Need insight on how you show up as a leader? Pause and reflect.

Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash

In last week's Fierce Leadership blog, I encouraged you to hold tight on giving 2020 the "good riddance!" send off in favour or a more effective approach. What emotions and thoughts did you experience when you paused and reflected on last year? Did you procrastinate? Have a few false starts? Felt a bit uncomfortable even though you were sitting with no one around? 

"Self-reflection (noun): careful thought about your own behavior and beliefs." - Merriam-Webster

Self-reflection can leave us feeling uneasy so much so that we avoid starting the process. However, if you can push through any discomfort and dive deep, you'll be impressed by the insight you gain thinking about the good, the bad, and the ugly of your observations and experiences. 

"The hardest leaders to coach aren't those who think they know everything, avoid responsibility, or belittle their team. The hardest leaders to coach are those who don't pause in reflection of themselves." - Michele D. Cameron

If you still need a bit of a nudge because you are unsure of how to start, here are 4 simple and practical ways:

1. Schedule it. We're driven by our calendars so treat this time as you do any important meeting - book a meeting with yourself.
2. Start small. When I first tried meditating, I booked one hour sessions with myself. That's a long time for someone new to the practice. It was a complete failure! I had several false starts until I started small and committed to meditating for five minutes a day. It worked perfectly! A one hour session is no longer too big of a stretch.
3. Align your process with your preferences. If journaling isn't an effective way for you to reflect, don't do it! Hop on the phone and speak with someone in your Circle of Champions, a coach or other thought partner. Use voice memos, go for a walk, or sit in silence. There isn't one size that fits all so pick what works for you and go! 
4. Act. All the planning in the world falls to the wayside if we fail to act. Take one tiny step towards action at least once every day.

I shared a few questions last week to ease you into the process. Here are a few deeper dive questions that I really like to use:

1. What type of leader do I wish to be? What actions/decisions have I made that align with this intent? What actions/decisions counter it?
2. What am I doing that makes me (and my team members) feel energized? What does that say about me? What opportunities can I create that make me (and my team members) feel energized?
3. When do I feel most powerful? Anxious? Successful? Grounded?
4. What is my role on the team, in my organization, as a coach?
5. Who on my team should I be developing? How?
6. If I was one of my team members, how would I rate myself and why?

Reflect often so you truly understand the opportunities that await you.

[email protected] 
www.linkedin.com/in/micheledcameron 
​@thelivefiercelycoach.com