Reflecting on Growth and New Horizons
As we wrap up another year, it is the perfect time for reflecting — a moment to pause and reflect on paths we have hiked and the strides we have made. It is also an opportunity to engage in thoughtful self-assessment, to understand not just what we have achieved but also how we have evolved as professionals and individuals. The recent pandemic forced many of us to slow down and reconsider our priorities and values, often leading to profound personal and professional growth. This period of enforced stillness allowed some of us to develop a greater appreciation for the quieter, more contemplative moments of life, and understand the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
Proud Reflections and Valuable “Do Overs”
Reflecting on the past year, consider your accomplishments that made you proud. What challenges did you overcome? Which of your developing skills proved most valuable? Recognize these achievements; they are milestones that mark your journey.
Conversely, ponder the “do overs.” If given a chance, what would you have approached differently? Reflection is not about harboring regrets; it is about learning and using those lessons to craft future professional opportunitiees.
Discovering More About Yourself
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal development. To aid this introspective journey, there are various self-assessments available online. These tools can help you understand your leadership style, emotional intelligence, teamwork dynamics, and even your creative type. While some assessments offer full insights at a premium, their free versions still provide a wealth of information to get you started. Here are a few to explore:
- Leadership Style Framework: Find out which of Kurt Lewin’s leadership styles resonates with your approach.
- Leadership Style Quiz: Idealist.org offers insights into how you can harness your innate leadership qualities.
- Emotional Intelligence Quiz: The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley provides a quiz to gauge your EI, a key skill in both personal and professional realms.
- High-5 Team Assessment: Although lengthy, this assessment can provide insights into how you best contribute to team efforts.
- Creative Type Assessment: Discover your creative personality type and how it influences your work and innovation.
Embracing Lifelong Learning
As you reflect and assess, remember that growth is a journey. Every step you take, every insight you gain, is a part of the lifelong learning process. Encourage yourself to remain curious and motivated to improve, not just at year’s end but every day.
As public sector professionals, the opportunities to learn and grow are numerous. Identify what resonates with you and make a commitment. Invest in yourself. You might just find that this reflective period isn’t just about looking back—it’s about laying the groundwork for a future that’s even brighter than today.