Space to Lead: The Power of Reflection in Leadership

In this new column, “Space to Lead” we will be exploring the importance of space in our leadership practice.

It’s no surprise that in today’s environment, decisions are made in the blink of an eye, and the pressure to perform is ever present. Recently, when doing some leadership development work within the health field, I asked a leader what it would be like to just take 5 minutes between meetings to go for a walk around the block and clear their head.

“That seems very indulgent,” they replied.

While taking a pause can seem like a luxury we cannot afford, the truth is quite the opposite.

Reflection is a powerful tool that allows leaders to gain clarity, make better decisions, and grow both personally and professionally. When we reflect, we create a space for ourselves to examine our actions, thoughts, and behaviours. We can assess what is working well, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments.

One of the key benefits of reflection is that it allows us to learn from our experiences. As the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “By three methods may we learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and Third by experience, which is the bitterest.” When we take the time to reflect on our experiences, we can extract valuable lessons that can inform our future actions.

Reflection also helps us gain perspective. In the midst of a challenging situation, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the bigger picture. When we step back and reflect, we can see things more clearly and make decisions that are aligned with our long-term goals and values.

Creating a regular practice of reflection can have a profound effect on our leadership. By setting aside dedication time each day or week to reflect, we can cultivate self-awareness, which is a key component of emotional intelligence.

In addition to self-awareness, reflection can also help us to become more effective communicators and collaborators. By reflecting on our interactions with others, we can gain insight into how our works and actions impact those around us. This can lead to more meaningful and productive relationships with our colleagues, employees, and stakeholders.

Creating time for reflection is a must have for effective leadership. By creating space in our busy lives to reflect on our leadership practice, goals, and experiences, we can gain valuable insights, make better decisions, and ultimately become more effective leaders. As entrepreneur Jim Rohn said,

Stay tuned to this regular column, where we will share stories, tips and tricks to help you build on your reflective practice.