Do your people think, reflect and succeed? The power of reflective practice

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Workplace Confidence Email

Hey there!

I'd like to introduce you to another free and straightforward idea that will supercharge professional life for you and your colleagues.

It's called ‘reflective practice’ - also known as journaling or, in super simple terms, writing down your thoughts and writing down what you think about your thoughts.

It can have a surprisingly powerful impact.

The practice is commonly used by healthcare, education and social work professionals, but trust me, its’ benefits can transform any workplace.

Listen and share my 10-min podcast: The power of reflective practice

So, what exactly is reflective practice?

Reflective practice is taking a step back to think critically about what you've done professionally, why you did it, and how you felt during the process.

It's a kind of self-coaching where you ask yourself some key questions:

• What happened?
• How did I feel?
• Why might I have reacted/responded in that way?
• And, most importantly, what could I try to do differently next time?

This kind of reflection helps individuals develop their self-awareness - a skill essential for making better decisions, boosting professional growth and improving both work and personal life.

Why should you and your team dive into reflective practice?

Reflective practice isn't just a solo act; it's a team booster too. Studies by Dierdorff and Rubin* show that teams with self-aware members perform better. Why? Because self-aware people understand their strengths and weaknesses, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively. These are the ingredients for a rock-solid team that can tackle anything.

And the best part? Reflective practice is free and easy to start. No fancy training is needed - just a notebook or a digital space where you can consistently note down your thoughts. It doesn't have to be a time-sink either. The key is consistency and keeping it real.

How to get started: tips for making reflective practice a routine activity

Thinking about giving it a go? Here's how you can start:

1. Pick your platform: Whether it's a notebook, a Word document, or an app on your phone, choose whatever feels most comfortable. The main thing is that you're consistent.
2. Ask the right questions: Kick things off by asking yourself questions like: What happened today? How did I feel about it? What worked well? What could have been better? These prompts help you focus and cover the bases.
3. Make it a habit: Try to weave reflective practice into your daily or weekly routine. If you're a manager, encourage your team to do the same. For instance, during your monthly check-ins, you could ask, "What's your biggest achievement this month?" or "What have you learned about yourself?"
4. Be honest: This isn't about writing a bestseller; it's about being honest with yourself. Reflective practice works best when you're open, even if it means facing some uncomfortable truths about your actions or patterns.

What's the payoff?

By bringing reflective practice into your work life, you're setting yourself up – and others - for some serious gains. You'll make more informed decisions, communicate better and work more effectively with others. Over time, you'll gain a clearer picture of your strengths and areas where you can grow.

So, why not give it a shot? Share this with your colleagues, lead the way and start reflecting together and before you know it, you'll all be enjoying the perks of increased self-awareness and a more cohesive team.

Best wishes,

Penny Haslam

*Study by Dierdorff and Rubin - https://hbr.org/2015/03/research-were-not-very-self-aware-especially-at-work

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