Reflection
In the current social-political-economic conditions there is likely little embracement of the word reflection. The noise, confusion, and chaos are a manifestation of the growing – but not new – cultural divide in America. Those navigating these divides may not have time for reflection. You can look at any cable news channel and if they don’t noticeably lean left or right politically, at some point during a show they will probably bring on opposing subject matter “analysts” to debate the topic of the day. At times those debates amount to nothing more than rants and arguments disguised as analytical news content.
There are serious issues confronting our country that require effort and action. The issues bring out activism from all sides. Compounding that, at what appears to be a regular cadence there is some new tragic event that occurs, bringing forth more demands for solutions to more societal problems. The urgency presented does not permit leaders to say: “let me reflect upon this before I decide.” There is a demand for immediate action. Often that demand for action occurs at a time when people, communities, or nations are in the throes of emotional upheaval. This is the ideal time for reflection. Far too often legislation has been passed during periods of great emotionalism. Military encounters abroad have commenced without due reflection. Government policy has been founded upon a need for quick solutions. Acknowledging the need for and benefit of reflection takes courage.
There is some level of review that comes before any decision that will be put into action. There must be. Prior to acting there is (or should be) thinking about and analysis of the impact of a potential decision, and some thinking about and analysis of the event that has brought about the need to act. It is after the event but before the analysis that we need to slow down, elongate, and enlarge that space with more deliberate reflection.
The same desire for action and results presents itself in the workplace, although these issues may be of lesser importance, Technology has us operating at faster and faster speeds. Globalization has us operating across time zones. Yet the demand for answers and solutions has not slowed. Although deliberate thought and consideration is crucial to effective decision making, far too often the opportunity does not present itself. Can you imagine a workplace leader who is brave enough to ensure that there is adequate time on the agenda for reflection during a meeting, or after a meeting but before a decision is made? That’s not likely to happen on a large scale. Those who must provide the answers to the questions are not rewarded for silence or reflection.
The need for reflection is not limited to matters of public policy or the workplace. In almost any scenario reflection can positively contribute to the various interpersonal relationships that we have. At times, even with the best of intentions, our conversations with others too often can become nothing more than listening with the purpose of preparing to respond to what is being said. Becoming deliberate about holding space for reflection in conversations should deepen not only the communication that is occurring, but the relationship as well. Reflection, when done as part of a team or group, can be active, engaging, and dynamic.
Lastly, one of the most powerful forms of reflection is that which pertains to self. Whether you do it alone or with a trusted non-judging partner, the ability hold space for self-reflection can serve to empower you in your own personal growth and development. You are not judging, you are not ruminating, and you are not assigning regrets or no regrets tothe things that are in the past. In reflecting upon a future action, you are not assessing or analyzing the potential decisions or outcomes. You are merely trying to gain new insights or knowledge, which later will help inform your choices.
Try to envision reflection as the process of reviewing, without judgment, some past act or future decision for the purpose of gaining new knowledge. The new knowledge that you acquire in turn should lead to more choices and better outcomes. To get you on your way to successfully benefitting from reflection, consider the following to guide your journey.
Suspend Judgment
The words and thoughts are just that, try to not assign any meaning to them at this stage. When we begin to judge or assign meaning to them, we give them power. That power can lead to our shortcutting the process of reflection in which our sole purpose is to gain new knowledge or insights.
Be Curious
Curiosity opens the door to new awareness, learning, and discovery. Whatever topic, decision, or event you are reflecting on should be done through the lens of curiosity. Explore, ask questions of yourself, or if in an interpersonal or team setting, put your questions before the group.
Learn
The more we reflect the more we should gain new knowledge. The discovery does not have to be earth shattering. But it should bring new awareness to the issues upon which you are reflecting.
A final note to once again affirm that reflection is activity, and reflection is not inaction. More important it is not intended to be action, but it does serve to generate better decisions that lead to actions.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are you curious about?
2. What might you need to do to withhold judgment during your time of reflection?
3. What new insights can you gain from this reflection?
4. What new awareness can you gain from this reflection?