Reflective Thinking Empowers Leadership
Nov 20, 2020
"To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions: both dispense with the necessity of reflection."- Henri Poincare
The Best Solutions Are Not Obvious
In challenging times, it is particularly hard to settle down and look inwardly. We can so easily be drawn into the crisis of the moment or weighed down by the things that are not possible.
The UpCloseTeam recently held another Live2Lead event in Wood Buffalo. The 2019 version of this event was highly successful, specifically because of the way it brought people together. Participants enjoyed good food, celebrated awards, watched each other's reactions to the speakers, exchanged ideas and networked. Everyone who attended gained leadership principles and personal growth techniques, and they did that in the company of their peers.
For the 2020 event, we needed to do things virtually, which meant a reimagining of possibilities. We could not do what had worked in previous years. We had to come up with a fresh approach, but we also wanted to preserve the full range of benefits participants experienced in previous years. This was only made possible by reflective thinking.
The Benefits of Reflective Thinking
As John Maxwell points out in How Successful People Think, when we are brave enough to be reflective, we tap into something powerful:
- We gain a true perspective: Reimaging Live2Lead for 2020 reminded us of the most essential elements of any successful leadership networking event. As much as it challenged us to find new ways of holding the event, it also brought into sharper focus what people need from this type of gathering. They need to exchange ideas, have fun, and feel connected.
- They bring emotional integrity to their ideas: We could have simply recorded what we would have done live and asked people to watch a video, but that would not have given them the experience they need. Because we reflected, we were able to bring emotional integrity to Live2Lead 2020. Participants gathered in booths, had opportunities to chat, engaged in mystery networking, and enjoyed a scavenger hunt--all of this virtually.
- They have more confidence in their decisions: As we began planning the event, we felt overwhelmed. However, because we reflected on our experiences at past events and the needs of participants, we came up with an approach that gave us confidence. One thing about a virtual event: it offers flexibility. We were able to let participants choose when they arrived and left, or to stay longer than they might have if the event were not virtual. They could watch the presentations as many times as they liked. All of this helped make Live2Lead 2020 a success and we are ready to reimagine next year.
How to Engage in Reflective Thinking
So, here's how to make reflective thinking work for you. We can all benefit from it, especially now:
- Compile a list of open-ended questions that prompt reflective thought. Don't restrict yourself. If you let your mind be curious, it will lead you to insight. And you don't need to worry about whether you have the answers. Begin with finding the questions.
- Schedule unstructured thinking time. There is one thing reflection simply cannot happen without and that's time. Don't wait for a challenge. Make reflection a part of your daily life and you can do that by deliberately setting aside time.
- Keep a journal. You'll want to make the most of the time you set aside for reflection. A journal is a simple way of keeping track of your ideas. Don't make it too formal. Just record your thoughts. You'll enjoy looking back as time goes on to see how your ideas have evolved.
- Try going for a reflective walk. One of the ironies of life is that we sometimes think best when we are not at our desks. Go outside and breathe fresh air. While your body is busy walking, your mind will reflect.
- Reflect with others. As we learned in Live2Lead 2020, reflection does not have to be a solitary act. Online or in person, we can always share ideas.
David Kolb, an American educational theorist, developed a model for learning called Kolb's Learning Cycle. According to this model, we only begin to learn from experiences after we reflect on them. As Kolb said, "To learn from their experience, teams must create a conversational space where members can reflect on and talk about their experience together."
Start your reflective thinking practice today and invite others to join you.
Want to attend a virtual Live2Lead event? Attend the 7th annual Live2Lead event where John C. Maxwell, and other world-class leaders will teach practical lessons designed to help individuals in all spheres of influence grow to their maximum potential. This event is delivered by the John C. Maxwell company. Don't get left out, click here!
Your friends,
The UpCloseTeam
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