Reflective processes help us see the world in alternative ways by allowing us to focus on different aspects of our experiences. Reflective processes are the stages of reflective activity that we go through when consciously deciding to explore an experience or reflect on it. There are many ways we can reflect on something, but before we look at one or two formal structures, we need to look at the basic ideas behind using a structure for reflection. There are basically six basic stages of reflective processes and these are: Stage 1: Select a critical episode to reflect on. Step 2: Observe and describe that experience. Step 3: Analyze that experience. Step 4: Interpret that experience. Step 5: Explore alternatives. Step 6: Frame the action. Now any experience we have had can be used as a focus of reflection, but what we choose to reflect on must have some meaning to us. This is significant in terms of what we are trying to achieve or the purpose it will serve. These significant experiences or events are often known as critical incidents. Flanagan (1954:327) defined what he meant by critical incidents: "By incident is meant any observable human activity which is in itself sufficiently complete to permit inferences and predictions to be made about the person performing the act. To be critical, a accident must occur in a situation where the purpose or intent of the act seems clear enough to the observer and when its consequences are sufficiently defined to leave little doubt about its effects of experiences that have particular meaning for the observer , the professional or any other person who takes part in them. They can be positive or negative experiences and must be able to be described concisely (Jasper 2003). When focusing on events involving other people, you will need to think about: the effect that this may have on the other people involved; obtain the consent of the other people involved; the status of any written documents you may make; confidentiality and protection of others. When considering reflecting with others in a professional context, you need to think about: the contextual cues for discussing things that have happened; choosing what to say and considering the implications of this; working within professional codes of conduct and their implications; the consequences of disclosure; misconduct/negligence/negligence;