In phase 2 of the reflected best self exercise, I take what I learned about me at my best and think about how I can be my best more often. First, I look at enablers and blockers. For each of my strengths (enablers) I consider how an over reliance on that strength can become a fatal flaw.
Enablers and Blockers
Enablers (personal, relational, and situational) | Blockers (personal, relational, and situational) |
---|---|
(situational) I thrive in team environments. | (situational) Much of what I contribute to a team requires me to remove myself from group environments and reflect alone, which can make me appear distant. |
(relational) I genuinely value input from others. | (relational) "Others" does not mean everyone. I can be impatient with certain personality types and learning styles. |
(personal) I can manage and understand complexity. | (personal) I can expect too much from others in understanding complex situations. |
(situational) I think outside of the box. | (situational) My default mode of challenging convention can create tension in structured work environments. |
(relational) I engage others in meaningful conversations. | (relational) I can be impatient with small talk and miss opportunities to strengthen relationships. |
(personal) I am confident in my abilities. | (personal) I can be overconfident, even cocky. |
(situational) I take on challenges. | (situational) I have trouble saying "no." |
(personal) I have high standards | (personal) My high standards can slow progress. |
(relational) I am highly sensitive to what makes others tick. | (relational) I can ignore people when I have no designs on their emotions. |
Next, I turn to visioning, probably my favorite exercise thus far, and so I felt it required a blog post of it’s own.