Leaders Learning: The Case for Reflection

As 2017 kicks off in earnest, now is the time to reflect on your leadership in 2016.

Some of the world’s most respected leaders and teachers, from Confucius to Aristotle, credit self-reflection as a major part of their leadership success.

As Confucius said:

It is by three methods we may learn wisdom:

First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

And according to UK-based leadership and management expert Jacqui Spencer, this philosophy still holds true today.

In her recent article on the Leadership Thoughts website, Spencer explains some of her strategies for achieving success in leadership and management through self-reflection.

In order to improve our leadership skills, Spencer says it is important we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses, our values and behaviours, and the ways in which we attempt to influence others. 

Self-awareness and self-reflection is based on understanding our own leadership styles.

And a good way to carry out self-reflection is to do what Spencer herself advised a manager she was assisting to do.

This manager was a confident and self-assured leader who was having some issues dealing with the new company CEO.

So Spencer suggested he set himself the simple task of writing a letter addressed to his younger self - just as he was starting out on his career path.

Spencer advised the letter should give his younger self some advice on how to be a great leader - based on what he knows today. 

This exercise is useful for anyone wanting to reflect on his or her current situation - and Spencer herself wrote exactly the same letter when she was faced with similar issues in her own business a few years ago.

Spencer’s advice is to write yourself such a letter and every now and again read it; as this will most likely be more effective than any number of expensive sessions with a consultant or coach.

To help illustrate the value of this ‘self-reflection’ letter, here are some of the points in Spencer’s own letter to her younger self:

1. Be authentic. Tell the truth and explain why. Show yourself as being vulnerable at times so people see you as real and true.

2. Focus on leaving a legacy from the very start of your career. You can do this by taking the time to talk to people – and as a leader you will be remembered for being this way.

3. Hire the right people and surround yourself with those you can develop or learn from. And don’t worry if you have an annoying colleague - they will make you think differently and although testing your patience, they do bring value.

4. Tell stories - especially about yourself. By sharing your own opinions, thoughts, fears and challenges, people will see you for who you really are.

5. Develop the next generation of leaders - and mentor, guide and spend time with them. This is the greatest investment you can make. But do not talk or boast about it. People will pick up on it anyway, talk about you - and that will gradually build your reputation.

6. Don’t take yourself too seriously and make sure fun and humour is part of work. People like to laugh and it is good for your wellbeing - so never forget to bring fun into the work place.

Looking back on your ‘leadership reflection’ letter is one of the best ways to renew your leadership effectiveness - so Spencer’s advice is for all leaders to write one.

The Australian Institute of Management in Western Australia is a 'thought leader' in leadership and management. The Institute encourages debate and reflection on leadership and management practice.

I encourage you to comment on this post and to share the post with your connections on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.