A reflection for the leader who never switches off
Catching up with yourself
Many leaders I work with are holding a lot – a lot going on in their roles, holding a lot for their team, and dealing with all the uncontrollables inside and outside of work.
This guided reflection is about giving yourself some space to think something through, when there's too much going on to get any of it clear.
First let’s start with a grounding exercise. A chance to settle in and notice what you're arriving with.
Whatever came up for you in that grounding exercise - thoughts, feelings, sensations - this next part gives it somewhere to go. It's called the 3-2-1 technique: a simple way of putting what's on your mind down on the page and letting it finish, so you can see it at a distance rather than get entangled in it.
Reflection Prompts
Decide what you want to write about. It could be something specific, a situation or relationship that's been on your mind, or it could be broader, just how you are right now.
As you start, take a moment to notice where this sits in you. A tightness, a heaviness, or maybe something harder to name.
For this first section, write freely for three minutes. Keep the pen moving, even if it turns into a to do list, or "my mind has gone blank." It will find its way back.
Next read back over what you've written. Notice if anything catches. A word, a phrase, something with a bit of charge to it. Pick a sentence stem (whichever of these resonates), and keep writing for two minutes.
As I read this, I am curious about...
As I read this, I feel...
As I read this, I am surprised by...
For the final minute, use quick notes, bullet points rather than full sentences.
What's becoming a little clearer?
Has anything come up that needs further reflection?
Are there any actions you want to take?
This is one way of working through what's on your mind.
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