Self-Reflection to Self-Revelation

I’ve spoken about leader mindset, but what if that isn’t coming as natural as you’d like?

There’s a simple truth to leadership, self-reflection is critical. Why? Humans are a product of their upbringing – beliefs, values, personality, dynamics – the way you look at and experience the world. The organization, aka family system and other influential relationships, you grew up with frames future relationships and decisions.

The workplace is the perfect place to re-enact those past dynamics. Its so similar of a system. When familiar dynamics are present, it easy to regress to moments in time. For example, if the dynamic you had with your dad was conflictual, when you have a conflict, it’s easy to slip back into the same pattern you had with him, being brought back to your 16 year old self and the resources you had available within you at that time.  

But you’ve grown. You’re an adult now able to make your own decisions and have a different outcome if you choose. The pull back is incredible though. Quite powerful if this pull is a blind spot for you – meaning you don’t know it’s happening. Often, it’s a pattern. You think, ‘Why does this keep happening?’ If you step away, pay attention to all the interaction(s) evokes – emotionally and behaviorally – self reflect – you’re on the path to revelation.

With insight, reframing how you experience relationships, make decisions, and behave is in your control. You’re open to learn a new way. Will conflicts still arise – of course. But you’ll think about it differently – what you’d like the outcome to be – and then respond. This is where the leader mindset comes in.  

Will this new process be perfect from the start? No. You’ll need to practice. Not too many people sit down at a piano for the first, or second, or third time and play Bach. Growth takes practice, patience, and perseverance. The stuff leaders are made of.