As an Integral Component of Leadership Reflection As an Integral Component of Leadership

Reflection – a Definition ...a process by which an individual thinks about something that he/she has done, analyzes whether or not that behavior was effective, and determines what factors contributed to the behaviors\’s success or failure. …learning from experience. …to prepare to deal effectively with the future.

Reflection – a Definition …a process by which an individual thinks about something that he/she has done, analyzes whether or not that behavior was effective, and determines what factors contributed to the behaviors\’s success or failure. …learning from experience. …to prepare to deal effectively with the future.

Importance of Reflection Only if quality time is devoted to it An important element of effective training (e.g., EdD academic) programs Must be tied to the work that participants are engaged in Opportunities to engage with others about their work Need to understand rapidity and complexity of everyday events

Reflection as a Tool A way for professionals to deal with complexities, uncertainties and value conflicts inherent in their jobs. A tool to review past actions for confirmation, validation, or redirection

Individual Reflection Journal writing as a means of establishing a conscious inner dialogue Requires time and discipline Freewriting – writing whatever comes to mind without stopping or editing - get it out to make sense of it Looping – examining issues from different angles – “other person’s shoes” Case Record – capture it to study it

Factors Contributing to Effective Reflection Time to reflect; A structure or vehicle to reflect; Physical, psychological, and/or emotional distance from the situation that is the target of the reflection

Summary Reflection requires time and means to thoughtfully consider past or current actions in relation to new learning. If reflection is to have real impact on human behavior, it must occur as a conscious inner dialogue. The individual must have distance from the press of everyday events Reflection must include proposed action (what does mean to me and what do I do?)

References Roberts, Laraine. (1997) Taking Stock of Yourself as an Instructional Leader – California School Leadership Academy, pp. 39-48 Schon, D. (1983) The Reflective Practitioner. Pp. 45-47