Self Reflection Planning Questions 

When participating in any new experience or activity it can be very easy to become overwhelmed by the "newness" of the situation. This overwhelming feeling or sensation can sometimes take priority over all other functions or senses we may need. Have you ever been in a new situation where you have felt that you were very present and participatory, however, when asked to recall general details after the fact you found that it is difficult for you to provide a proper answer?This is very common in any situation where you are unsure of what to expect or nervous with anticipation. This means you are forced to process a lot of information very fast. When this happens our instincts kick-in to tune out or shut out any information that isn't absolutely necessary for us to function or perform. This is why you may have felt that you were very present at the time but found it hard to recall details after the fact. Even though we have very little control over this response doesn't change the fact that it is still that cause having an incomplete experience.

In some instances, missed details are not going to make or break your overall performance. However, more often than not, the key to succeeding or failing in the world of sales comes down to the details.

As a sales rep you are put in new situations or experiences all the time. Whether it be demonstrating new products, prospecting new clients or even giving a familiar presentation in front of an unfamiliar audience. In these situations you must be able to perform on an "A-Game" level and still be able to take in all of the other interpersonal and interactive details that your mind may want to shut out.

There is a way you can override your instinctual response to be able perform at a high level as well as be able to catch all important details.

To do this you must prepare, prepare, prepare! The more you know going in the better; this means there will be less for you to process in the moment.

It is also a very good idea to set self-assessment questions before to help you set expectations for yourself. When you know what you want to accomplish you will give yourself a sense of direction during the meeting, presentation or whatever the situation may be.  Setting outside expectations for yourself will create (an)other goal(s) for you to strive for besides "just survive!”

Below are two self-reflection sample questions you can use to review your performance.

• What did you learn as a result of participating in this activity?

• What did you learn about yourself that you think that you have an opportunity to improve (be specific)?

For more coaching techniques on handling other sales related issues, click below to download the orginal whitepaper: "Price Objections Are Your Opportunities"