as I don't approach it like I do assignments - the only time under the stairs will get sorted, the kitchen cupboards get a face lift and the kettle is constantly being boiled.

There is lots of info out there on reflection, written much more succinctly than I ever could. I do advocate everyone taking a little time out, in whatever capacity, to at least look at things a little differently.

http://www.mheducation.co.uk/openup/chapters/9780335244010.pdf