Mirror Mirror on the Wall!

We check ourselves several times a day. We look forward to this little visual feedback. The mirror says it all. We smile and move on if we like what we see, else make a quick adjustment. We are engineered since childhood to seek this validation before we step out. It’s a habit. Check, adjust. Move on.

Life would be a breeze if we were seeking mirrors to ourselves as comfortably- If we sought and accepted feedback about “ourselves” not just on how we looked but how we were influencing or may be at times alienating people around us. ?Imagine how empathic and collaborative would the world become if we were constantly checking out our reflections as people saw us; trying to improve, filtering, processing and striving to fit in more as people. ?If we asked a friend each day “

There are two subjects here. “ A person, who wants to see his reflection “, and “the mirror” that shows unfiltered truth, and that we look forward to spotting.

1.??????A mirror reflects only when you step in front of it. ?Give feedback only when you are sure it will be received in the right context.

2.??????A mirror reflects and doesn’t enforce. ?Make feedback constructive, pleasant if you want to establish a winning collaborative relationship.

3.??????There is nothing threatening about the mirror . Build trust before you give any feedback.

4.??????Mirror is a moment, it doesn’t linger. The individual retains the right to accept or filter it out, or imbibe in a way he or she wants. ??

5.??????Mirror is neutral. ?Its important to give feedback as factually as possible.

Seek out people who you can trust are invested in your growth and development to share your reflection with you. Find your mirror, or mirrors and tell them you want feedback and reflections on how you can excel, how you can be more collaborative, on how you can make your team happier, or whatever you want to “enhance”.

Start with small check ins, start with small conversations before you seek reflections. Try making it a habit. Most successful people find mirrors in their mentors and even bosses. They work together to perfect the reflections and create long lasting fruitful partnerships.

You can’t “fix” others. You can definitely “fix” yourself to make yourself and your work a success. Make a start! Find your mirrors who can give those little reflections.