Introduction
Positive
psychology develops personal strengths and capabilities among people to grow
well and spend a healthy and productive life. The recent study investigates the
efficacy of one developmental experience, known as Reflected best self
(Roberts, Dutton, Spreitzer, Heaphy & Quinn, 2005).
The Reflected Best Self helps the person in identifying the personal strengths and their best positive selves (Oyserman, Bybee & Terry, 2006). The individual gets familiarities about their strengths and capabilities — the current study aimed at investigating the best-reflected self through the personal and professional email comprised of stories. The literature review was overviewed to critically evaluate the strengths and weakness of the reflected best self-oriented study to refine the direction of the current study. The literature highlighted how in a different study the reflected best self was investigated and measured among the diverse population and how it supported the current study. The contradictory have also been included t see the multicultural effect and diversities in methodology, results and conclusions.
The Reflected Best Self helps the person in identifying the personal strengths and their best positive selves (Oyserman, Bybee & Terry, 2006). The individual gets familiarities about their strengths and capabilities — the current study aimed at investigating the best-reflected self through the personal and professional email comprised of stories. The literature review was overviewed to critically evaluate the strengths and weakness of the reflected best self-oriented study to refine the direction of the current study. The literature highlighted how in a different study the reflected best self was investigated and measured among the diverse population and how it supported the current study. The contradictory have also been included t see the multicultural effect and diversities in methodology, results and conclusions.
The possible
challenges, hindrance and limitation, were also overviewed to control their
effects in the current study. The qualitative study design was used to collect
the data from the participants and Counsel Qualitative Reseach was used for
data analyses and theme extraction. The participants were a recruit and
approached for the study through email. The relatives, family and friends were
selected and given proper instruction for providing the targeted information.
The relevant themes were analysed from the information and data was analysed to
conclude the results. The findings of the study help in identifying the
reflected best self. How the reflection of others and self-reflection were
compared and contrasted and what outcomes were achieved to increased the
potentials of the self. The reflection of the study provided evidence on how
RBSE helps in promoting resilience and personal strength for the future.
Critical Literature Review
The researches,
positive psychologists and scholars have been studying the strengths of the
holistic and affirmative developmental experiences (Green, Oades, & Grant,
2006).
The organisational psychologists developed the Reflect Best Self
Exercise, which primarily focuses on positive deviance such as virtuousness and
excellence (Cameron, Dutton, & Quinn, 2003). The Reflected Best Self
Exercise comprised of the brief behavioural information of the events when the
subject have been at their very best (Green, Oades, & Grant, 2006). The
information is collected through close people including, relative, friends, and
professionals. The information is analysed, and the themes then reflect the
best self-portrait (Green, Oades, & Grant, 2006). The best self-portrait
drags the core theme and integration of feedback together to formulate a
coherent narrative (Cabel, Lee, Gino & Staats 2015). Lastly, the applicants
develop an action plan, which focuses on the future goals, covering the points
what they learned about their strengths (Cabel, Lee, Gino & Staats, 2015).
Spritzer,
Stephens, & Sweetman (2009) conducted a quasi-experimental study to
investigate the preliminary examination of the Reflected Best Self Exercise
efficacy. The 108 adolescents leaders were selected and given 2x2 design, i.e.
source of feedback and valance of feedback (Green, Oades, & Grant, 2006).
The valance of feedback referred to strength and improvements of self, while
since of feedback depicted the sample such as teachers, family and friends. The
ANOVA was computed to test the hypothesis, and the result suggested that
feedback of the family, teachers and friends were found to be associated with
agentic, positive emotional and relational resources.
Cabel, Lee,
Gino & Staats (2015) proposed a new understanding for Reflected Best Self
leading to social and personal change. They developed a theory on how
self-activation leads to the social system and self-concept through interaction,
recursion and subjective construal. In the laboratory experiment, the people
were asked to recall on time when they were best at. The results of the study
suggested that self-activation in people at their best were found to be
improvement n their resistance to disease, emotion, resilience to burnout and
stress, stabling relationships and problem-solving skills.
According to
cable, Gino and Staats (3013) the employee's retention, self-expression, and
self-concept improved in six months. The employees were asked to report and
reflect their best selves at a particular time. The follow-up session also
revealed the same results for organisational identity and skill training.
