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  • Writer's pictureDr. Lisa Gonzales

A Coffee Break of Inspirational Leadership: The Power of Personal Reflection


Are you a reflective leader?

Reflection sometimes makes those around me laugh. Just yesterday I said to a colleague, "I was thinking about that conversation we had yesterday and had some further thoughts on what I had to say." For me, it was an opportunity to clarify a point that I had made that I didn't think I had done a good job of. I didn't want the other person to misinterpret what I had said because I realized there was another way to read my comment.

Do you reflect like that?

Sometimes I reflect in journal writing and in blog posts as well. I love the idea of writing and getting my thoughts down, as they often enable me to push on my own thinking...for good and for bad.

Personal introspection. We get there somehow... Writing. Talking. Running. Walking. Phone conversations. Lying in bed. During meditation.

I've been an avid runner now for about twenty years...a distance runner. I coached others in a race this past weekend. Toward the end, we were all doing our own thing and that meant thinking time for me. I love that quiet time in my own head when I can work through issues at work, challenges that I don't easily arrive at solutions to....you get the point.

This week's thought are around reflecting and writing out what troubles us, or documenting our accomplishments. Maybe that's a better way to look at it.

Ready for a little more thought? Because if you started with a full cup of hot coffee, you can't be done just yet. Are you ready to read a bit more? Watch a bit more? Share a little with others? Let's get started.....

This week's article is about the act of journaling. It plays a key role in reflection. Some of the leaders I respect the most journal like crazy...and reflect all the way through it. Years later, they will pull out their journals and think about what they've been through, how they have grown as leaders, how they have moved closer to achieving personal and professional goals.

Why did I share this one? Writing about what we experience in life isn't easy. We need tips. Even me. Feel free to click and read, or use to guide your writings. Thoughts? Read HERE.

* Watch It.

This week's video is self-reflection from a TED Talk. It's only 11 minutes but it starts with a great grounding in what reflection means and how it can add value to your life. It is worth a look...

* Share it.

Can you print these and share them? Notes to colleagues on key topics, such as perspective, make a huge difference.

Print in color on cardstock….practically free! Here are a few to consider….and to give frequently. It’s up to us to remind others that their reflection time is very important to personal and professional growth.

Make it a great week!

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