Reflective leadership combines the benefits of observation and the ability to take in information with the strengths of introspection. This creative melding of faculties enables strong leaders to maximize their problem-solving skills and intuitive insights in preparation for taking their company to the next level.
Understanding Personal Impact
One of the first steps to reflective leadership is the awareness of how others perceive and understand you. As part of the journey of self-knowledge, the understanding of personal impact enables a good leader to avoid blind-spots because he or she is not afraid to ask for feedback. Input from the workforce enables a team leader to consider how the company reflects their personal values and attributes. It is important to reflect on how your contributions make a positive impact and how you may have made different decisions to reach the same or a better outcome.
Taking Time to Reflect
Reflection gives you the opportunity to step back and take a moment to consider the significant changes that take place within your organization that often get overlooked amid the daily turmoil. This enables you, as a leader, to shift your focus from business performance and take in a wider perspective.
Authenticity
The aspect of authenticity entails not only being genuine to yourself, but also to your workforce. It also means not withholding information that may be of value to others. Another part of being a strong and authentic leader is knowing that it is important to speak openly even when the truth may not always be to your advantage. As a reflective leader, you will be aware of the moment when personal withholding turns into dysfunctional communication. At this point you will be able to open a conversation which facilitates openness within your workforce and reestablishes strong relations.
Learning from Other Leaders
Examining the practices of other successful leaders in a non-judgmental way will give you insight into how other individuals take different approaches to achieve or exceed their goals. Take time to identify a leader whom you respect and admire. Observe how the leader operates within the organization and how the individual handles change. If the opportunity arises, talk to other leaders about their understanding of management and their relationship to their team.