A similar study
has been carried out by Cable et al. (2013) that depicted one hour reflected
best self exercise positively influenced the behaviour of the employees in work
setting over the last six months. The literature suggested that in other
studies that employees do not practice the best-of exercise somehow showed a
negative attitude towards self and the work as well (Fredrickson, 2001). A few
contradictory studies raised a question of how reflected best self-exercise can
bring positive consequences for the self and work setting as well. Researches
and theories formulated the link between individual emotional regularity and
sustainable change in their behaviours and mindsets to promote long term
effects (Cabel, Lee, Gino & Staats, 2015).
Roberts et al.’s (2005) pioneering of best self-work provided an
impressive conceptual model that highlighted how cognitive, physiological and
emotional alteration create a positive self-image with long term implication.
The literature
was having gaps regarding the empirical data on how best self-activation affect
the employee work performance and his evaluation towards self and relationships
with other employees (Roberts et al., 2005). Theoretically, when an employee
reported his best self for any particular job, his positive self-inclination
brings about positive consequences (Ross, & Nisbett, 2011). Furthermore,
the positive image of best self encourages the employee for authentic
self-expression at work (Cable et al., 2013), which enhance the personal
identity of the employers and make them socially integrated (Swann, Milton, and
Polzer, 2000). According to massive researches, the best-self activation can
alter the account that employees grow regarding the employment connection, with
a long-term cost for the constancy of the relationship at a workplace (Polzer,
Milton, and Swann, 2002).
Lastly, Cable
et al. (2013) established persistent impacts of a best-self intervention, they
primarily paid attention to employees personal reflections, and they reported
the times when they were best from their perspective. Conceptually, the
reflected the best self-concept was very different from the reflected best
self-activation, where the participants learn about themselves through the
mirrors of others (Roberts et al., 2005).
The significant
practical issue was found to be the reflection that comes from other, as social
networks are more invasive and arduous to collect, but have the greater impact
on personal reflection (Cabel, Lee, Gino & Staats, 2015). No significant researches have been found
that can compare the effects of personal reflection and best self-activation. We found no research that has compared the
effects of personal reflections relative to best-self activation from others.
Method
The qualitative
study design was used to collect the data. The participants of the study were
comprised of professionals and personals I e. friends, family members and
colleagues. The eight participants have been approached through emails
including friends, colleagues and family. They were informed about the purpose
of the study, how their participation would help the subject in identifying the
Reflected Best Self. They were also requested to participate n the study to
provide their feedback actively. They were given proper instructions such as to
add value and provide information regarding when they have seen me at my best.
Each person was asked to share three-story to describe best in me. The total
number of 24 stories have been received by the participants. The data of the
study was analysed through Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) (Hill et al.,
2005; Hill et al., 1997). The relevant themes were extracted from different
stores.
The four
friends, two relatives and two colleagues share stories according to the given
instruction. All the ethics have been followed while conducting the current
study including, informed consent, confidentiality and accurate referencing and
intent citation. The following steps were followed to extract the themes.
Identifying and
coding domain. The themes of
the data were formulated after reading the stories of the participants. The
similar responses were thrown in one category with the frequencies following
the recursive method. The raw data was excluded, and the core ideas were
determined comparing and subsuming themes.
Code procedure. After finalizing the themes the recoded data was refined to perform
cross analysis.
Cross-analysis. The categories were identified through tally
frequency method. The final categories were crossed check by researchers to
validate the data.
Adulting. The final version of themes and data were restored for further
analysis. The end product provided the key themes of the stories.
Findings
overview. The data was analysed through
qualitative counsel research, and the following nine themes were extracted. The
themes that have been obtained from the stories comprised of the
characteristics such as the active listener, helpful behaviour, love for
family, hard work, passion for career, writing and problem-solving skills.
Table 1
The following table depicted the themes of the current study
Participants
|
Relation
|
Stories
|
Themes
|
1
|
Friend
|
1.
I have seen you at your best in helping
others. Once you were in trouble and hurry for meeting the deadline of your
research proposal. One of our friends came to you for help, despite your in a
completed task, you helped her.
2.
you have the best emotions for your family.
You always priorities your family and try to keep the balance between work
and family.
3.
you are a
very hard worker. I found you like a book worm. Whenever I use to come into
the room, you used to study.
|
Helpful
Love for family
Hardworking
|
2
|
Friend
|
1.
You are an
active listener. I remember the time when I used to be depressed after
marriage; you were always there to listen to me.
2.
I find you
best in problem-solving for others, as you solved a few issues of mine.
3.
