The sticky notes on my client’s home office window seemed innocuous enough, but that’s never been enough to stop a curious, friendly neighbor from inquiring. “What are you working on up there?” they asked.
“I’m doing some reflection, figuring out where I want things to go next for myself,” my client responded.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” the neighbor said. “I didn’t know you were out of work.”
“I’m not,” my client replied. “I’m just taking time to reflect and make a plan.”
“You can do that?!?” the neighbor responded.
Yes, friendly neighbor. Yes you can.
There are three kinds of reflection I support in my practice:
1. Reflection with a broad-view sounding board. That’s me: More than 20 years’ experience as a technology leader combined with the training and skillset of a leadership coach makes me a valuable partner for some one-on-one idea tennis. Sometimes it leads to sticky notes on your window.
2. Reflection with a trusted ally. They may not have any formal power or official connection to your team or your job, but others with similar perspectives can help you find the approach that will change fortunes for both of you. I help my clients engage these sometimes hidden allies and develop strategies for mutual success.
3. Self-reflection. This is the most powerful kind. While it doesn’t involve anyone but yourself, working with a coach (see number 1 above) can help you establish the structures and strategies necessary to make it work for you, your challenges, and your cognitive style.
Jesse James Garrett 