The power of reflection

Suddenly it’s December and depending on your industry, you’re either drifting towards ‘down tools’ or working at fever pitch to cope with demand. No matter what’s happening in your business right now, there is nothing more important than taking a moment to reflect.

Too often, we keep our focus on ticking off our to-do list, racing through projects and meetings. We chalk up problems and roadblocks to experience and just move on. There’s no deep dive to consider how to avoid this happening in the future.

In strategy meetings with eccoConsultants clients, we often say, “you don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know how far you have come”. When we look back to assess successes and failures, milestones and misses, the result is insights – and a better understanding of how we can grow and improve.

Three levels of reflection can be pursued:

As an individual, research shows that employees work better when given the opportunity to reflect as it improves performance. Just 10-15 minutes a week can help.  (Click on link to useful article on why reflection matters.)

As a team, structured reflection is a great way for the entire team to work together to improve processes and procedures. Using guidance and good communication you can work proactively on resolutions. (Click on link to article that explains why this improves team performance.)

With customers, how often do you ask for feedback? Customers are the lifeblood of any business and this is the ideal time of year for say ‘thank you’ and ask for feedback. The time you invest in the answers you receive could make all the difference to your success in 2019.

If you need further convincing about the power of reflection read this excellent article by Jennifer Porter writing for the Harvard Business Review. 

“Reflection gives the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning.”

eccoConsultants offers personalised business strategy sessions incorporating the power of reflection. To find out more email gbohanes@eccoc.com.au