Why Leaders Should Keep Journals

 Why leaders should keep journals?

1. Daily goal-setting

2. Work through confusion

3. Record gratitude.

4. Refocus on what matters.

Symbols to improve your note taking

I use the Cornell method of note taking by dividing my note sheet with a line 1/3 of the way from the left edge of the paper. I then take notes using the outer 2/3 of the paper.

On the left 1/3, I make note of actions using the above symbols that Michael Hyatt recommends. I also make note of ideas, thoughts, etc.

Cornell Note Taking Page Example

I spoke this weekend at the STEPUP Assistant Coaches Symposium and as I spoke about Scouting & Owning Your Game Plan I discussed the value of taking notes. I shared my way of taking notes that I got from Coach Don Meyer.

It's called the Cornell system. You divide your notebook page with a line one-third of the way from the left edge. You then take the notes on the available two-thirds. You use the one-third area for action items, questions, ideas, etc.

It works well for review. When reviewing you can easily find what needs to be acted upon.

Tony La Russa On Note Taking

Tony La Russa On Taking Notes:

As La Russa manages, he makes little lists of opportunities lost and not lost; moments when maybe he could have stolen a run or prevented one. He learned how to keep a list from Dick Williams, the manager of the A’s when they won world championships in 1972 & 1973. Williams told him that if you don’t make notes about a game as it’s occurring and review them afterward, you will forget what happened, because of the daily grind of the season.
--From 3 Nights In August