Diagram
contexts and time periods. For three of these memories, write the story of what happened. In the story you could describe the context, the role you played, the actions you took, the characteristics you displayed, the results, and the reasons behind your actions. The examples and explanation in the sample letter in Step 2 can be helpful also.
Sample Best-Self Story
I feel I was at my best helping my organization create and pursue a new vision. We had been in existence for ten years and had tried and learned so many things along the way. I believed in the organization’s mis- sion but wanted to move us in a new direction to expand our impact. I reflected on what was possible and crafted a vision of our team at our best. I presented the vision to my team and was delighted to incorporate their ideas into mine, thus creating something entirely new in a way that united the team.
Step 4: Analyze All Best-Self Stories
Collect and aggregate your stories and the stories from respondents.
Read and reflect on each story
Read each of your stories carefully. In a table like the one below, note key insights into who you are and what you do when you are at your best. You’ll have an opportunity to analyze the context of the story. Please focus on your actions, contributions, attitudes, etc.
WARNING: Reading these stories can stir up a great deal of (positive) emotions for you. It is normal to find yourself surprised by how people saw you positively. We recommend you find a quiet time and space where you can be free from interruptions and you can reflect on what you are learning.
NOTE: We have analyzed the stories provided in the line sample email in Step 2 as an example below.
YOUR TURN: Pretend you received the story request you sent in Step 2. Reflect about times when you were, and normally are, at your best and capture the stories that exemplify that time in the same space, document, or file that will eventually house the stories you receive from respondents.
TABLE 2: SAMPLE INDIVIDUAL STORY REFLECTION
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Analyze the stories in aggregate
After you have thought deeply about each of the stories, look for patterns and themes that emerge from considering the stories and analysis together. These patterns or themes will help you write declarative statements about you at your best. These declarative statements will represent anchoring “truths” about you at your best and can later be woven into your reflected best-self portrait.
PATTERNS: Recurring behaviors, contributions, etc., across all of the stories and analysis.
If you are unsure about how to find patterns, try looking for verbs, adjectives, and nouns that you see repeated in the stories or in your analysis of each story. For example, repeated verbs could lend insight into some of your best skills and strengths, and repeated adjectives may lend insight into some of your values and aptitudes, your approaches to problem solving, and the nature of your relationships.
THEMES: Underlying truths about your values and beliefs and the essence of you at your best, inferred from the collection of stories and analysis.
Identify themes and patterns and list several examples from your stories that exemplify that theme.
NOTE: You may also find stories that exemplify seemingly opposite characteristics. If this is the case, it may indicate adaptability or flexibility as a strength in particular contexts. For example, you might find stories where you find creative solutions, but also consistently comply with standards.
YOUR TURN: Collect the stories you receive in a spreadsheet or other document, using the column headings shown in the example for the analysis.
OPTIONAL STEP: Have a trusted group member or friend read your personal and reflected best-self stories to see if they come up with different themes or interpretations for each of the stories.
TABLE 3: SAMPLE AGGREGATED STORY REFLECTION
© 2003, 2011 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN REFLECTED BEST SELF EXERCISE™ /// PAGE 5