We do not learn from experience ... we learn from reflecting on experience.

JOHN DEWEY

Learning from direct experience can be more effective if coupled with reflection-that is, the intentional attempt to synthesize, abstract, and articulate the key lessons taught by experience.

4 key findings from...

Learning By Thinking: How Reflection Improves Performance
by Giada Di Stefano, Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano & Bradley Staats (2014)

1

Reflecting on what has been learned makes experience more productive.

2

4 key findings from...

Learning By Thinking: How Reflection Improves Performance
by Giada Di Stefano, Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano & Bradley Staats (2014)

Reflection builds one's confidence in the ability to achieve a goal (i.e., self-efficacy), which in turn translates into higher rates of learning.

3

4 key findings from...

Learning By Thinking: How Reflection Improves Performance
by Giada Di Stefano, Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano & Bradley Staats (2014)

taking time away from training and reallocating that time to reflection actually improved individual performance.

4

4 key findings from...

Learning By Thinking: How Reflection Improves Performance
by Giada Di Stefano, Francesca Gino, Gary Pisano & Bradley Staats (2014)

the process of transforming tacit into codified knowledge requires a cognitive investment that generates a deeper understanding of this knowledge

(COWAN, DAVID, & FORAY, 2000; NONAKA, 1994; NONAKA & VON KROGH, 2009)

Step 1: Write about three memorable experiences around leadership (can be as a LEADER, Observer of other's leadership, even leadership you've observed from afar or via text/film, etc.)

What happened? Describe in detail

Generative Knowledge interviewing: Leadership reflection

Step 2: In groups of 3, each person takes on one of the following roles:
Storyteller: Shares all three of the stories written during the free write.
Interviewer: After the storyteller completes all three stories, the interviewer prompts the storyteller to fill in details, define key words, or elaborate on points that caused confusion or curiosity.
Notetaker: Takes notes whilst the storyteller shares and answers questions. The notes should focus on patterns within and across stories as well as evocative imagery and language.

Generative Knowledge interviewing: Leadership reflection