Self-Reflection – A gift
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest”. – Confucius
In a research paper in 2014 (DiStefano and Gino) the researchers tested how beneficial it was to stop and reflect on our performance and/or experiences.
They concluded: “the performance outcomes generated by the deliberate attempt to articulate and codify the accumulated prior experience will be greater than those generated by the accumulation of additional experience alone. In addition, our findings show that the beneficial effect of reflection endures over time.”
What does this mean? Stopping to reflect on the past year is important and will dramatically improve your performance for a long time afterwards.
You can’t look ahead effectively until you’ve looked back. Simon Sinek says, “The ability to look at one’s self is critical…to separate yourself and become the ‘observer’ is critical to self-development”.
By taking the time to reflect, it’s possible for leaders to set the stage for continuous improvement, determine what worked in the past year (as well as what didn’t work well), and ensure they are learning from past experience.
“Without reflectivity leaders will not be able to challenge the current cultural norms and status quo thinking that is creating difficulties” (Castelli, 2016).
Part of the dilemma of living in our modern world with technology, deadlines and competition, is that we don’t take or have the time to reflect. We are constantly in action mode yet it is through reflection we shift direction.
REFLECTIVE PRACTICES IN ACTION
We see there are three rhythms that reflection can take – daily, quarterly and yearly. I will touch on two: daily and yearly.
Daily:
In their research looking at leaders who have been defined as exceptional through long-term outcomes, O’Sullivan and Gaster (2014), identified some reflective practices that these leaders did. They concluded that these leaders regularly journal morning and evening around priorities, expectations and the way they will, or did, show up in their workplace. (If you want a copy of the article email me and I’ll send it to you).
A daily practice of reflection increases effectiveness and self-awareness.
Yearly:
It is a natural time for us to stop and take stock.
I want to encourage your growth and say thank you for being connected to Transform Leaders. I have attached a link to a Year in Review pro-forma. I use this template myself and always find it propels me into the New Year will clarity and energy.
If you would like support getting clear about the upcoming year I’d be happy to do a 15-minute free conversation. Feel free to phone me on 0422 418 475 or email me direct at craig@transformleader.com.au