Why Self-Reflection Matters More Than You Think

In a world that constantly demands our attention, taking the time to pause and reflect may seem like a luxury. Yet, it is during these moments of introspection that we unearth valuable insights about ourselves, our goals, and our relationships.

Yet, the demands on executives' schedules are simply maddening: from being double-booked into back-to-back meetings, sacrificing lunch breaks, to not having a moment to spare for essential health check-ups. Caught in this whirlwind, executives find themselves entangled in a web of constant demands, leaving little room for the critical practice of self-reflection.

Recently, some of my clients confided in me that:

• They've lost sight of crucial insights we uncovered during our collaboration due to “not making the time”.
• Some mentioned missing the daily commute, as it provided a buffer, allowing them to change their hat from their leadership responsibilities to their family ones.
• Others find it challenging to slow down.

While a few simply don't see the value in introspection, signaling a potential lack of awareness.

What we often fail to recognize, is that, we, ourselves, are in a constant state of change, just as our environment evolves. Many of us operate on auto-pilot, assuming our motivations remain consistent throughout our careers. However, as these shifts occur in our psyche, a lack of awareness creates blind spots that shape our behaviors and impact our productivity.

Let me put it this way: just as no organic material can thrive while constrained, one might question why we believe our bodies are any different?

Taking the time for self-reflection will give our bodies a much needed break, reduce our stress, increase our ability for better decision-making and increase our level of emotional intelligence.?

If you don’t allow yourself the freedom and space to tap into your brain's creativity, how can you effectively lead innovation in your role as a leader?

You can adopt this powerful skill by taking 5 min. from your day.

A new behavior becomes a habit through repetition, much like the routine of brushing your teeth.

Here are some things to think about to get started:

1-?????Do you lean towards introverted or extroverted tendencies?

In other words, do you find comfort in a quiet space for solitary reflection and writing? Alternatively, is your preference to verbally process ideas with someone who can provide reflective feedback?

2-????? Schedule the time that feels the most productive:

Is it in the morning before anyone wakes up, during your lunch break , or at night before going to bed?

3-?????Zero in on the topic you are interested in:

Is it your leadership style, your team, or a career move?

4-????? Pick 5 questions that will help you measure your progress over time:

-What are my core values and how aligned am I?

-Does my behavior reflect these values under stress?

-How do I contribute to culture of the organization?

-How do I resolve/feed interpersonal conflict?

-How am I perceived by team/colleagues/peers?

"In a world of constant change, the agile shall inherit the future." - Unknown

From a behavioral perspective, it’s a great exercise in agility to be able to look at problems from different angles and even putting yourself in other people's shoes.

• Embrace a different perspective, fostering openness and flexibility.
• Release the need for absolute control. See beyond minor mistakes and inefficiencies.
• Embrace the idea of "not being the expert" — Be curious instead.

In Conclusion

Integrating this practice in your daily routine will sharpen your leadership style. It will develop some of the following capacities:

1. Critical Thinking: By regularly stepping back to analyze your decisions, actions, and their outcomes. You cultivate a discerning mind that can navigate the complexities of leadership with greater precision.
2. Agility: This heightened agility to embrace diverse perspectives not only enriches your leadership style but also strengthens your ability to lead diverse teams and navigate complex organizational dynamics.
3. Flexible to pivot: It cultivates a mindset that is not only open to change but actively seeks it as a means of growth and innovation. This adaptability becomes a cornerstone of your leadership style, ensuring that you can lead your team through uncertainties and challenges with resilience and efficacy.

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