The Leadership Mirror
Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about reflecting on ourselves. True leadership requires self-awareness, the ability to recognize strengths and weaknesses, and the courage to make necessary changes. Without consistent self-reflection, leaders risk becoming stagnant, disconnected, or even ineffective.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in the Army (and still apply today) is that we must first understand ourselves as leaders before we can effectively lead others. Leadership isn’t just about the rank or title we hold it’s about how we show up, how we communicate, and how we create an environment where others can thrive. The best leaders are not only self-aware but also proactive in their development, continuously learning and growing alongside their teams.
The Leadership Reflection
Here are three critical questions I regularly ask myself to ensure I’m leading with intention:
✅ How am I showing up for my team? Leadership is more than delegation and decision-making; it’s about presence. Are you leading by example? Do your actions inspire trust and motivation, or do they create confusion and frustration? A leader's energy, mindset, and engagement set the tone for the team. Being present, available, and approachable ensures that your team feels supported.
✅ Am I creating an environment where people feel valued and heard? A leader’s success isn’t just measured by results but also by the culture they build. Are you fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication? People perform their best when they feel psychologically safe, knowing that their ideas, concerns, and contributions matter. Listening actively, encouraging input, and providing constructive feedback are key factors in cultivating a strong, engaged team.
✅ Do my actions align with the leadership principles I believe in? We all have values we hold dear integrity, accountability, resilience. But do our daily decisions and behaviors reflect those values? It’s easy to talk about leadership principles, but living them takes effort and discipline. When challenges arise, do you react in a way that aligns with your leadership philosophy, or do stress and pressure push you away from it? Self-awareness is key to ensuring our leadership remains consistent and genuine.
Leadership is a Continuous Journey
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident; it requires continuous reflection and intentional growth. Leaders who invest in themselves are the ones who create lasting impact. Reading books, seeking mentorship, soliciting feedback, and engaging in leadership training are all ways to refine and elevate our leadership skills. Just as athletes train regularly to maintain peak performance, leaders must consistently hone their abilities.
One practical method of self-reflection is journaling. Taking a few minutes each day to write down leadership wins, challenges, and areas for improvement can provide valuable insights over time. Another approach is to solicit anonymous feedback from your team what are you doing well, and where can you improve?
💡 Challenge for today: Take five minutes to reflect on the kind of leader you are vs. the kind of leader you want to be. Identify one small action you can take this week to bridge the gap. Whether it’s being more present, actively listening, or holding yourself more accountable, small changes lead to lasting impact.
What’s your leadership reflection today?
Drop a comment and share your thoughts!