When did you last set aside time for reflection?

I mean planned, dedicated and uninterrupted time.

I’ve just had a week away to switch off, recharge and be with family, but I also used it as an opportunity for reflection. I've always been a fan of using reflection to inform my own learning and growth, and this time proved no different.

🌞 I got moving where I’d been stuck

🌞 I learnt new things

🌞 I made decisions on things to start and others to let go

🌞 I gained new energy and ideas for future projects

You might have also done your own reflecting in the last 12 months, but as a whole team, practice, PCN or federation I’m guessing that’s far less likely to be the case. You might have had an Away Day for future planning, but the benefits of that will be reduced without beginning with reflection and learning from past issues and achievements.

So why don't practices PCNs and Federations have dedicated time for reflection in the same way they might for making plans. There are probably a mixture of reasons:

⛔ It can be uncomfortable

⛔ There's a fear of the unknown

⛔ It's about the past and we want to look ahead

⛔ We don't have the skills to facilitate a reflection session

The thing is, if you are serious about wanting success as a practice, PCN or federation then taking time out for reflection should be a regular practice. There are so many benefits it should be a starting point and an integral part of your Away Day and planning sessions.

🔷 You are more aware of the organisation's strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies

🔶 You'll do better in the future by learning from your past

🔷 You'll improve your resilience through discussing your experiences, emotions and feelings

🔶 You'll address problematic and recurring actions and behaviours

🔷 You'll navigate change easier and more successfully

🔶 You'll be reminded to celebrate success

🔷 You'll be stronger and work together better as a team.

A reflection session is usually best led by an experienced facilitator and should be structured, engaging and interactive, and above all a safe place for open discussion. It can include exercises to guide the reflection such as 'pluses and minuses' or 'stop, start, keep' and will include questions to explore situations, actions and feelings, such as:

❓ What could we have done better?

❓ How could we have prevented that?

❓ How did we feel about that?

❓ What would we do next time?

❓ What and who was key to that success?

❓ How could we do even better next time?

So, how do you feel about a reflection session for your practice, PCN or federation?