There’s a low din around the office that most leaders are oblivious to. It’s the talk and chatter about how oblivious you, the leader, are to what’s really happening around the office. And in your life.
While this chatter is gossip, there’s gold in it as well. It can help a leader understand where they’re missing it and what they can do to become a better leader.
But…
You probably don’t want to hear the office gossip. You want to be able to change yourself before your team notices. That’s the way a leader does it. They change before their flaws are widely recognized.
The best way to change is to self-reflect regularly. We know how valuable self-reflection is, but we can also struggle with the steps that one can take to do so.
In this article, we will discover 6 self-reflection techniques leaders can practice to become a better leader.
6 Ways To Self-Reflect And Boost Your Leadership
1. Journal:
One of the best ways to self-reflect is to write down your thoughts, ideas, and feelings in a journal. Use the journal to keep track of activities and how they made you feel.
You’ll discover patterns, process ideas, and come out with a better understanding of who you are and why you’re doing what you do.
Journaling isn’t always easy. You’ll have to be open and honest with yourself.
Know that no one else has to see your journal. It can be that private thing just for you.
2. Ask for feedback:
You can’t reflect on how well you’re doing if you don’t get an idea of how people see you. This is why asking for feedback is a critical aspect of self-reflection.
Through the eyes of others, you can see yourself. You can understand what they think of you. Then, you can even ask them why they feel that way.
Getting feedback is a great way to reflect.
3. Take a sabbath:
Our days are busy. We are so busy that we don’t have the time to sit back and think. That’s why taking a sabbath regularly is an excellent help for those wanting to reflect on their lives.
Taking a sabbath means taking a regular break from the hustle and bustle of life. You don’t do any work. You relax, you focus on God, and you think about your life.
A sabbath will help you get your mind and spirit in the right place so you can learn more about yourself and God.
4. Talk with a therapist:
Therapist used to be a dirty word. Now, it’s all the rage. People talk about how much their therapist has helped them overcome their personal issues.
It’s great seeing people excited and willing to go to a therapist. Therapists are trained to help their clients walk through and work through the problems they face.
Many times, therapists will force you to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and schedule. This is all about reflection.
Don’t be afraid to call a therapist to walk you through the reflections on your life. It’ll help you more than you will ever know.
5. Conduct a personal SWOT analysis:
SWOT is an acronym that stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It’s an analytical system used to measure the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats seen in organizations and people.
People – That’s you.
Using SWOT will help you understand where you are with your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It’s an assessment of who you are and where you can go.
Use the results from this to reflect on who you are.
6. Have deep, meaningful conversations:
I walk away refreshed and renewed whenever I have deep, meaningful conversations. I feel like a million bucks. There are connections that happen. But, more importantly, there’s the opportunity to self-reflect.
As you’re conversing with someone, take the opportunity to explore your inner thoughts and help them explore theirs.
Your conversations can pull out thoughts and desires that you weren’t aware of. You can then walk through these thoughts with the person you’re talking with.
Imagine the deep, meaningful insights you can glean from this!
