The Importance Of Self-Reflection
There’s a Zen saying: You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you're too busy, then you should sit for an hour. The same goes for self-reflection and time to focus on yourself as a leader.
If we are too busy to spend time on ourselves or to reflect for 20 minutes a day then we are probably rushing through life and not engaging our hearts and minds in how we can best lead, and be the leader we aspire to be. When we don’t take the time for our own self-reflection or investing in ourselves, we are essentially saying we are perfect as a leader and no longer need to develop and grow.
Research tells us that self-reflection for leaders is a pathway to higher levels of self-awareness, increased clarity, and greater authenticity. Reflective leaders practice intentional and conscious leadership. Reflective leaders are better positioned to engage in all of the leadership domains of head, heart and hands. Roshan Thiran founder and CEO of the Leaderonomics Group believes self-reflection to be the most important leadership skill all leaders develop, “because everything begins with knowing what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and how you’re doing it.”
To be a reflective leader requires commitment (to growth), discipline (prioritising the practice) and vulnerability (if you haven’t heard of Brené Brown get onto YouTube). Naz Beheshti, a Forbes contributor, talks about radical honesty – the openness to discovering your own strengths and limitations. These are all commonly cited leadership attributes.
There are a plethora of other resources, books, blogs, podcasts and websites available for leaders on how to self-reflect. My favourite advocate for self-reflection for leaders is Harry Kraemer from the Kellogg School of Management. Although his experiences are based in the for-profit world, his articles and books are based on good evidence, are very practical, and simply make sense.
Watch out for writers who suggest reflection processes that are not much more than goal trackers. One such article I read suggested drawing a square on a piece of paper, labelling it according to the number of days you have walked on the earth (not recommended for those over 50) and writing in the square one thing special about the day. Other embellishments were symbols that tracked health and wellbeing progress. This is not a meaningful process of reflection that leads to understanding, learning and growth. Likewise, approached with a cautious and critical eye apps that propose they enable quick and easy reflection.
It is not a coincidence that central to self-reflection is wellbeing and self-care. Taking time to simply pause and think about how you are responding in your role, what boundaries do you need to consider and what relationship issues you are managing is a means to stress relief and energy management. In her highly regarded work on Rushing Women’s Syndrome, Dr Libby Weaver advocates 20 minutes a day alone with a journal. (My copy of her book has been well read by my male friends and colleagues). This has been proven to result in physical, emotional, spiritual health.
Both 2020 and 2021 have been challenging years for leaders and never more than ever did the not-for-profit mantra of “just go faster, just work harder” prove to be of no use in navigating complexity. For most not-for-profit leaders, lockdowns are not the time for a break, they’re more often a time to react, respond and work very, very, hard. Make sure to stop and take time out. Replenish your leadership and build your reserves through taking time out for some self-reflection.
LEAD’s upcoming online course on Developing A Leadership Philosophy is a good opportunity to stop and reflect. The next course starts Friday 8 October. Book now.
COURSE: Developing A Leadership Philosophy with Sandy Thompson
WHEN: Online 8-week course beginning 8 October 2021.