The Practice of Visual Reflection

A sustainable culture of innovation

is a culture of continuous learning

that prioritizes intentional reflection.

“What are you taking away?” It’s not the most glamorous question but it has consistently been one of my most powerful coaching and facilitation questions. It never ceases to amaze me how often an ah-ha or breakthrough doesn't completely gel until right at the end.

That’s why I include this inquiry in virtually all my meetings (facilitated and otherwise) and even my vacations! (See see below for a brand new downloadable Travel Reflections Visual Template!)

Visual Reflection for Learning + Innovation

Who has time to pause and reflect when there's so much to be done?

The people and teams...

... who want more that to just get stuff done

… who want to improve how they get stuff done

… who want to up level the experience and outcome of what gets done

... who are committed to is avoiding overwhelm + burnout

… who foster a culture of continuous learning + innovation

Not all innovation is flashy, sexy or groundbreaking. Paying attention to how things are working — and making them work a little better — is continuous improvement in action (which is also the quiet drumbeat of innovation.)

Tips for Visual Reflection with Groups

Start with a Powerful Question:

Open ended questions open up conversations.
Yes/No questions often close them down.
Sentence Starters make it easy —even irresistible— to reflect
- I’m proud that we have…
- We've stretched ourselves by…
- We’ve made progress on…

Make the Reflection Visual

Create “containers” for their thoughts like simple boxes or circles.
Make it Modular: Use Stickie notes on flip charts, whiteboards etc.
Use Visual Templates to make reflection concrete, inviting and easy. (They don’t have to be fancy.)

Give people shapes to fill in
make meaning with simple icons (you can download or draw them)
Bonus: Add a metaphor (a tree, a finish line, a bridge etc). These simple concepts set the tone, ground + deepen the reflection, and make it more memorable.

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