The Power of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is one of those practices we know we should do more of, but don’t. A bit like meditation or journalling.

Yet, when it comes to you and your leadership success, self-reflection is a key component.

Self-reflection can help you get to know yourself better, especially when it comes to your priorities, values, strengths, and areas you might want to develop.

It’s a way of ramping up your self-awareness.

In this blog I’ll be exploring some of the ways you can use self-reflection to improve and enhance your leadership skills and experience.

The importance of self-reflection

Leaders who understand their emotions, reactions, triggers, ways of working, etc. are able to relate better and build stronger relationships with their team.

Self-reflection can help you work out and improve your:

✔ goals and priorities

✔ strengths and skills

✔ decision making and problem solving

✔ confidence and resilience

✔ growth mindset

✔ learning from setbacks

✔ self-care strategies

In my experience, self-reflection in leadership is a great way to empower you.

Plus, the positive impact it can have on your personal and professional growth can’t be overstated.

How to do self-reflection

If it is something you have not done or not really thought about before, then self-reflection can feel quite difficult.

Here are some tips to get you started:

💎 Set clear intentions – work out what you want to achieve.

Getting clear on this helps focus your thoughts to make the most of your reflection practice.

💎 Make time for it – in whatever way works best for you. This might be:

● journaling about your leadership experiences

● seeking feedback from others

● evaluating your strengths and areas for development

● celebrating successes

● reviewing previous situations that went well or could’ve been handled differently.

It’s about identifying anything that gives you insights and improves your self-awareness.

This will help you continuously improve as a leader.

💎 Ask powerful questions – challenge yourself with thought-provoking questions that encourage deeper introspection.

Reflect on your successes, failures, the lessons learned and what you could have done differently.

If you’re keen to get started here are a few prompts that might help you:

⮚ What are my proudest moments as a leader?

⮚ What are my leadership strengths and qualities? [if you want to explore your leadership qualities check out my blog “What makes a Great Leader?”]

⮚ How do I inspire and motivate my team?

⮚ How do I foster collaboration and teamwork?

⮚ How do I handle challenges and setbacks?

⮚ Am I effectively balancing confidence and assertiveness?

⮚ How do I support the professional development of my team?

⮚ Have I set clear expectations and goals for my team?

⮚ How do I establish and communicate boundaries in my leadership role?

⮚ Am I practising self-care and prioritising my own well-being?

⮚ Am I effectively advocating for myself and my ideas?

💎 Ask your peers to help – there’s nothing to say reflection has to be something you do on your own.

Ask your trusted colleagues and mentors to share their perspectives, insights, challenges and learning they’ve gained. In a safe and supportive group, sharing your perspectives can be incredibly valuable.

💎 Use technology – there are many apps and online resources available to help you make the whole process a lot more convenient and accessible. These include meditation guides, reflective prompts and journaling apps.

Most people have a phone they can use to access and record information and progress.

💎 Keep going - it can be a challenge, at first, to get into the swing of self-reflection, or even to see any notable results.

Like most things, you have to commit to it and make it a regular habit; even 30 minutes once a month can make a difference to your self-awareness, resilience and growth over time.

Set a reminder in your diary and find a way to hold accountability.

My advice = get an accountability buddy! They always help me keep doing those things I’m likely to let slip.

And last but by no means least:

💎 Find your own way – self-reflection is a personal process and there’s no one size fits all.

There are loads of self -reflection practices you can try out to see which ones best suit your strengths and preferences.

Self-reflection = your secret weapon

In a way, self-reflection is a secret weapon to help your growth as a leader. Facing adversity, setbacks and criticism are all part and parcel of your leadership journey.

If nothing else, self-reflection will build your resilience and help you develop a growth mindset.

In addition, you can uncover your strengths and areas for development and improve some of your core leadership skills, such as solving problems, making decisions and building relationships.

All of which will ultimately build confidence in yourself and your abilities as a leader.

If you would like to reflect on your leadership career and are ready to take it to the next level, then get in touch; my Next Level Leadership 1:1 Coaching Programme will really help you with your self-reflection.

We can also work together to boost your confidence, enhance your skills, identify areas for growth and provide accountability, so you can take the next steps that are right for you.

Harness the power of self-reflection today…

…because when it comes down to it, true leadership begins with leading yourself.

Jackie