7 Self-Reflecting questions every leader should answer

It’s helpful and important to spend some time reflecting upon the good and the bad, the highs and the lows. Taking some time to reflect is also a good way to mentally preparing yourself to refocus on your goals, your life and what’s ahead. Self-reflection is the predecessor for growing, learning, change, and intentional action. Many

leaders can have many talents but can lack the ability to reflect and learn from the experience which is really a true measure of growth. Leaders who master themselves possess true power. As such, below are the best guidelines to help you reflect and ask yourself.

1) Do you know your “Why”? As a leader, you should know what you are passionate about and what’s your purpose. In a recent blog, I highlighted why knowing your “Why” is important. "Know Your "WHY". Pause, reflect and refocus your mind.

2) Are you investing in your personal growth? In order to invest in others, it must start with you investing in yourself. I’m a strong believer that developing yourself is the best investment one can ever make. Build a strong mindset, discover your purpose, set goals and take action on them. Learn, learn, learn…focus your mind and know that the most important aspect is the commitment to being the best that you can be.

3) Would you follow YOU? This is one of the most important questions you must ask yourself. Think about what this really means. Are you being true to yourself, your morals your values and your quality standards? Are you a role model who embodies the qualities of a leader? As a leader, you have the opportunity to be the leader you want to be and the work all starts within YOU.

4) Does the work you do motivate and inspire you? If yes, why? If no, why not? Sure, every day may not be good but there is something good in every day. Even at your lowest point, your motivation must still be intact because it affects not only you but the people who you work with. Therefore, ask yourself, do you believe in what you do? The moment you stop believing in what you do, you need to take a step back and figure out why that is, for motivation is the fuel that keeps you going.

5) What are your greatest lesson and what have you learned from it? Through the ups and downs, what did you learn because there is something to be learned from every situation? Reflect on the experience and use that information to help influence and impact your decisions.

6) Are you adding value to your team and those around you? Like the great Martin Luther King said: "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." (MLK). When you are adding value to those around you and have a servant leadership mentality, not only does it help you remain humble but people appreciate and respect you for who your are.

7) What are you grateful for? Gratitude goes a long way. In fact, gratitude is one of the common traits of the most successful people and that’s no coincidence! Sometimes we get so caught up in the day to day aspects of our lives, that we don’t take the time to express our gratitude. Trust me, I can relate to this! But take a moment and list out all of the things that you are grateful for and don't forget to say "Thank-YOU".

Real leadership starts with your actions which will motivate you and make an impact on your success. Reflect, leverage the insights that you’ve made and take action to change what you don’t like or to continue doing what you do like.

Tweet me @ayebronze and let me know what other questions will you be spending time reflecting on. Remember, as Margaret J Wheatley once said, without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.