It can be intimidating to be alone with your thoughts, and even more so if you don’t know what to do with that time that you set aside to reflect. Yet one of the most important things you should be doing as a leader is to block out some regular “do not disturb” time for reflection. You’ll find that time alone with yourself can be valuable, and that you can get into a cadence and comfort level with your reflection time that will help you to become a better leader.
The amount of time you block off and how often you do it is an individual decision. Some leaders take a few minutes early in the morning or at some other part of their day that works best for them. Others block off larger amounts of time weekly or semi-weekly. The trick is to make this time sacred. That means it will be without interruptions (including the self-discipline of turning your cell phone on mute, not checking email, or allowing others to disrupt you). If you have to go someplace other than your workplace, then do so.
So, you’re alone with your thoughts now. What do you do?
I’d suggest that the best way to get started is to think about three or four areas that require your ongoing attention, and craft some self-reflective questions in those areas. Here are some sample questions you can ask yourself:
The Vision
- What is my vision for the work that needs to be done over the next 1-3 years?
- (If you’ve already created a vision) Am I on track with that vision? If not, what needs my attention?
- What kind of leader do I need to be to make the vision happen?
- How will I communicate and move ahead with that vision?
- Who can help the forward movement or course correction of the vision?
- What’s the first step that needs to be taken? When will I take it?
The Business
- What parts of the business are on track?
- What parts of the business are off track?
- What have I been ignoring that I need to pay attention to?
- What’s first step I need to take to course-correct the parts that are off track or that I’ve ignored? When will I take it? Who can help?
My learning
- What’s in front of or ahead of me that is or will be challenging?
- What do I need to learn to manage this challenge?
- How will I learn it?
- What steps do I need to take to learn? When do I need to take them?
- What developmental opportunities do I need to focus on?
- If I don’t know, how will I find out?
Take notes of your answers and look over them for the “to-do’s” that come from them. Make a list and hold yourself accountable to moving forward. Then notice as your leadership transforms!
