Pause and Reflect: Taking Time to Support Personal and Team Growth

By Christina Mimms, SIOP Marketing Manager

Some people may think that looking back represents bad luck, fear, or sorrow but it is often necessary to reflect on the past to review accomplishments and, more importantly, celebrate success. A reflection exercise also can help to inform future goals.

Portia Barnes, MSIOP, SIOP Student, took time on her recent birthday to consider both her progress and purpose. One major accomplishment this year included the completion of her Master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology at Northcentral University in May. Her involvement with organizations such as SIOP, the Michigan Association of Industrial Organizational Psychology (MAIOP), and Blacks in I/O Psychology has allowed her to amplify her work toward her goals.

“It’s important to appreciate how far you’ve come,” Barnes said. “Look at what worked and what did not work, and the relationships you are investing in. Appreciate what you have and celebrate that.”

A reflection exercise supports personal and professional growth, but organizations also should dedicate time to both formal and informal assessments within their teams at least twice a year, Barnes suggested. Surveys, regular check-ins, and other audits should be part of the workplace culture, as well as following up afterward with action items for improvement.

“It’s a way to show concern and hold yourself accountable as leadership,” Barnes said. “It gives an employee hope that people care.”

Christine Sopa, Ph.D., SIOP Member and consultant, also recommends personal check-ins as well as professional evaluations. “I don’t think enough organizations do this,” she said.

If budget allows, Sopa suggests holding a facilitated team function with a certified consultant. She often administers and interprets programs such as the DISC Index, Emotional Intelligence, the Birkman Signature Profile, and others. Sopa also believes organizations benefit from bringing teams together quarterly for informal check-ins.

“People want to be seen, feel camaraderie, and find commonalities,” she said. “Organizations need to do temperature checks because you don’t know where to go next until you know where you are. From a professional standpoint, an assessment helps teams to work well together and then you have less turnover, better communication, more creativity, and more innovations that can happen.”