Four tips for self-reflection in leadership

Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.                                                                                                  Margaret J. Wheatley

The biggest barrier I observe from working with senior managers and professionals in their leadership and career development, is finding the time to do it. Effective self-reflection is accomplished by taking time out to think about your experiences and expertise.

Four ways to find the time to engage in reflective practice as a leader and also map out next steps in our career are as follows:

1.    Acknowledge its importance

Become convinced that reflection is a critical component of enhancing your leadership ability. The benefits of self-reflection have been shown to be:

-        giving greater confidence in aligning activities with a moral and business compass

-        being a role model and inspiring others, especially millennials and younger

-        being able to identify new approaches to solving old problems

-        giving improvement to mental health

-        being able to articulate more effectively and get people on board

-        giving greater adaptability and resilience to change when it occurs.

Tap into the energy of what drives you and use this to kick-start the process of reflection.

2.    Remove the roadblocks

Not having the time, constant distraction and interruptions from others are often what I hear as reasons for not doing consistent reflection. Make it easy on yourself!  Buy a journal or have a space to jot down your thoughts. Schedule between 10-20 minutes break. Close the door and put the mobile phone on silent.

To begin with it doesn’t need to be a huge amount of time, but rather a need to be more disciplined in carrying out the practice of reflection.

3.    Get a buddy (or coach) and become accountable

One of the hidden benefits of using a coach is that it provides a focus for reflective practice. It’s a bit like going to the gym with a buddy. You can do it with a work colleague, friend or someone who has the same aspirations to start reflective practice.  

4.      Follow a system

Set out some questions that will help with the reflective process. Some suggestions are:

-        Review: What worked well? How did your week align with the purpose you set out at the start of the day?

-        Highlights: What were your best moments of the week? How could you replicate this next week?

-        Values: What activities aligned with your core values? If you were to lead with your most important value, what would it be?

-        Strengths: What activities did you find the most rewarding and easiest over the week? When did you find yourself in a state of flow?

So, remember!

Acknowledge the benefits of self-reflection, convert the intention into your planned schedule, start small and enjoy the benefits gained.