Some introspection inevitably comes when we objectively assess our own performance and experience, in an attempt to improve ourselves. The late therapist, Dr Karen Horney, in her book published in 1942, Self-Analysis, argues for a situation where the patient conducts psychoanalysis and therapy on herself or himself – where the patient is not totally dependent on the therapist. Horney notes that a patient’s self-expression, willingness and co-operation make for an ‘easier’ therapy session for both parties involved. Similarly, I suggest that self-expression, willingness and co-operation will make our self-analysis easier for each one of us.
Horney likens a patient’s self-expression to a music composer expressing their feelings in music. She continues, “If factors within himself bar him from expression, the composer is flatly unable to work; he is unproductive.” As Horney wrote in her book, “Would it not be possible to encourage the patient not only to make deliberate and accurate self-observations but also to arrive at some insight by using his power of reasoning? Granted it would be a hard job fraught with hazards and limitations… these difficulties should not prevent us from raising the question: is it impossible to analyse oneself? It is encouraging to find that people have always regarded this task, though difficult, as feasible…. self-analysis is a strenuous, slow process, bound to be painful and upsetting at times and requiring all available constructive energies… If the patient is left to his own resources the matter of incentive becomes crucial – so crucial, indeed, that the feasibility of self-analysis hinges on its strength.” What would be your incentive to self-analyse? What would be your Why?
By following the principles in my book you learn how to be psychologist for your team members. Now the tables are turned, and it is your turn to play psychologist on yourself. One of the hazards and limitations that Horney warns about would be the dreaded observer bias, which I elaborate in my book (Section 4.3.2). This time the observer bias applies to yourself. In other words, you are being careful not to falsely believe about yourself, something that is not correct. It is a fine line between healthy self-esteem and being delusional.
“Rethink without over-thinking”
GAICD, M.Comp (Monash)
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