I have seen
your passion for career and found your best in making gradual progress.
|
Active listener
Problem solver
Passion for career
|
3
|
Friends
|
1.
You are
introvert but did not hold negative stuff inside you for so long. Catharsis
helps in making you a good person. Once you were in a difficult situation.
The opponent was accusing you. You did not bother and spoke the truth each
time.
2.
I found you
best in hard work, during hostel life you used to spend more time in studies
rather than other activities. Your passion for study and career was high, and
you put your best effort to achieve your target.
3.
I find you
best in creative writing; twice you wrote an article which became your
strength. So, I have seen these three things best in you.
|
Respectful or well mannerd
Hard working
Writing skills
|
4
|
Friends
|
1.
You are not
ill-mannered or outspoken, which is good for you. In several situations when
things were worst, you did not use any bad word. For me, it is the best
quality.
2.
I have seen
hard work is best in you. I find you working hard for your projects, articles
and other assignments.
3.
I have seen
purity and sincerity in you. I have seen you showing empathy for others even
a few people used to get an advantage.
|
Respectful or well mannered
Hardworking
Sincere
|
5
|
Relative
|
1.
For me, the best part of you is your manners
and respectful attitude towards others. You were very respectful of teachers
and even for friends as well.
2.
The passion
for career and studies is best in you.
3.
Sincerity for
close relation is best in you. I found you sincere with other people.
|
Respectful and well mannered
Passion for career
Sincerity
|
6
|
Relative
|
1.
Sincerity and
love for your family are best in you. I have seen how you used to help your
friends and sisters in their problems either academic or personal.
2.
You are a
hard worker who is best in you. Your successful career is your achievement.
3.
well
mannerism is your biggest strength. You know well the appropriate use of
words.
|
Sincerity
Hardworking
Well mannered
|
7
|
Colleague
|
1.
The hard work
is your best quality. You used to be hardworking in student life and still in
professional life you work in a very organised way.
2.
Writing
skills and understanding for a conceptual task is your strength.
3.
Devotion and
priorities for work is exceptional in you.
|
Hardworking
Writing and comprehensive skills
Passion for career
|
8
|
Colleague
|
1.
Love for work
the most prominent quality of yours. You do not work for money but because of
your passion and love.
2.
Hardworking
is the greatest strength of yours. I found you a very hardworking person.
3.
Love for
family is evident and you do not scarifies for that. I have seen you in guilt
for multiple times for not giving enough time to a family because of work.
|
Passion for career
Hardworking
Love for family
|
Table 2
Table 2 provided the frequencies of responses
Sr.No
|
Themes
|
Frequencies
|
1
|
Hardworking
|
6
|
2
|
Passion for career
|
4
|
3
|
Sincerity
|
3
|
4
|
Writing skills
|
2
|
5
|
Active listener
|
1
|
6
|
Problem solving
|
1
|
7
|
Helpful
|
1
|
8
|
Well mannered
|
4
|
9
|
Love for family
|
2
|
Interpretation of Responses
The responses
of the participants have been coded in the above-mentioned categories which
depicted the frequency distribution. The nine themes have been extracted from
the 24 stories of eight participants comprised of friends, family and
colleagues category.
Hardworking. Among 24 stories six stories depicted that the quality of
hardworking. 6 participants stated that they found the subject very hardworking
in studies or career. The maximum number of responses have been obtained for
this category. Different participants narrated different stories that were
student and career life oriented. In student life, it has been reported that
the subject used to spend the maximum number of hours in study to perfume
better in the projects. One story depicted that how the client was good in
research and how much handwork he used to etc. similarly, two stories depicted
that the career was very much important for the client and he used to spend
hours to hours to search for a good job.
Passion for
Career. Another category which was reported
by the participants was a passion for career. According to the participant,
they found the subject very passionate about a study and stated the relevant
stories, which depicted how the subject used to show his passion and how she
achieved her target.
Sincerity. The friends and family members of the participants also reported
that the subject was very sincere with their closed one. Whenever they
encountered any trouble, the subject provided their full support with
sincerity.
Writing skills. Two
stories depicted the best self characteristic of the self as writing skills.
The participants reported that they find the writing skills best in a subject
and it was the best quality they have ever seen in her.
Love for a family. According
to two participants, the subject had the deep love for her family, which was
fund to be one of the best quality. According to them, they have seen love and
respect for a family on a high scale.
Active Listener. According
to one of the friends of the subject, active listening is the best quality in
the subject. The participant reported a story which highlighted how the subject
had been an active listener in a different situation with the client.
