Self-awareness is critical for leaders to learn and grow. However, it is just the first step.
It’s great for you to become aware that a certain behavior – impatience, for example – is holding you back, but unless you make a conscious decision to do something about it, you’re missing an important growth opportunity. That’s where self-reflection comes in.
We live in a culture obsessed with being productive by DOING. Yet we can also be productive by allowing ourselves time for some THINKING. Thinking can lead to creative ideas, new ways to approach a problem, and insight about opportunities for personal growth (AKA self-reflection).
Here’s how that might look. Let’s say you’ve gotten feedback from others that you tend to be impatient with people who don’t think and speak at the same pace as you. You know this about yourself and have even on occasion cut someone off by saying, “just get to the bottom line.” Self-reflection means taking the time to look inside and ask yourself why you react that way, what the impact is (damaged relationships, people not wanting to talk to you), and what you can do to change the behavior.
Self-reflection means being vulnerable, being willing to admit the behaviors that are working against you and clarifying a plan to move beyond the behavior.
Self-reflection is also a way to ensure that you are living and working according to your values and what you want to achieve. It’s a way to level set if you’ve gotten off course. A recent Positive Psychology article suggests 10 questions as a starting point for self-reflection.
- Am I using my time wisely?
- Am I taking anything for granted?
- Am I employing a healthy perspective?
- Am I living true to myself?
- Am I waking up in the morning ready to take on the day?
- Am I thinking negative thoughts before I fall asleep?
- Am I putting enough effort into my relationships?
- Am I taking care of myself physically?
- Am I letting matters that are out of my control stress me out?
- Am I achieving the goals that I’ve set for myself?
Sometime this week, grab your favorite beverage and set aside some time to reflect on a behavior you want to change or to just do a general reset. Take the pause that refreshes.
For more on the benefits of self-reflection, check out my podcast conversation with senior executive Mike Mansbach about the important role self-reflection has played in his growth as a leader.
Till next time, keep it real.
Karen
