Reflection: A powerful tool for success
Jane Underwood
Senior Director Learning and Leadership Development | Driving Talent & Leadership Strategy for Business Growth
Time to reflect is sought after by many busy professionals, we are so often wrapped up in work pressures that reflection drops to the bottom on the priority list.
Reflection is a positive tool that allows you to: make sense of the world, learn from mistakes, work through blockers, recognise success, be creative and generate new ideas. The Boston Consulting Group research on The Rewards of CEO Reflection indicates that ‘Reflection leads to better insights into innovation, strategy and execution, better outcomes and higher credibility with stakeholders’.
I recently decided to take some time to reflect. I sat in my garden for 30 minutes enjoying the sunshine, just a notepad and pen for company. By giving my mind space to reflect, I focused on my key goal, three new learning ideas appeared and several reflections on appreciating recent successes.
Reflection normally happens when you are given permission to take time out. One of our experiential off site leadership programmes incorporates a module on reflection. Leaders spend 1 hour on their own in the countryside to reflect on their leadership journey, hopes, fears, dreams etc. Feedback from delegates indicates this is one of the most powerful modules on the programme.
However, the key to success is to weave regular reflection into your week.
Many leaders highlight the importance of regular reflection in their business success:
Richard Branson, practices reflection every day over a cup of tea, ‘Having a cup of tea gives me a moment to stop and think without being distracted, and a chance to chat with friends, think through ideas, or sit for a second and simply be. I’m sure many more great ideas will be dreamed up over a cuppa – ideally in a red cup!’ https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/perfect-cup-tea
Bill Gates takes time out to reflect during a think week, where every year he steps back to reflect. In April 94, he spent time reflecting on the question, was the internet here to stay? After reflecting, Bill Gates decided the answer was yes and focused the company on building (Internet Explorer). https://www.willpowered.co/learn/self-reflection
In sport, reflection is also key tool to success. In a recent podcast, Ben Hunt–Davis Olympic gold medalist, highlighted how regular reflection on his rowing performance and asking the very specific question ‘Will it make the boat go faster’ led to Olympic success. He also discussed, defining your goal, focus on achieving your goal, staying motivated and building beliefs. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p089n7q1
Your challenge for this week, block out a time slot and take some time to reflect.
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4 年Great insights, Jane. ??