Problem Solving. According to a story the subject was reported to having
problem-solving skills. The participant narrated a story of how her married
life issues ad conflict was resolved with the suggestion and advice of the
subject.
Helpful. One of the participants stated that the subject was helpful to
others. He reported he mentioned a story which was showing the helpful attitude
of the subject towards others. The story revolves around student life how the
subject used to be helpful towards others, and one example has been
illustrated, such as how subject used to care and help for poor and beggars.
Well mannered. The content of the four stories depicted that the subject (me) was
well mannered with the family members, friends and colleagues. Four stories
have been narrated with well-mannerism including student life, how the subject
showed the well-manned behaviour in the class and even outside the class. One
story depicted the well-mannered behaviour with friends, and how in the
toughest time the subject responded in a well-mannered way. Another story
highlighted the situation with family members that the subject followed the
rules and regulation of family in a very fine way. Last story comprised of
subject self-discipline, how his way of talking, eating and other habits showed
the well-mannered behaviour.
Reflection
The results of
the above finding provided the possible strengths about me. Who I am best at
and what’s my potentials.
Who I am best
at. According to the above responses I am best at multiple domains such
as according to the majority of responses I am best in hardworking. Secondly, a
majority of respondents stated that passion for career and well mannerism is my
second biggest strength. Some stories depicted that writing skills and love for
family are the best characteristics in me. Only a few participants stated that
I am best at active listening, helpful behaviour and problem-solving.
How others
define best how do I reconcile any inconsistencies? According to other hard working, passion for career and well
mannerism are my biggest strengths. According to my passion for career, love
for family and writing skills and hard work are my biggest strengths. Active
listening, helpful behaviour and problem solving and sincerity are secondary
characteristic. The one most prominent characteristic the people have ignored
about my way consistency. Without consistency, academic and career life cannot
be developed or progress.
Commonalities
and differences across the different stories. The commonality among different stories was that almost all the
participants were focusing on the passion for career, hard work and writing
skills either they were friends, family or colleagues. They have seen best at
me regarding my career-oriented things. The difference has been noticed in
terms of nature or personality traits such as a few stated me as a helpful
person. While according to others I’m an active listener, or problem solver,
and well mannered. A few found me sincere and my love for family. The
personality traits vary from person to person, and they stated their stories
based on their nature of interaction and experience with me. Whose feedback
matters and why? The feedback of all the colleagues, friends and family members
matters a lot as I have spent enough time all of them and they have defined me
well.
Are there any
new insights gained from the RBS exercise? Yes,
I have learned a lot about me, how others perceive me and how I look at myself.
Before this exercise, I was not as much aware of my strengths such as active
listening, helpful behaviour and sincerity. I was aware of my passion for
career and love for family, but this exercise helped me understand how much I’m
good in career-oriented task. What has been reinforced about me because of RBS?
I have realised a bit more hard work can take to the top of my career. People
around me perceive me as a hard working person who has enhanced my confidence,
and it will work as a reinforce to make more progress.
What are
enablers and barriers to being my best self both personal and situational? The enables family and loved ones support that can help in
enhancing my potential even more. The barriers are a stressful environment and
lack of opportunities to make progress in the career life.
Self-reflection
statement. The positive
thinking, consistency and hard work will help me in taping my potentials. My
hard work, consistency, love for others, sincerity and passion, make me unique,
and I shall help others to groom well in their career too. The standards I will
use to define success in my professional life is love with your work, following
consistency and hard work. My life needs to be more organised in professional
life to set an example for other peoples.
Conclusion
Reflected Best
Self is very effective exercise to identify the personal potential and to groom
well. the aim of the current study was to identifying the reflected best self.
The 8 participants were recruit through emails for collecting the data. Each
participant was asked to share three stories regarding what they have seen best
in me. The participants responded through email and on the bases of their
stories the revlevant themes were extracted. the Qualitative Research Council
method was used to analyse the data. the results of the study suggested that
well mannerism, sincerity, active listening, love for family, passion for
career, hardworking, writing skills, helpful behavior, hard work and problem
solving are the best in me. the themes helps in understanding the discrepancies
between how other people see and and how I view myself. a slight difference was
found between the views of other and mine self perception. The findings also
helps me in taping my potentional in me career as well as personal lives. furthermore
I set standard for professional success such as love for work and consistency.
in short, the exercise was very helpful in deteminging the current position as
well as making more progress in the future.