When people find out I’m an executive coach, they often ask who my toughest clients are. Inexperienced leaders? Senior leaders who think they know everything? Leaders who bully and belittle others? Leaders who shirk responsibility?
Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It)
Start small.
March 21, 2017
Summary.
Research has shown that reflection boosts productivity. Yet few leaders make time for it. Why? For one, they often don’t know where to start. You can become more reflective by practicing a few simple steps. Start by identifying a few important questions. Some possibilities: What are you avoiding? How are you helping your colleagues achieve their goals? How are you not helping or even hindering their progress? Then select a reflection process that works for you. You can sit, walk, bike, or stand, alone or with a partner, writing, talking, or thinking. And then schedule time on your calendar to do it. Start small. If an hour of reflection seems like too much, try 10 minutes. Be still. Think. Consider multiple perspectives. Look at the opposite of what you initially believe. You don’t have to like or agree with all of your thoughts — just think and to examine your thinking.