Reflectors
They want lots of breaks to go off and read and discuss.
- Reflectors like to stand back to ponder experiences and observe them from many different perspectives
- They collect data, both first hand and from others, and prefer to think about it thoroughly before coming to any conclusion
- The thorough collection and analysis of data about experiences and events is what counts, so they tend to postpone reaching definitive conclusions for as long as possible
- Their philosophy is to be cautious
- They are thoughtful people who like to consider all possible angles and implications before making a move
- They prefer to take a back seat in meetings and discussions
- They enjoy observing other people in action
- They listen to others and get the drift of the discussion before making their points
- They tend to adopt a low profile and have a slightly distant, tolerant unruffled air about them
- When they act, it is part of a comprehensive picture that includes the past as well as the present and others' observations as well as their own
Strengths
- Careful.
- Thorough and methodical
- Thoughtful
- Good at listening to others and assimilating information.
- Rarely jump to conclusions.
Weaknesses
- Tendency to hold back from direct participation.
- Slow to make up their minds and reach a decision.
- Tendency to be too cautious and not take enough risks.
- Not assertive - they aren't particularly forthcoming and have no "small talk."
Learns best from...
Reflectors learn best from activities where:- They are allowed or encouraged to watch/think/chew over activities.
- They can stand back From events and listen/observe, i.e., observing a group at work, taking a back seat in a meeting, or watching a film or video.
- They are allowed to think before acting, to assimilate before commencing, i.e., time to prepare, a chance to read in advance a brief giving background data.
- They can conduct thorough research, i.e., investigate, assemble information, and probe to get to the bottom of things.
- They can review what has happened and what they have learned.
- They are asked to produce carefully considered analyses and reports.
- They are helped to exchange views with other people without danger, i.e., by prior agreement, within a structured learning experience.
- They can decide independently without pressure and tight deadlines.
Learns least from...
Reflectors learn least from and may react against activities where:- They are "forced" into the limelight, i.e., to act as leader/chairman, to role-play in front of on-lookers.
- They are involved in situations that require action without planning.
- They are pitched into doing something without warning, i.e., to produce an instant reaction and an off-the-top-of-the-head idea.
- They are given insufficient data on which to base a conclusion.
- They are given cut-and-dried instructions on how things should be done.
- They are worried by time pressures or rushed from one activity to another.
- In the interests of expediency, they have to make shortcuts or do a simple job.