In a previous article, I discussed the power of reflecting to keep leaders connected to their values and protected from ethical failures. So where do you begin when it comes to reflecting? A great tool is to use a journal. Writing gives us “something to do” in the midst of an activity that can seem abstract.
Kathleen Adams, who is an expert in journal writing, has stated that journal writing “lets us literally read our own minds (and also our hearts and souls)” and also “helps us develop authentic voice.” Kathleen gives these Seven Guidelines to get you started with journal writing:
- Forget the “rules.” Penmanship, grammar, spelling are not important. Write what and however you want.
- Start with a quieting process to move from “out there” to “in here” – breathing, visualizing, focusing, relaxing.
- Date every entry. It allows for chronological reconstruction. And it makes it easier to track cycles, patterns, trends.
- Write quickly … so quickly that the dreaded Inner Critic or censor can’t catch up.
- Tell the truth … even when it is difficult, scary or negative.
- Protect privacy. Store the journal is a special place.
- Give permission. Use different journal techniques, allow for personal preference, and find a style that works.
As a way of getting started it is helpful to use a prompt. You could do an exercise to reflect on your day. Some examples are:
- I did well in leading today by …
- I did not do well in leading today by …
- I acted out my organizations core value by …
- My next step is to…
It is also helpful to get to our emotions during reflection. Sometimes our emotions can be warning signs to items that could lead us astray. Some example prompts are:
- I am fearful of…
- I am anxious about …
- I am angry about …
- This keeps me awake at night when I think about …
Other ways to jump start your writing is to read a book on leadership, but then purposely take time to write about how it applies to you. Or take one of your personal values or a core value from your organization and write about what that value means to you.
E.M. Forester says, “How do I know what I think until I see what I say.” Journal writing is a great way to provide accountability for a leader. You learn much about yourself and also often have the benefit of a solution rising to the surface to a problem you have been contemplating.
Another step to accountability with self-reflection is to meet with another trusted person with whom you can share your thoughts and struggles. It is much better to get our struggles out on paper and with another person, then to end up tripping over it by acting out in tragic behavior.