If You Never Look Back, How Do You Know Where You Messed Up?

Great leaders are not born; they are made through constant learning and reflection. Self-reflection is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use to improve their decision-making, communication, and overall effectiveness. But what does self-reflection actually mean for leaders, and how can it be practised in a meaningful way?

The Power of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the process of looking back at your actions, thoughts, and decisions to understand them better. It allows leaders to recognise what they are doing well, where they can improve, and how they can develop stronger leadership skills. Without self-reflection, it is easy to fall into routines that may not be effective or to repeat mistakes without realising it.

Leadership is not just about managing others; it is also about managing yourself. The way you think, react, and make decisions impacts not only your own success but also the success of those around you. By taking the time to reflect, you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, making it easier to lead with confidence and clarity.

Daily Reflection Through Journaling

One of the simplest ways to practise self-reflection is by keeping a journal. Writing down your thoughts at the end of each day helps you process your experiences and gain insight into your leadership style. Journaling does not have to be time-consuming; even five to ten minutes a day can make a difference.

A useful approach is to ask yourself a few key questions:

What went well today?

What could I have done better?

What did I learn from today’s challenges?

By answering these questions honestly, you create a habit of continuous learning and self-improvement. Over time, journaling helps you recognise patterns in your behaviour, making it easier to adjust and grow as a leader.

Identifying What to Stop, Start, and Continue

Another effective reflection technique is the ‘Stop, Start, Continue’ method. This involves assessing your leadership style and identifying behaviours that need to change. Think about your recent interactions with your team. Were there moments where you could have been more patient, more decisive, or more open to new ideas?

Stop: Identify actions or habits that are not serving you well. Perhaps you interrupt team members too often or rush through meetings without giving others a chance to speak.

Start: Think about what you should begin doing to improve your leadership. Maybe you need to ask more questions, give better feedback, or delegate tasks more effectively.

Continue: Recognise what is already working and make sure to maintain those habits. If you have a strength in motivating your team or in clear communication, continue to build on it.

By regularly reviewing these areas, you become more intentional about your leadership choices.

Taking a Step Back for a ‘Balcony View’

Good leaders do not just react to situations; they take a step back and look at the bigger picture. This is often referred to as taking the ‘balcony view’ – stepping away from the immediate situation and looking at it from a higher perspective. When faced with a difficult decision, pause and ask yourself:

Am I reacting emotionally, or am I making a well-thought-out decision?

What would an outsider say about this situation?

How will this choice affect my team in the long run?

This practice allows leaders to make better decisions by removing emotional bias and considering different perspectives. Instead of being caught up in the moment, they are able to assess situations with greater clarity.

Seeking Feedback from Others

Self-reflection does not have to be done alone. Some of the most valuable insights come from the people you work with. Asking for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or employees can help highlight areas you might not be aware of. It is easy to think we are doing well in a certain area when, in reality, others may see room for improvement.

A simple question such as “What is one thing I could do better as a leader?” can open the door to valuable insights. The key is to listen with an open mind and be willing to make changes based on what you hear.

The 10-10-10 Rule: Thinking Long-Term

Leaders often have to make quick decisions, but not every decision should be made in the heat of the moment. The 10-10-10 rule is a simple method that helps leaders think about the long-term consequences of their actions. Before making an important decision, ask yourself:

How will this affect me in 10 minutes?

How will it affect me in 10 months?

How will it affect me in 10 years?

This method encourages leaders to consider both short-term and long-term outcomes, helping them make better choices that align with their goals and values.

Practising Mindfulness and Stillness

With constant emails, meetings, and deadlines, modern leaders rarely get a moment to pause. However, taking just a few minutes each day to practise mindfulness can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance decision-making.

Mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths before a meeting, going for a short walk without distractions, or sitting quietly for a few minutes. The goal is to give your mind a break from constant activity and create space for clearer thinking. When leaders are mindful, they are more present in conversations, better at handling stress, and more in tune with their emotions.

Final Thoughts

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. The best leaders are those who continuously reflect, learn, and grow. By making self-reflection a regular habit, you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to lead with greater confidence and purpose. Whether through journaling, seeking feedback, practising mindfulness, or thinking long-term, the key is to be intentional about your growth.

Great leadership does not come from knowing all the answers – it comes from asking the right questions and being willing to learn from experience.

If You Never Look Back, How Do You Know Where You Messed Up?