Reflected Best Self Method

This research follows the Reflected Best Self (RBS) model, a method that individuals can use to understand where their strengths lie so they can operate at their “personal best” and increase their career potential (Roberts et al., 2005, p. 76). The steps of the RBS method are:

(1) I identify respondents who know me well and collected feedback about when they saw me operating at my best

(2) Search for common themes among the feedback

(3) Use the feedback to compile a self-portrait that portrays my strengths and what I looked like when performing at my best.

(4) Create a plan to build on those strengths

(Roberts et al, 2005, pp. 77-80).

Source: Roberts, L.M., Spreitzer, G., Dutton, J., Quinn, R. Heaphy, E., & Barker, B. (2005). How to play to your strengths. Harvard Business Review, 83(1), 74-80.

Example of an email to send to those who know you best - recommend sending to 15 to 20 people.

As part of my personal leadership development, I’m completing an exercise called “Reflected Best Self”. I would appreciate your help in completing this activity. Think about the times you have seen me at my best. What did I do that was meaningful to you, people around you, or to an organization to which we belonged? What did I accomplish? What strength do you think I exhibited in achieving this accomplishment? It isn’t necessary to spend a great deal of time writing a response, just one or two paragraphs will be sufficient. Please respond to this email within one week. Thanks for your cooperation and support.

Responses will come in many forms. Add the responses to a spreadsheet so you can categorize them. highlight keywords and determine shared themes. For example, my themes that emerged were:

  • I am at my best when I can question the status quo and make improvements.

    I need others to listen to my ideas and the autonomy to execute them.

    I am at my best when I can take calculated risks.

  • I am at my best when I can work on a project at the beginning.

    I do not want to maintain a project or business, I want to launch one and then turn it over to someone else.

  • I am at my best when I can empower others to grow and develop.

    Helping others learn and grow is meaningful to me.

  • I am at my best when others need a calming presence.

    I can withstand a lot of chaos and translate it into something organized and coherent.

  • I am at my best when I see a clear purpose to my work and I feel I am contributing to the greater good.