Final FBI Reflection

Throughout the time that I took FBI I learned a lot about how to build a team, but I think the most valuable thing I learned is about introspection. Coming out of high school most people don’t know much about themselves, I was definitely one of these people. My first semester at college challenged me mentally and emotionally. In FBI we are taught to question why we feel certain ways and analyze how we can change them to better ourselves. At the beginning of the semester one of the frameworks that was harped on was the Myers-Briggs indicator. When everyone in my small group took it we were split up and assigned to groups by our peer leaders based on the results. Eventually we had to do an assignment where we learned everyone in our groups indicator letters. Our group found that I was the only introvert and I was quickly singled out by the other members in my group because of it. Although the assignment was to figure out our differences and work with them, we spent most of our time talking about how much extra effort it would take to encourage me to participate since I was the only introvert. Before that moment I had never thought very much about how my shyness would make such a big impact in a group setting because I do tend to participate more in smaller groups. Because of this experience I began to think about why people thought that my introvertedness would be such a challenge. I realized that even though I felt that I participated just as much as everyone else I may not communicate that to my group members. The stereotype that I am shy already is a perception in their minds, so even though I might think I am being outgoing I will have to perform more so because of their preconceived perception. Ultimately, I feel that the ability to do introspection is very valuable in an employee. Rather than having superiors tell one to change how they behave or work multiple times all it will need is one. As well as having the skill to be better combatted for issues in and out of the work place. Instead of getting into conflict with coworkers one is able to look within and resolve the problems there first before involving others. Looking back I feel that working with a team allowed me to achieve successful introspection. Through my introspection I was able to contribute to the group better and help the entire team succeed in the end.