Why Every Leader Should Journal

3 Jul 2026 · 3 min · 2 chapters

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In short

Why leaders should journal to improve reflection and decision-making.

Guest backgrounds

The episode features “one of our authors who used to be a CEO” (no name provided in the transcript).

Key claims

Senior leaders get more information and fewer uninterrupted moments, so journaling helps them reflect on lessons before making big decisions. Evidence cited: replaying events in the mind is essential for learning, but the brain can’t identify lessons until reflection. Notable examples/steps: journal soon after an event; start with the outcome; list what led to it; ask “why” five times to peel back causes; record relevant emotions and why they appeared; conclude with what to learn and what to do differently next time.

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Chapters

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The Importance of Journaling for Leaders

0:00 to 0:28

Learn why journaling is essential for leaders to reflect and make better decisions.

The Importance of Journaling for Leaders

0:30 to 2:02

Learn why journaling is essential for leaders to reflect and make better decisions.

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Transcript

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0:28This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. of America for a reason. With SUVs made to move with your rhythm. The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And tracks bring style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. The farther you move up the career ladder, the more important it becomes to reflect on all the different things you've learned before making big decisions. But a lot of leaders actually struggle to do this and that's because the more senior you become, the more information is thrown at you and the more people are just constantly demanding your time.

1:13That's why one of our authors who used to be a CEO says journaling is so important. Evidence does show that replaying events in our minds is essential for learning. While our brains can record and hold onto what's happening in a moment, we can't actually determine what lessons to take away until we reflect. If you're journaling about a past event, your mind will be clear if you do it as soon as possible afterwards. Begin your entry by stating the outcome of the event you're reflecting on. Then list what led to that outcome. And every time you find a reason, ask why. Ask why five times to peel back the layers.

1:50Now try to recall any emotions that may have impacted your decision making and why they came up. Finally, look back at what you wrote and think about what you can learn from it all and what you can do differently next time.

From the publisher

Why Every Leader Should Journal

9 Oct 2024

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The higher up you climb on the career ladder, the more difficult it becomes to make time for learning and reflection. That’s why keeping a journal is so valuable. Here are a few tips from one of our authors.

Read the full article: https://s.hbr.org/48165Ut

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