Writing is one of the most powerful tools available to leaders. It sharpens our thinking, refines our communication, and serves as a self-reflection tool that strengthens emotional intelligence.

The Power of Writing: Why Every Leader Should Keep a Journal

Writing is one of the most powerful tools available to leaders. It sharpens our thinking, refines our communication, and serves as a self-reflection tool that strengthens emotional intelligence. Moreover, it enhances clarity and focus, allowing leaders to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

I’ve been journaling for as long as I can remember. For me, it’s very much a part of who I am. However, my journaling practice has evolved over the years and become much more purposeful. In my role as a director in the field of teaching and learning, I write to document insights and resources that can benefit faculty. As a mentor, my writing allows me to pass on knowledge and guidance to my mentees. As an educator, I use writing to inspire and connect with others in my field. Additionally, as a woman and Latina, I write to amplify the voices and experiences of those who share my background. Through writing, I engage with multiple audiences while refining my own understanding of leadership and learning.

Why Leaders Should Write

Is writing for everyone? Perhaps not. However, it can be an invaluable practice for leaders. In fact, the thoughts of today can become the articles of tomorrow, the keynote speeches of tomorrow, the books of tomorrow. Alternatively, they can simply be the grounding thoughts that steady our tomorrows. Ultimately, writing for self-reflection and strategic thinking is one of the most effective leadership tools.

How Writing Benefits Leadership

1. Writing Clarifies Thinking

As Flannery O’Connor said, “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” Writing helps leaders process experiences, organize thoughts, and develop insights that would otherwise remain unexamined. With that in mind, the pace of modern leadership makes it easy to move from one meeting to the next without pausing to reflect. Therefore, writing creates that necessary pause.

2. Writing Helps with Planning and Organization

Many leaders find that writing out their goals and strategies enhances productivity. Sometimes, my morning pages are just a rambling list of “I need to . . . ” “I can’t forget . . . ” “I must . . . ” When things are particularly chaotic, writing out my plans in longhand helps me feel more in control. In contrast, to-do lists can be too rigid and lack room for reflection. Thus, the act of writing is an exercise in prioritization and clarity.

3. Writing Supports Emotional Intelligence

As leaders, it’s essential that we stay level-headed. I take seriously the idea that leaders need to be emotionally intelligent, balanced, and prepared to handle any situation. At the same time, leadership can be emotionally demanding. Writing offers a safe space to unpack emotions and temper reactions. It allows us to reflect privately, process challenges, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. As a result, leaders who write tend to be more self-aware, emotionally regulated, and intentional in their communication.

4. Writing Captures Ideas and Innovations

Some of the best ideas start as scribbles in a notebook. Whether it’s brainstorming for a keynote speech, outlining a strategic initiative, or documenting lessons learned from a recent challenge, writing ensures that valuable insights don’t slip away. Consequently, great leaders document their thoughts, ensuring that inspiration is never wasted.

When and How to Write as a Leader

Most days, I write in the mornings because I’m a morning person. It’s quiet, the coffee is hot, and there is something supremely hopeful and poetic about the promise of a new day. Even so, writing doesn’t need to follow a rigid schedule. In reality, the best writing habit is the one that fits your lifestyle. Some leaders write on a laptop, while others prefer handwritten journals or voice memos.

Here are a few approaches:

• Morning journaling to start the day with focus.
• Reflection writing at the end of the day to process experiences.
• Idea capturing throughout the day via notes apps or voice recordings.
• Structured leadership journals with prompts related to leadership growth.

Where to Start: Leadership Writing Prompts

If you’re new to writing as a leadership tool, start small. For example, here are a few prompts to get you going:

• What was the biggest leadership challenge I faced this week, and how did I handle it?
• What feedback have I received recently, and what can I learn from it?
• How do I want to show up as a leader in the next 30 days?
• What values guide my decision-making, and how do I uphold them daily?

Additionally, for more structured guidance, check out this insightful piece on Why Leaders Should Keep a Leadership Journal (Forbes).

Writing as a Leadership Strategy

We never imagined we would be where we are today, did we? As we navigate through complex challenges, we find that some days are harder than others. Nevertheless, writing provides a way to process uncertainty, strategize next steps, and maintain a sense of control. In an era of constant change, leaders who write cultivate resilience, adaptability, and clarity.

If writing is something you’d like to try, the key is to make it work for you. There is no single correct approach, and if something doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged—pivot and try something else. Above all, the goal is to develop a writing habit that supports your growth as a leade