Here are a few of the thoughts I shared in today’s #InnoChat. This Twitter chat happens each Thursday morning at Noon EDT/9am PDT.
Today’s topic was “Reflection.”
“I have been a strong advocate in Innochat for experimental approaches, test-and-learn processes for innovation. It’s one thing to say that, though, and another thing to actually discuss how to do it.
Reflection could be the missing link I’ve been looking for, the link that makes test-and-learn innovation processes really work. I believe innovators would benefit from including reflection in their processes. I’ve been researching the topic all week, and I am indebted to my sister, fellow innocat and educator @WandaMcClure, who pointed me toward education as an example. Teaching students how to reflect on what and how they learn has become a very hot topic in the education world and one of the methods some say can help innovate education, so there’s a lot of literature out there about the benefits of reflection and how to teach students how to reflect.
Reflection is critical to Japanese culture, I’ve also learned. In business, Toyota practices hansei, an exercise involving looking at past mistakes, outlining the lessons from those mistakes, and pledging to use the lessons in the future. Here’s another post on hansei from Matthew E. May.”
What I said in today #InnoChat…
- I know for myself, reflection, done in the wrong way, can lead to self-recrimination and regret for past mistakes
- One (reflection) method I use os flipping back through my old handwritten journals to see where I was at the time
- I think reflection is a constant, on-going process. Taking stock happens as part of each action/day
- Yes, (recrimination) is not the same, but danger of sliding into recrimination if you aren’t careful
- Reflecting at the end of both big and small projects is good, too. Should be a natural part of every project
- Writing my Career Opportunities column has really been a 13+ year “reflection” on work and business, for sure
- (People who don’t want to reflect?) I have run into that, too. Frustrating as it seems they don’t want to improve, just move on.
- Capturing ideas is critical. Reflection often results in some of my best new ideas.
- Paper journal, Evernote, Word Doc, etc. Doesn’t matter how, but that you do the capture.
- (Reflection comes in) Different names, thoughts and applications for different people. We are all unique so reflection bound to be different for all
- I have to watch out for descending into the dark areas of thought, (but) emotions (are important), yes
- Emotions are strong beasts and can sidetrack us, but certainly part of it. Not sure you can (or should) separate (them from Reflection)
- (Fall into Blame?) Oh yes, The “B” word. Blaming and Shaming. Ouch!
- Surprise is such an important part of life, in general, so yes, you need to let those serendipitous moments arise
- (When reflecting on the past) I think we all tend to be harder on ourselves than others. I know I am
- I think a lot of people avoid it because it can be painful
- (Reflection should start) From the very beginning, as one of the basic tenets, I think. i.e. “learn from history so you don’t repeat it” at least bad (experiences)
- Need to reflect on successes, too. WHY was that so successful? What can we do more of?
- Sometimes we can put all our focus on failures, which are learning moment, but learning from success important too
- Reflection can be a creative engine that drive the net project forward to success.
- Easy to recognize people who don’t reflect, regularly. These are the family, friends, coworkers who constantly make same mistakes.
- Reflection can and should help you build the life and career you deserve. Look back, then look forward to better things.
- I often have some of my best new ideas when looking back at old ideas, actions, projects, etc
