Windows, Mirrors, and Doors: A New Lens for Leadership and Life

In our journeys through life and work, we often encounter individuals who seem to play profound roles in shaping who we are and what we become. Recently, I came across the concept of “Windows, Mirrors, and Doors,” introduced by creators Kim Peretz and Stale Hope and thoughtfully explored by Jay Shetty in his podcast, On Purpose. This perspective resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who has spent years helping individuals and teams cultivate meaningful careers, develop emotional intelligence, and build inclusive workplaces.

As we navigate leadership roles or strive to foster environments where we feel seen and valued, understanding how people serve as these reflective symbols is not only insightful but transformative. Let's break down these metaphors, exploring what they mean and how they can guide our personal and professional growth.

Windows: Seeing Possibility

A window offers a view into something beyond our current reality—a glimpse into what could be. In the workplace, a mentor, a peer, or even a competitor can serve as a window. They show us possibilities we hadn’t yet considered or pathways we didn’t know were available. Think of that colleague who seems to have unlocked a level of success or happiness that inspires curiosity and motivation in you. These individuals provide more than inspiration—they offer tangible evidence that something greater is within reach.

In my experience, those who serve as windows help us expand our vision. They remind us that whatever limits we’ve placed on ourselves are often illusions. As an executive coach, I’ve seen how one brief encounter or relationship can spark someone’s entire career trajectory. These moments, where you catch a glimpse of your potential through someone else's journey, are pivotal.

Mirrors: Reflecting Our Growth Areas

Mirrors, on the other hand, often show us things about ourselves that we’d rather not confront. They reflect back our flaws, insecurities, and areas for growth—sometimes painfully. However, these moments of reflection are often the most valuable if we can face them with grace and curiosity.?

A difficult manager or a challenging peer may mirror the parts of ourselves we haven’t yet addressed. Perhaps their impatience reflects our own, or their criticism highlights a personal insecurity. It’s easy to feel defensive in these situations, but true growth happens when we recognize that these mirrors offer us an invaluable opportunity for self-awareness.?

In my work with clients, I encourage them to lean into discomfort. What is this person showing you about yourself that you can learn from? When we stop viewing others as adversaries and start seeing them as mirrors, we begin a powerful journey toward personal mastery. Growth often happens in those uncomfortable spaces.

Doors: Unlocking New Pathways

And then there are doors—those who open up new pathways, creating opportunities for us to grow, evolve, and thrive. Doors may come in the form of a sponsor at work, a leader who sees potential in us, or even a friend who introduces us to a new passion. These individuals don’t just show us what's possible—they actively help us walk through thresholds we might not have crossed on our own.

When someone acts as a door in your life, they unlock parts of you that you may have kept hidden or dormant. They facilitate access to opportunities, connections, or even parts of your own psyche that you never would have discovered otherwise. In my experience, the best leaders act as doors for others, creating opportunities not just for themselves but for everyone around them.

However, we must approach these doors with humility. Often, the opportunities they present require us to step outside of our comfort zones, to trust, and to be willing to evolve in ways we hadn’t anticipated.

The Role of Others in Your Journey

As I reflect on my own life, it’s clear that certain people have shown up as windows, mirrors, and doors at just the right moments. Some revealed paths I hadn’t known were available, while others reflected back the parts of myself I needed to heal or strengthen. And still others opened doors to opportunities that helped me become the person I am today.?

In the workplace, this framework can be equally powerful. By recognizing who in our lives plays these roles, we can approach each encounter with a sense of purpose and openness. Not every person will leave you feeling better off, but you can leave each experience with greater awareness and growth. Not everyone will help you on your journey, but you can make the decision not to become bitter when challenged.

As leaders, we have the privilege of being windows, mirrors, and doors for those we encounter. The question is, what role are you playing in the lives of others? Are you helping someone see what’s possible? Are you reflecting back their potential for growth? Are you opening doors that could change their future?

When we embrace these roles, both for ourselves and for others, we foster a culture of inclusion, growth, and opportunity. And that’s what leadership, in its truest form, is all about.

Closing Thought

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, it’s essential to remember that our journey is shaped by the people we meet along the way. Whether they serve as windows, mirrors, or doors, each interaction provides an opportunity for growth—if we’re open to it.?

So, as you go about your day, your career, and your life, ask yourself: What role are you playing in the lives of those around you? And how are the people in your life shaping your path? There’s no greater gift than to leave others better off than when you found them—whether by showing them the way, helping them reflect, or opening doors to their potential.