Pause & Reflect is an invaluable tool for learning from feedback. It is time consciously allocated to critical reflection so you can analyze feedback and evidence, understand its implications, and consider how you might act in response.
The benefits to institutionalizing pause and reflect sessions are numerous. For example, they include increased dedication and effort within teams, enhanced productivity, and strengthened self-efficacy.
What to do:
Start by pausing
- Set aside a time for purposeful reflection without distractions. This could be as short as 30 minutes or as long as a full day.
- Take a step back from day-to-day tasks, and consider the larger issues and bigger picture questions.
Include the right people
- Include people with varied perspectives on the issue at hand while keeping the group small enough that everyone gets to contribute. Consider who needs to be involved in order to act on conclusions reached.
Have clear questions to answer
- Provide clear guidance on what the group is there to reflect on including questions for the group to answer.
Have a moderator
- The moderator should keep the conversation on-track and ensure conclusions are reached.
Leave hierarchy at the door
- Check your rank at the door. People at every level of seniority bring a useful perspective. Do not defer to HIPPO (the highest paid person’s opinion).
Have a learning mindset.
- Be ready to welcome helpful critiques and ideas rather than seeking to defend current practices.
- Invite participants to be a ‘critical friend’ who makes constructive critiques.
- Think of a Pause & Reflect as an appraisal – but for the organisation. Seek ways to help the organisation do better.
Agree conclusions and act on them