We've all felt the pang of regret: "I could have done better." It's easy to dwell on how differently things could have gone if we'd handled a situation more effectively. But you're not alone. Uncertainty is part of life, and most people, struggle when faced with new or challenging situations.
The good news? The art of handling these situations can be learned. And from my experience, Reflective Models are some of the best tools for developing this valuable skill.
After my Master's from the University of Strathclyde , a common question I receive is about my key takeaways.
My learnings that can be broadly categorized into two types: explicit knowledge gained through coursework, assignments, and lectures, and implicit knowledge acquired through reflection, observation, and effective networking.
Among these, "reflection" stands out as a top skill I developed. Many of our modules incorporated reflection as part of assignments, encouraging us to utilize established models like Gibbs', Kolb's, ERA, CARL, and the 5R's.
While I explored several models, I found the Gibbs Cycle of Reflection to be the most engaging and applicable, using it for most of my reflective assignments. It's important to note that my preference for Gibbs' model is personal and doesn't reflect the effectiveness of other models.
The reflective models proved invaluable throughout my Master's program, aiding in improvement with each module and assignment. This experience led me to apply these models beyond academics, using them to navigate and solve everyday challenges.
I discovered their effectiveness in understanding situations, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, finding solutions. Even now, the Gibbs Reflective Model remains my go-to tool for navigating uncertainty. By applying it's framework, I can dissect a situation and develop actionable steps for future improvement.
To delve deeper into this concept, let's explore the Gibbs Reflective Model. This cyclical framework consists of six key stages: Description - Feelings - Evaluation - Analysis - Conclusion - Action Plan.
We'll break down each stage to understand it's role in the reflection process
1. Description
This first step involves objectively outlining the situation. Simply focus on what happened, avoiding analysis or conclusions. Guiding questions which can help to do so:
What happened?
When and where did it occur?
Who was present, and why were you involved?
What were you thinking and feeling at that time?
What actions were taken by yourself and others?
2. Feelings
Following the Description step, reflect on your emotional response. Describe what you were feeling throughout the situation. Consider these questions to guide your exploration:
What emotions did you experience before - during - after the situation.
How do you think others might have felt?
What thoughts arose during the situation?
3. Evaluation
The third step invites you to objectively assess the situation. Try to be as objective and honest as possible. To get the most out of your reflection focus on both the positive and the negative aspects of the situation.
What were the positive and negative aspects of the experience?
What successes and failures occurred?
How did your actions and the actions of others influence the situation?
What was your desired outcome?
What was good and bad about the situation?
4. Analysis
The fourth step delves deeper, encouraging you to analyze the combination of "why" and "what" behind the situation. Having established the details in previous steps, this stage focuses on extracting meaning, asking yourself "why" and "what" in each case. Consider these questions to guide your analysis:
Why things go well and/or why things didn't go well?
What factors contributed to the positive aspects of the situation?
What factors led to the negative aspects?
What broader lessons can be learned from this experience?
What sense I can make of this situation?
What knowledge, from myself or others, can illuminate this situation?
5. Conclusion
The fifth step (often interchangeable with the sixth) allows you to synthesize your learnings. Summarize your key takeaways and identify actionable changes for future improvement. These changes should naturally emerge from the preceding steps. Consider these questions to guide your conclusion:
What key learnings can I extract from this experience?
How could I have handled this situation differently to achieve a more positive outcome for all involved?
6. Action Plan
The final stage focuses on future improvement. Consider how you would approach a similar situation differently and develop concrete strategies to ensure those changes are implemented. While self-awareness is important, sometimes additional support is needed. Use these questions to craft your action plan:
What specific actions would I take differently next time?
What skills do I need to develop to handle such situations more effectively?
How can I ensure I follow through on my planned changes?
Are there resources or reminders I can utilize for support?
In conclusion, mastering effective handling of situations is a learnable skill achievable through reflective practice, with models like the Gibbs Reflective Cycle offering valuable guidance. This iterative process not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also fostered personal growth and resilience. Moving forward, I remain committed to continual reflection, leveraging its insights to navigate uncertainties, build relationships, and pursue ongoing development in both professional and personal spheres.
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