LEADERS ASK THEMSELVES SELF-REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS

We leadership coaches know that one of the most effective strategies for helping leaders help themselves is to encourage them to engage in self-reflection. Self-reflection can take place in many ways:

-Conversations during coaching sessions when a leader looks into the mirror

-Conversations with colleagues and direct reports about how the leader is showing up in meetings, Zoom chats and emails

-Journaling about important leadership questions

-Using professional development books and workbooks

-Attending professional development seminars or webinars during which tough questions are asked.

Another form of self-reflection is to ask ourselves challenging leadership questions. I was reminded of that significant technique this week when I read a blog post by Dan Rockwell, an esteemed leadership coach, presenter, mentor and author. Dan writes a daily blog called “Leadership Freak.” I highly recommend it and encourage you to subscribe.

Dan has just co-written a new book, “The Vagrant,” with John David Mann, the co-author of the popular series of “Go-Giver” books, which I also heartily endorse.

Dan, true to his generous nature, has given me permission to re-post much of his blog post about self-reflective questions in my leadership newsletter this week. Please make the time to review this sage advice and consider saving these questions for future review.

Initiative:
1. How frequently do I step up when help is needed?
2. What is my track record for taking on new challenges?
3. How frequently am I seeking permission to act?
Vulnerability/Courage:
1. What do I say when I mess up?
2. What personal stories do others know about me?
3. How good am I at confronting tough issues?
Open-Mindedness:
1. How well do I adapt when situations change?
2. What’s my ratio of questions to statements?
3. What do I do when situations are confusing or ambiguous?
Humility:
1. How frequently do I honor others?
2. How well do I seek and receive help?
3. How frequently do I express gratitude?
Influence:
1. How do people feel after spending time with me?
2. Who is better because of my influence?
3. What do I see in myself that others might emulate?
Energy:
1. Am I an energizer or an energy-depleter?
2. Do I make life easier or harder for others?
3. How well do I practice self-care – energy management?
Learning:
1. What am I learning from books, conversations and experiences?
2. How do I respond to new ideas?
3. What am I learning from failure?
Trust
1. How much authority do I give to others?
2. How frequently do I expect people to solve their own problems?
3. Do I establish accountability without getting involved in other people’s business?
Insight:
1. How well do I understand my colleagues and team members?
2. Can I see a connection between day-to-day operations and long-term vision?
3. Do I have an idea of what makes my team members light up?
Thanks again to Dan for allowing me to share his wise words.

Please remember that the most significant leadership growth happens from the inside-out.

Give yourself permission to make time for self-reflection.

Give yourself permission to pause between meetings or projects.

Give yourself permission to hold up and look into that mirror!

If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!

-Larry