Reflect to Create

This text examines the habits of leaders and how they use the process of reflection to create conditions that foster growth in people and the collective well-being of the organization.

3. Reflection as a transformational way of being and leading

3.3. The four core practices for "Reflect to Create"

The four core practices are the personal practices that nourish the deepening of the seven foundational capacities. These are a beginner's mindset, building foundations and scaffolding, developing a mindfulness practice and making the commitment as shown and described below.

Starting with a beginner's mindset

Assume nothing, play with openness, wonder, spontaneity, generosity and abundance, finding inspiration from unexpected sources.

Building the foundations and the scaffolding for reflection

Find and/or design your places, spaces, times, ways, processes, people, inspirations, structures, places and spaces that work for you.

Developing a mindfulness practice(s)

There are many to choose from including centering exercises, meditation, yoga, t'ai chi, walking, art, music, reading or writing/journaling – these sidestep the ego, foster stillness and nurture heart, mind, body and soul.

Making the commitment

Make the time and decision to invest in living and working in this way Figure 9.

figure 9

Figure 9. Four practices of "Reflect to Create".


The complete "Reflect to Create" leadership map

Figure 10 pulls together the "Reflect to Create" leadership map showing how all the elements of the approach come together.

figure 10

Figure 10. "Reflect to Create" Leadership map.