This week the topic was on reflection and we had several educators reflect upon their relationship with students, colleagues, and self. A comment was made that reflection is not only an art, but also a science. That has really resonated with me and caused me to think more intentionally on this thought. Creating white space in our ever busy lives to reflect is an art, but the content and outcomes we reflect upon are the science. One could replay what happened in a particular moment, and it is good to replay situations, but that is not reflection. I believe reflection is more. It is when we replay situations, observe our decisions, evaluate the outcomes, and design the next steps to improve the future outcome(s).
The art side of reflection is looking at our values and outcomes, and asking honest questions. Are the questions we are asking ourselves originating from our core values? How are the questions aligning with the vision? There are so many new ideas that are regularly presented, and as a leader we need to be able to pause, think, and responsibly take-charge instead of acting impulsively by jumping off the course of the vision.
The science side of reflection is comparable to a stoichiometry formula that needs balancing. We should be considering what we have and have not done, and start balancing the reactant and products (values and outcomes). Are we regularly putting to practice our core values in hopes of achieving the desired outcomes?
I asked myself these questions multiple times the last few days. Am I leading in a way that encourages risk taking, creativity, and choice? Or am I spending my energy on conversing with students and staff about earning credits to graduate? How am I facilitating a learning community? How are my interactions and relationships with others cultivating a better environment of learning and creativity? How am I, if at all, empowering my teammates to think outside of the box?
To be honest, I need to direct my conversations more toward creativity and learning and less on earning credits to graduate. As for helping cultivate a better learning community, it is a journey, but I feel we are taking steps in the correct direction. Lastly, I plan on doing more creative things around campus in hopes that more of my teammates and students join in.
In what areas do you need to genuinely reflect to improve your craft?