leading with self reflection

In my podcast this week (12/26), I talk about the importance of self-reflection.

You can listen here.

Leaders, either through temperament or busy-ness, do not always see the value of reflection. Yet, without reflection, a leader is at the mercy of his or her reactivity and will find it hard to grow. If reflection is new to you as a leader, here is are a couple of practices you might find useful:

    1) Reflection through Replay:

       Use your memory and imagination to replay a recent situation where you found your leading lacking. As you replay the situation, pay attention to how you responded in the situation. Try and remember your body posture and the words you used--the messages you conveyed. Reflect on your attitudes and actions and consider what you could do to change your interaction the next time you find yourself in a similar situation. IN FACT, this is a quite powerful concept. Let's call it Reflecting Forward.

    Take a situation or meeting that is yet to happen and imagine yourself in that meeting responding with the positive leadership qualities you desire to give to those in the meeting. Imagine responding with wisdom and compassion. Imagine yourself honoring those in the meeting and giving them space to share their ideas. Impinge a better meeting or situation and it is more likely to occur.

more to come on self reflection and leading

Comments

[callie]

Very interesting.
I think often times people beat themselves up too much for the past.
Its good to think of the things we did well and focus on that and try to apply it and build on it for future interactions.
I do agree that self reflection is vital so long we do do with accuracy! :}

[dave]

Yes..the point of reflection is transformation not self flaggilation.

[callie]

I find that many people perceptions of themselves as leaders or supervisors that are often completely different ( for better or worse) than those around them believe.

There is an excellent book on Emotional Intelligence by Danial Goleman that tries to address the need to bridge the 'self awareness gap'.

Instruments like the Myers Briggs can help people get a glimpse but its only really a beginning.

Refecting on what we do well and building on that is the the best way to grow.

At least in my classes I try to follow that idea, it seems to work very well.

I like your excersice but I wonder if people would be too hard on themselves.