Reflective Journaling

A journal may track and record the occurrence, actions, and outcomes of various situations.[1] Reflective journaling goes beyond a personal lessons learned including periodic entries on self-awareness of personal strengths, developmental needs, values, feelings and perceptions, and questions and ideas about leadership situations.[1] A leader may track personal successes and lessons learned by recording their experiences in leading others, the chosen actions, the resulting outcomes, and any insights.[1] The journal may serve as a reference to pass along lessons learned to others.[1] Key leader references also may be recorded.[1]

Sample reflective journaling questions include:

  • What is the best thing that happened today or this week?[1]

  • What is the most difficult or satisfying part of my work? Why?[1]

  • What do I think is my most valuable or valued contribution?[1]

  • What compliments and criticisms have I received lately? What did I learn from them?[1]

  • What did I learn because of a recent disappointment or failure?[1]

  • How do recent experiences connect to my long-term goals?[1]

  • What risks have I taken(or avoided taking)lately?[1]

Individual leaders should decide whether to share their journal content with their immediate leader or others.[1] Leaders can reinforce reflective journaling by:

  • Carrying a journal and being seen writing.[1]

  • Citing lessons learned while referring to journal entries.[1]

  • Providing time for a leader to reflect and write down personal lessons learned.[1]

  • Providing leaders with a journal and a personal note encouraging them to use it.[1]

  • Asking leaders to write or recount a story of a key leader challenge and use the stories to pass on lessons learned to less experienced leaders.[1]

1. U.S. Army Leadership Development Manual, FM 6-22

Updated on 26 Nov 2019

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