Reflection - Your Key to Team Improvement

Self-Reflection is an essential life skill. Whether it be our own behavior, job performance, or when brainstorming a new invention, learning how to step back and objectively provide self-feedback is invaluable. Not everyone around us will be willing or able to provide the type of feedback that we need to move ahead and improve. Some situations may not even allow for feedback to come our way. Instead of being left wondering questions like “why?” or “what did I do wrong?” or “how did I do?” over and over, we all need to develop the skill of providing our own feedback after objective self-reflection so we will be able to quickly reflect, adapt, and move forward. 

There's a lot of talk about setting goals and, don't get me wrong, goals are important, but what happens if we don't meet our goals? Does that mean we wasted your time? Good scientists, explorers, engineers, inventors, and even chefs - they all know that accidents often lead to amazing discoveries. Learning from "failure" - and dedication - is essential to success. 

Whenever you find yourself at the end of something, take the time to reflect on the experience. Don't fall into the over-critical analysis, but force yourself to be objective and notice the small successes, too. In fact, learning what you do WELL is important, so that you keep on doing it. Ask yourself:

• What worked? 
• What went well? 
• What did you like? 
• What would you change?
• How did you feel?
• How did the experience help you grow?

Write your thoughts down in a journal, notepad, or computer file. Tuck it away or read it daily. Keep it private or share it with someone close to you. Whatever works best for you is fine, but just do it. 

Here at FTC we want to help teams develop the skill of reflection, which is why we ask teams to do an Inspection checklist prior to inspection. Most recently, we created a Team Judging Session Self-Reflection Sheet available on the FTC Team Resources webpage. We hope teams find this resource helpful as they set their goals for the season and move full steam ahead!