The Art of Reflection | Executive Coaching Insights

Have you ever wondered why you had to do all that homework in school?

What was the purpose of all that?

Didn’t we just talk about this stuff in class today? Then why WHY do I need to do it again at home tonight??

There’s actually a reason behind the madness.

It’s just that no one ever explained it to us.

The idea is…

Once you “learn” something, you solidify it and make meaning from it by debriefing it afterward.

Reflection accelerates learning and motivates us to act.

We use the word “learning” quite loosely.

But here’s the reality:

Learning IS NOT simply the acquisition of knowledge.

That's only Step One.

First, we receive information, gain knowledge.

Then, Reflection is the meaning-making part of learning.

Finally, we do something with that now meaningful information, we incorporate it into our lives somewhere.

You have to have all three parts.

So just like the intention behind all that homework, we need to be regularly and formally debriefing our experiences.

That’s how we create meaning from them.

That’s how we learn from them.

And that’s how our decisions and behaviors will be affected moving forward.

So next time you:

- attend a training

- do a teambuilder/icebreaker

- watch a ted talk

- go to a conference

- attend a professional development workshop

- take a class

- work with a coach/therapist/consultant

- literally learn anything new…

...debrief it.

And if a reflection isn’t built into the program (pro tip: any quality speaker/coach/trainer/educator who is worth their sauce should absolutely build it into their program), take the initiative to start a follow-up conversation about it!

How do I take that initiative?

• Invite your team for a casual convo over drinks after work.

• Set up a coffee chat for a one-on-one debrief.

• Share a resource online and describe your takeaways in the caption or in your story.

• Do some individual journaling or blog posting.

Reflection accelerates learning and motivates us to act.

Your learning and growth is your responsibility.

No one can learn for you.

You have to reflect on your own experiences, personally and professionally.

That’s where the magic of growth and development and leveling up happens!

That’s where EXCELLENCE happens!

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Ready to make a plan to level up your team?

Schedule your free consultation with me by clicking HERE!

Creating meaningful connections and exciting learning opportunities for your organization, team, or clients is just one way I can help as a Leadership Coach and Executive Coach.

Check out the other ways I create meaningful impact HERE!