ACTION CENTER
“We do not learn from experience [...] We learn from reflecting on experience.”
– John Dewey
In our book, Brave Leaders, each chapter ends with three activities designed to make your new ideas actionable. These are rooted in the practice of written reflection, a process Jeanne has adapted over the years while working with leaders from around the world. The results include less stress, clearer thinking, and the ability to tap their inner wisdom.
Try it yourself! These Reflection Pages will help you process your own experiences anytime, but are even more effective when used after a workshop or while reading the book.
Free Downloads: Reflection Pages
What drives your passion and purpose? Explore how your values can help you make courageous decisions.
Have you taken our Gut Check quiz? Sharpen your resilience by reflecting on the Four Universal Qualities of Brave Leaders.
The Brave Leader Sampling: Stories and activities adapted from our book.
The Brave Leader Sampling: Stories and activities adapted from our book.
Reflective Writing Q&A
Whether self-guided, or under the direction of a coach or facilitator, it is an opportunity to assimilate meaningful experiences to improve self-awareness and cultivate your wisdom.
In our workshops, we follow a standard three-step process. (1) Write as quickly as possible without stopping until time is up. (2) Reread what you have written. (3) Write a reflection based on your new insights.
Reflective writing is a guided process for tapping into your inner wisdom and subconscious thoughts and ideas. The strategies we use are called “writes” or “reflection pages” and they are designed to be completed within 5 – 15 minutes, although the longer you write, the deeper into your subconscious or unconscious mind you can get.
Reflective writing has been proven to help:
- Manage and diffuse strong emotions
- Make difficult decisions
- Clarify thinking
- Identify and strengthen personal/professional values
- Strengthen sense of purpose
- Improve negotiation skills
- Prepare for challenging conversations
- And much more!
While it is okay to type your reflections, the outcomes will simply be different than if you write by hand. Neurological research suggests very strong hand-mind connections which is why we use handwritten activities in our workshops.
Reflective writing, like journaling, is a highly personal practice and is not meant to be shared. The process becomes actionable in Step 3 (see first question).
It is important that you find a quiet place where you can write without interruption. Silence all electronic devices, except your timer. Dedicate 10-30 minutes, depending on the exercise. Begin and end each exercise with a few deep cleansing breaths. Google 555 or 4-7-8 breathing. Here’s one we like. Above all, write honestly. If you are concerned about privacy, you may wish to mindfully shred or burn your writing.
It’s also nice to write in a clear, tidy place. Cluttered desk-tops and tables create a subtle, subconscious distraction.
Follow the instructions on each reflection page. It’s nice to date your writes to track themes over time.
Taking Your Journey to the Next Level
Reflective writing is an effective tool for self-development in any setting. However, these exercises can be even more powerful when accompanied by an experienced guide, or as part of a professional leadership or team-building initiative.
To meet this need, we offer tailored, small-group workshops for corporations and other organizations. In addition, co-author and veteran executive coach Jeanne Rice is available for select 1-on-1 coaching. Please use the form below to inquire about our availability.