TILT Every Day (a.k.a. The Easiest Powerful Learning Tool at Your Fingertips)
Last week, at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference, I shared my strategy to "TILT." This is how I make sense of the world, create content, and think through just about everything. It seemed to strike a chord.
TILT is one of the most powerful learning tools available to us. The best part is anyone can use it at any time. No special equipment needed.
TILT stands for Things I Learned Today.
It is the act of reflecting on the day (or the moment, or the meeting, or the interaction) and noting what you learned. After all, we don't need to wait for a big event or cool workshop to learn. There are moments we can (and should) learn from every day. Even better, this simple act increases our learning and retention.
David A. Kolb published a model of his Experiential Learning Theory in 1984 that included an experiential learning cycle. The model describes a four-step learning process for every interaction and experience (including daily life): 1.Experience, 2.Reflect, 3.Think, 4.Act.
"...reflection, review and perspective taking about the experience; then abstract thinking to reach conclusions and conceptualize the meaning of the experience..." is an important part of the learning process (quote from the Experiential Learning Institute).
I have used this theory for decades when building leadership development and other learning experiences. But I didn't think about it as a daily practice until I met Joe.
Joe was the President of a company that everyone seemed to respect and admire. He was a strong leader who was also well loved. I found myself wondering, "What is it about Joe that makes him this type of well-respective, impactful leader?" I had never seen anything quite like this before.
A few months later, I had the chance to sit down with Joe for a conversation. My only goal was to find out what he did that set him apart as a leader. I asked some basic questions about his leadership, but I didn't hear anything unique. That is, until he shared a quick side story about his daily process. That story gave me all I needed to know. He said, "You know, when I get in my truck at the end of the day, like everyone else, I just think about everything that happened. I think about what went well and what didn't go well. Then, I plan what I am going to do differently tomorrow as a result."
That was it. I hadn't heard anyone describe their leadership in this way and this was what Joe did differently. He reflected every day (and no, Joe, despite your positive thoughts, everyone else does not do this).
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The daily reflection allowed Joe to lead with intention and keep growing as a leader. Each day was an opportunity for him to learn how to do his work better based on the experiences he had the day before.
Over seven years ago, after that conversation with Joe, I started my TILT journal.
Now it's part of me. Every day, multiple times a day, I write down a thought that I am learning. It helps me to make sense of this world and the work that I am doing. It helps me to continue growing in the small moments, instead of waiting for the big ones.
If you want to jumpstart your own growth start reflecting about your day for a moment or two and writing down your thoughts. It doesn't have to be formal, well written, or comprehensive. Sometimes my TILT is a few words, random bullets, a quote or a picture. The more you do this, the easier it will become.
Here are a few questions you can use to get started. There is no need to use them all, you simply need to pick one or two and begin.
I should also note that it is both the reflecting and the abstract thinking combined that make TILT effective. So, it's important to write what struck you but also ponder why and what that means for you moving forward. The questions will help.
- What happened today that energized me or confused me? Why was I energized? Why was I confused?
- What happened that had never happened before? What can I learn from that moment that will help me in the future?
- What was challenging? Why was it challenging?
- What do I feel really good about today?
- What do I feel weird about or can't quite justify in my mind? Why not? What is it that's bugging me? What was my part in that?
- How can I repeat what's good moving forward? How can I modify what isn't working?
Next, because we are learning professionals, we need to help those we are serving in our profession (learners, stakeholders, etc.) to do the same. Weave in regular reflective practice as a core tenant of designing and delivering learning and development solutions.
Per my own experience, this is powerful stuff. It works. It's right here at our fingertips. We just need to start using it.
TILT away, everyone!
L&D Detective® | Nonprofit Founder
1yI’m giving you a round of applause for this good work Jess. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Keynote speaker and Trainer specializing in Career Development, Mindset & Engagement | Author of Own Your Career Own Your Life | Talent Development podcast and community host | Cancer Survivor, Expat, Cyclist, Ally 🌈
1yThis is so simple and so brilliant and I know so many people are going to start doing after you shared at our conference last week and on here and other places. I am definitely going to start doing this as well.
Instructional Designer | Learning Experience Designer | Curriculum Developer | Bibliophile | Bookish
1yThis is fantastic. Imagine if we all reflected more. So critical. I’ve just realized I’ve been doing this in my gratitude journal daily. It definitely is related to my job hunt as I’m very conscious about what I’m learning in the process.
Sr. Director of Talent @ NextDecade | Talent Cultivator
1yThis is one of my favorite takeaways from last week. I'm still absorbing and reflecting on the ALL.THE.THINGS, but this is so practical and doable! Thank you sharing 😀
Director of Learning and Talent Development | Talent Strategist | Leadership Expert | Certified Coach| Engagement Focused Human Resources Leader
1yLove this concept Jess and your article helped me explain it to my team who loved it! It was just the right connection point we needed for our “Gather Together” sessions we have each week.