Outdoor Education…Character development through the outdoors

Honesty

Be honest with yourself

Courage is the ability to be honest with yourself. The most frightening, exhilarating place anyone can be is a space in which they’re being entirely, brutally honest with themselves. It’s the hardest thing you can do. It’s also the best thing you can do.

If you’re honest with yourself, you can be honest with other people and about situations you find yourself in. If you’re honest about the situation, you’ll be able to identify whether it’s a positive or negative. When you’re able to identify something as a negative situation, you should also be able to step back long enough to realise that the only way to deal with it is with a positive mindset.

You might want to pretend that your weaknesses don’t exist, but they are a part of you. It is who you are. Do you want to be 60 percent of yourself for the rest of your life?

EXAMPLE of a time when it benefits you to be very honest with your self: Be the Best Version of Yourself! - self review

Be the Best Version of Yourself!.pdf

Embrace constructive criticism

The whole point of lessons is that they’re tough. You can call that failure if you want but really it is called life. Look at constructive criticism as positive feedback that could lead to improvement, not someone having a go at you. It doesn’t come along often so embrace it.

How to give constructive criticism

The Positive-Improvement-Positive feedback sandwich method:

Start off by focusing on the strengths - what you like
Then, provide the criticism - things you don’t like, the areas of improvement.
Lastly, round off the feedback with (a) a reiteration of the positive comments you gave at the start and (b) the positive results that can be expected if the criticism is acted upon.

It’s called the “feedback sandwich” because you wedge your criticism between an opening and an ending — like a patty wedged between two buns.

How to receive constructive criticism

1. Stop your first reaction

Try not to react at all! Pause to allow your brain to process the comment and in that moment, you can halt a dismissive facial expression or reactive quip and remind yourself to stay calm.

2. Remember the benefit of getting feedback

Now, you have a few seconds to quickly remind yourself of the benefits of receiving constructive criticism - namely, to improve.

3. Listen for understanding

As the person shares feedback with you, listen closely. Allow the person to share their complete thoughts, without interruption. When they’re done, repeat back what you heard. Avoid analyzing or questioning the person’s assessment; instead, just focus on understanding his or her comments and perspective.

4. Say Thank You

5. Close the conversation and move on

Constructive criticism is often the only way we learn about our weaknesses—without it we can’t improve. When we’re defensive, instead of accepting and gracious, we run the risk of missing out on this important insight.

PRACTICE: Turn to your neighbour and give them constructive criticism of how they can be a better learner in our class.

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