By Michael Holland –

Since December 17, 2014 I have been writing a journal entry for each day.

Each morning I write about the previous day. Then I get to read what I wrote on the same day each of the previous years in my journal.

This habit has helped me to gain tremendous perspective on my personal development as well as patterns that occur.

A habit of journaling can help you become a better leader.

Here are 8 prompting questions that can help you as you sit to write your entries.

  1. What am I most proud of from the previous day?
  2. How did I lead well yesterday; what is a success?
  3. How did I stumble as a leader yesterday?
  4. If I lived yesterday over again, what would I do differently?
  5. What lesson or learning moment do I want to take from yesterday?
  6. What am I thankful for right now?
  7. What did I read or listen to or consume yesterday that was of interest?
  8. What picture/video did I take yesterday or wish I had taken?

The prompting questions open your reflection muscles and should help you to pause for a moment to replay the video in your head of situations, interactions, events.  Those that happened yesterday and/or those that could be for the future.

Pausing for a moment is so valuable in many aspects of our leadership lives and personal lives as well.  Don’t underestimate the power of the pause as a trigger for behaviors.

Great leaders who lead well are reflective leaders.  They seek to continually learn about how they impact those around them and the situations within which they find themselves.

Be a leader who leads well.

Take on a Challenge of Journaling

For the 5 work days of the week for the next 6 weeks write down your reflections of the previous day.

Start small with just a sentence or two.  Maybe answer just one of the prompting questions.

Consider setting up your journal by day of the week so you see your notes from the prior week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc.

Coaching Thoughts – For You and Your Peers

  • Which 3 questions resonate most with you?
  • Grab a peer leader and take on the challenge of journaling for the next 6 weeks.  Take time during the challenge to discuss how the journaling is impacting each of you.
  • What’s the best tool for you to use to journal? Word? Evernote? Excel? Paper?

 

Related Leadership Learning Moments:

  1. One Habit That Will Make You a Better Leader
  2. Why You Should be an Everyday Leader With Lollipops
  3. The Question Sequence All Leaders Should Utilize
  4. Crafting the Story: The Critical Questions You Need to Answer as a Leader
  5. 3 Leadership Lessons I Learned at Pastor Joe’s Funeral
  6. The Rituals I’ve Created to Become More Effective