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null Know thy self: why self-reflection is integral to leadership

Know thy self: why self-reflection is integral to leadership.

Modern leader looks at reflection in small mirror

In an interview setting, we're often asked to define our strengths, weaknesses, core values and future ambitions. But just how easily do the answers come to you? Would your answers be the same if you didn't have time to prepare?

In this situation we can learn many things from the philosophy of the ancient Greeks. Aristotle once said that “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” The belief in the importance of understanding ourselves has kept me focused on learning and personal growth throughout my career.
 
You may ask how this idea applies to the ever-changing modern world of business? Well, we must all understand our strengths, motivation and who we are as individuals. By doing so, we can truly strive for success.
 
But what is the first step on this journey of self-discovery? And how do we apply these lessons to our daily lives and ambitions?
 
 

 

What is self-reflection? 

When we talk about self-reflection, what do we really mean? The Open University defines the practice as, “like looking into a mirror and describing what you see. Self-reflection is a way of assessing yourself, your ways of working and how you study.”
 
We must continue to question ourselves in order to grow and progress. Although asking questions of ourselves may not be a comfortable experience, it can be an extremely rewarding one.
 
How to self reflect at work
 
The key is to reflect in a non-judgemental way. The main aim should be to strive towards self-improvement and learn via constructive suggestions.
 
  • Avoid resorting to self-criticism and negativity.
  • Avoid reinforcing what you already think you know.
 
Clarify your future direction and how to achieve it by:
 
  • Reflecting on the factors that shaped your current situation.
  • Understanding both positive and negative influences.
  • Receiving feedback openly, and encouraging employee engagement in this practice.
  • Focusing on your path forward and determining your desired destination.
 
What are the pitfalls of practising self-reflection?
 
Bear in mind that this is not a test with right or wrong answers, but a chance to feel more confident in knowing who we really are. If your answers here are honest, accurate and true to yourself, they will paint a much clearer picture.
 
Try not to fall into the common trap of making presumptions. By assuming we know our strengths, weaknesses and motivations, we can unknowingly make choices that aren't right for us.
 
Make sure to seek out and embrace constructive feedback to learn through active listening.
 

What are the benefits of knowing thy self and self-reflection at work? 

Encouraging a work environment that celebrates self-reflection and evaluation can offer many benefits throughout all levels of your organisation. The benefits include:
 
Boosting motivation: Leaders who practise self-reflection each morning feel more motivated and less depleted at work.
 
Increasing happiness: Commuters who use their travelling time to prepare and plan for the day ahead are happier and more productive. Time management skills are an essential part of leadership - so use every moment wisely.
 
Improving self confidence: Practising regular self-reflection means we are more likely to make better decisions. When this happens we experience more positive outcomes, boosting self-esteem in the process.
 
Building resilience: Self-reflection can help us to recognise and break the cycle of self-limiting beliefs, to become truly good leaders. Additionally, reflecting allows us to see ourselves as strong, capable and talented.
 
Improved learning: Regular self-reflection helps us to become better learners, as we become more aware of how we learn best. Reflecting enables us to adopt a growth mindset and practise more self-appreciation. So, when we encounter failure, we are able to appreciate the lessons learned and positively move forward. Those who know themselves become better at problem-solving and delegating tasks effectively.

 

How do you practise self-reflection? 

Talking about self-reflection is only the first step. But how do you actually put it into practice in order to know thy self? 
 
What questions should you ask yourself when self-reflecting on your professional life and achievements? These are a few to get you started:
 

1. What is your main career goal? Is your current role helping you get there? 

2. How do you personally define career success? 

3. Are you coasting in your current role? If so, what is the root cause? 

4. What are your current skills gaps and how can you fill them? 

5. What are the self-limiting stories you tell yourself? Where do those stories originate from? 

6. Think back to a time when you were performing at your best: what were you doing, thinking and feeling? 

7. What are you naturally good at? What comes easily to you? 

8. What accomplishments are you most proud of? 

9. When did you last push yourself out of your comfort zone? 

10. What could you have achieved over the last year that you didn't? Why didn't you? 

Tips for valuable self-reflection at work

  • Find a quiet time to answer these questions and remember you don't have to answer them straight away. 
  • Take time to mull your answers over. 
  • Try not to answer these questions in a way that you think others would like to hear. 
 
One technique is to imagine you are evaluating your situation as a third party, completely free of bias. Analyse your behaviour, decisions and actions with no judgement and an open mind. This approach will allow you to make the right career decisions.
 
Remember that everyone self-reflects in their own way
 
Keeping a record of what you’ve learned during your self-reflection sessions will help it seem more real and actionable. Some keep a journal, while others prefer notes on their phone or even talking it over with a colleague or friend.
 
How often you choose to reflect is down to personal preference. The key is making sure self-reflection becomes a long-term habit. You should instinctively reflect on a regular basis in a bid to improve yourself. Reflect in a space that is relaxing, open and free, and that you take action on what you’ve learnt.
 
If you use that time wisely, you will start to appreciate the value of self-reflection. Knowing yourself truly is the beginning of all wisdom, through all aspects of your professional and personal life.
 

Learn more about setting goals in leadership roles

If you’d like to learn more about important leadership skills and strategies, take a look at these articles:
 

 

AUTHOR

Nigel Kirkham
CEO, Enterprise Solutions at Hays

Nigel Kirkham has spent the last 30+ years driving growth in major global businesses. A strong, transformative Chief Growth Officer, he brings a Big 6 Consulting Partner background as well as large-scale BPO and outsource business experience. A blend of strong business acumen and C-level operating experience help deliver high revenue growth and business expansion.

His most recent positions include TMF Group, the global Financial Services business where he sat on the ExCo as Chief Client Officer; Avanade, the JV between Accenture and Microsoft, a global tech giant and largest implementor of Microsoft technology in the world, where he was Global Head of Sales; CSC (Computer Science Corporation), the tech giant (now DXC Technology), where he ran several Industry Verticals, including Financial Services, Retail & Consumer Goods, Transport and Technology.

Prior to this he ran Xansa’s consulting business in the US, where he was based in New York. He also spent 12 years in KPMG Management Consulting, the last 5 years as a Partner in KPMG Consulting in the UK. In this role he also spent 4 years in the Middle East, setting up and running KPMG’s business in the Lower Gulf, where he was based in Abu Dhabi.