Reflection in a team. Is it really all that important?

13th September 2021

In our blog post do’s and don’ts of giving critical feedback, we looked at ensuring team members have the best chance of hearing what you have to say, taking it on board and applying it to their work. 

But in a leadership role it’s just as important to listen, especially in an empathetic way, if your aim is to help people develop and learn. We explore a range of ways leaders, managers and mentors can bring out the very best in their teams in the following online virtual courses:

• ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management course
• ILM Level 3 Management of Volunteers course
• ILM Level 2 Leadership & Team Skills course

For me one coaching model stuck out in particular and that was the OSCAR approach. In fact practicing it with a fellow course participant has gone on to improve a situation I was struggling with significantly! Working through each of the steps outlined below in a one to one sounds simple enough, but it’s harder than you might think to not interrupt and share your opinions or judgement. 

This methodology of team management is a hugely effective way of encouraging personal growth, achieving potential, realising self worth and building mental resilience and toughness in a team. It’s also a great way of developing a solid positive relationship between managers and team members. Teams that go through this reflective process feel empowered and valued because they feel they’re in control of their own growth and know they are being supported. So long as managers and team leaders are consistent, the result will ultimately be a more motivated team, delivering more efficient results. 

Benefits of a reflective leadership approach:

• Performance improves.
• Teams and staff members become more efficient.
• Increased motivation.
• More effective and cohesive.
• Higher performing.
• Team members manage stress more effectively.

Another great way to support reflection in individuals is a development plan. There are lots of templates and examples you can find on the internet but the basic components are:

Personal Development Plan: 

1. Objectives: What do I want to be able to do better?
2. Success Criteria: How will I recognise success? How will I review and measure my improvement?
3. Implementation: How will I practice and apply what I learn? 

So give it a go. You’ll be surprised at the results! 

By  completing an ILM accredited qualification with Empower- Be The Change  you will have the opportunity to learn vital team member skills or gain  coaching, mentoring and leadership skills that are relevant in employment, education and community settings.  

Our  courses are proven to make a real and measurable difference. We really  do empower people to achieve their potential, realise their self worth  and build positive mental resilience. 

For more information on how we can empower your organisation get in touch here

By Rhiannon, updated Monday 13th September 2021