Specifications

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Starting Up Your Own Self Detective Agency
Part 1 - SD Specifications

To start up your own self detective agency it might be an idea to take a look at some of the desirable qualities for the job.

Below is an A-to-Z list of some of the attributes of an effective SD (in no particular order). We do not expect you to start with all of them, nor do we expect you to use them all. If you can think of more features to add to the list, please do so…

a. General awareness and self-awareness

An ability to size up what is going on at any moment in time. An ability to recognise and focus on the elements of your own self.

b. Listening skills

To be able to listen both verbally and non-verbally. To be able to listen to what you and other people are saying, or not saying: in the tone of their voice, in their facial expressions, and in their gestures and body language.

c. Questioning and interviewing skills

To be able to find and use the questions that get to the heart of the matter. To ask questions in a way that gets the results you want.

d. Looking for clues

A good SD is always looking for clues that can help explain what is going on.

e. Discovering blind spots

We all have our blind spots, our areas of vulnerability, our Achilles heels. Discovering our blind spots and keeping them in check takes time and skill.

f. Working with tools, concepts and insights

Most of the methods you will use to understand yourself will not come about by chance but by actively seeking information, exercises and interventions – and putting them into practice.

g. Seeking support

Support from the right people at the right time can be invaluable. The skill is knowing who to turn to and knowing what it is you want from them.

h. Undertaking leg work

A lot of detective work involves gathering and sieving through information that may become important to you.

i. Working-out process(es)

The definition of a process is a series of actions that work towards an ending. Since everyone is motivated by different things and by different factors, recognising your own process(es) – and changing them, if need be – is an important part of being an SD.

j. Understanding habits, routines and rituals

Similar to (i), this is about finding out the things you do automatically and unthinkingly – and changing them, if need be. For example, using your phone obsessively or using it to avoid doing other things.

k. Self-carer

A self detective makes sure to look after themselves

l. Sensitivity

A self detective develops a sensitivity to their own needs and the needs of others. A self detective uses and trusts their senses.

m. Patience

An SD is investing in their present and future well-being, and understands that this will take time. No good will come from jumping to hasty conclusions.

n. Lie-detecting

The fibs we tell ourselves are ultimately unhelpful, so part of the role of an SD is to recognise deceptions in ourselves and in others.

o. Footprint expert

Going back into the past to help with the present and the future is another important resource.

p. Flexibility

The opposite of flexibility is rigidity. An inability to bend or see things from a different perspective is going to hamper your investigation.

q. Creative and playful

Some of the best detectives manage to get the information they want by being both creative and playful – thinking outside the box, in other words. It helps to have a curious mind.

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