When we think of monitoring, it often brings to mind a clinical or detached process—something we do to measure outcomes or track actions. But what if we reframe monitoring as a vital practice of self-awareness and reflection? At its core, monitoring is about staying deeply attuned to our own learning processes, behaviors, and the subtle indicators of progress that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Blindspot of Focusing Only on Big Outcomes
Change can be elusive, especially if we’re only looking for the big outcomes. While it’s natural to set our sights on major achievements, this focus can create a blindspot that prevents us from recognizing the incremental progress that leads to those outcomes. Monitoring allows us to shift our perspective, to “prime our eye” and “tune our ears” to the subtle, yet significant, markers of success.
Imagine being able to detect the early signs of success, the small shifts that indicate growth, whether within yourself or your team. This is the power of monitoring—it sharpens your awareness and changes your perspective. Instead of waiting for the final results, you begin to see change as it unfolds. You notice the small victories, the new behaviors, the gradual improvements that signify progress.
Reflection Questions to Enhance Your Personal Monitoring Practice
To help you incorporate monitoring into your leadership practice, consider reflecting on these questions:
What small wins have I noticed recently in my personal or professional growth?
Identifying these can help you see progress where you might otherwise overlook it.
How aware am I of my learning process?
Reflect on how your behaviors and thoughts are evolving over time.
What evidence do I have of growth within myself or my team?
Look for tangible or intangible markers that indicate progress.
Am I focusing too much on the big outcomes? What are the indicators of progress I may be missing?
Consider how you may know change is happening, what would you expect to observe along the way.
How can I tune my awareness to detect progress as it unfolds?
Think about ways to sharpen your ability to see and hear the subtle signs of change.
Monitoring, when done with intention and self-awareness, is far from sterile—it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By shifting your perspective to recognize small wins and indicators of progress, you create a clearer picture of how change is unfolding. This practice not only helps you stay aware of your own journey but also empowers you to lead your team with a more nuanced and effective approach. Remember, progress isn’t always about the final outcome; it’s about the journey and the growth that happens along the way.
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