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Hansei

The Reflect phase of the Ishi Spiral: structured reflection aimed at correction.

Hansei works in 2 modes: alongside execution, as monitoring, and as the reckoning at the end of a horizon.

The reckoning restates the original Ishi in its exact terms, separates the quality of the decision from the quality of the outcome, and ends in a verdict: Recommit, Pivot or Release. After an Abort, a prompt Hansei follows against the original Ishi, once emotions have cooled.

Reflection that does not alter the next cycle is self-indulgence.

The Hansei Card asks 5 questions, in this order:

  1. Intent: was it sound?
  2. What did practice reveal?
  3. What did you adjust, hold or abort?
  4. Outcome?
  5. Next Ishi?
Hansei above its spiral in brush ink, calligraphy by Shunbō Inoue
Calligraphy: Shunbō Inoue, Imabari City, Japan.
Three paperback copies of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent by Gareth A Holebrook, foreword by L. David Marquet

IshiThe Discipline of Determined Intent