Discovering the External You

In our series of self-awareness blogs, we've explored the concepts of internal and external self-image and the consequences of significant gaps between them. Additionally, we delved deeply into the process of looking inward to enhance internal self-awareness.

In this blog, we'll examine five steps to boost external self-awareness.

1. Actively seek Feedback using 3R model

The 3R model for receiving feedback is a structured approach to effectively process and utilize feedback. It involves three key steps, which are:

1. Receive: In this first step, you actively listen to the feedback being provided. This means being open and receptive to what is being said without immediate judgment or defensiveness. The goal is to fully understand the feedback being offered.

2. Reflect: After receiving the feedback, take some time to reflect on it. Consider the feedback's validity and the context in which it was given. Ask yourself if there are any patterns or recurring themes in the feedback. Reflect on how the feedback aligns with your goals and self-awareness.

3. Respond: Finally, you respond to the feedback. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to agree with all of it, but it does mean acknowledging the feedback giver and addressing their points constructively. If you disagree or have a different perspective, you can politely explain your viewpoint. The key is to respond thoughtfully and professionally.

The 3R model encourages a balanced and constructive approach to receiving feedback, helping you use it as a tool for personal and professional growth rather than as a source of conflict or defensiveness.

2. Develop Perspective Taking

Perspective taking is very important when we try to understand our external self image because it

1. Enhances Empathy towards others and their decisions, actions and point of view and can lead to more compassionate and supportive interactions with friends, family, colleagues

2. Helps in conflict resolution where by actively taking the perspective of others, you can de-escalate conflicts and find mutually beneficial solutions

3. Improves cultural competence by understanding and respecting different cultural perspectives. It can lead to greater cultural competence, which is vital for effective global communication and cooperation

4. Promotes innovation and problem solving as it requires considering multiple viewpoints and solutions

5. Reduces Biases and Prejudice by actively considering the perspectives of people from different backgrounds and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society

3. Listen with Eyes

Observe the unsaid expressions, it tells a lot about how your external image is. Focus attention on the speaker as well not just the topic. When we listen with our eyes as well, we gain access to a deeper layer of information and emotion that words alone cannot convey. These non-verbal cues provide context, nuance, and insight into the speaker's feelings, attitudes, and intentions.

4. Reflect on the past Interactions

Engage in a routine of introspection, revisiting past interactions and experiences. Delve into an analysis of both triumphs and setbacks, examining the intricate ways in which your actions and words shaped the outcomes

5. Continuous Learning

Embrace a continuous journey of self-improvement and remain receptive to learning. Seek wisdom within the pages of books, the structured courses, and the interactive workshops dedicated to communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership, all of which can enrich your external self-awareness

If you are looking for a template to work on Internal and External Self Image do leave a comment, I will share with you the template which you can readily take and work on.