Continuous Improvement: It Starts with Reflection

Continuous Improvement: It Starts with Reflection

It’s often said that the seven most dangerous words in business are, “That’s the way I’ve always done it.” This phrase typically points to established habits or behaviors that once brought value or success. But what happens when those methods no longer serve us? What happens when what got us here is no longer enough?

The theoretical answer is simple: we change how we work. We embark on a journey to gain new knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors. Among the many paths to improvement, one crucial behavior stands out: reflection. This involves looking back on an experience, processing the information, and learning from it.

As straightforward as it sounds, how many of us actually do it? In a fast-paced business world, how many of us take the time to reflect? How often do we review the challenges we faced, examine our responses, and objectively assess the outcomes?

Reflection is not a natural or welcome behavior for everyone, often due to a dislike for its complexity or the introspective process it requires. However, it is essential for personal growth and development. Reflecting on and learning from past experiences helps guide future actions. Through careful reflection, we can identify what worked well to replicate successful behaviors and understand what needs to change to achieve desired results. The good news is that reflection is a skill that can be developed.

One of the core behaviors measured in our pre-employment Behavioral Metrics Survey (BMS) is Analytical Orientation, defined as the tendency to focus on problem-solving processes, observe and reflect, and enjoy complexity. Our BMS survey helps identify a job candidate’s propensity for reflection and learning from past experiences. These insights enable you to integrate development actions into the new employee’s onboarding process, setting them up for success.

Contact us today to revolutionize your recruitment process!

Reach out to Jim Taylor to learn more.

Comments are closed.