Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Are you holding yourself to the same standard you expect from your team? Without self-reflection, many leaders will miss the opportunity to pivot their leadership style and improve so they can attain their goals. In today’s episode, we’re talking about five questions you need to ask yourself and how to ensure you process feedback productively.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. If I was one of my employees, how would I rate myself – and why?
Only your team can determine whether you are a good leader or not. You can ask your team, but remember that their feedback will be filtered. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can identify possible issues and think about how you could address them. Remember that your team members have different personalities and motives, so consider each person’s possible perspective.
2. Have I defined the standard I want to see?
If you want to hold your team to a standard, you have to ensure that you can clearly define what that standard looks like. Otherwise, you leave room to be misinterpreted. Take time to reflect on the specific results you want to see and the actions or behaviors that will and will not lead to those results.
3. Are my team members accountable for their results?
Ensure that your team is accountable for their actions and understands how their role ties into the purpose and mission of the organization. If your team is not currently accountable, ask them these questions:
Do you have what you need to be successful?
Do you feel you can take ownership of your tasks?
What might get in your way?
How will you let me know if something gets in your way?
4. Have I been seeking enough feedback?
This is likely the most impactful reflection question I ask myself. One of the boldest things you can do as a leader is to seek honest and constructive feedback on your performance. Are you actively seeking out suggestions on how you could improve?
5. How am I developing as a leader?
Everyone needs to keep developing their skills, regardless of their position or rank. These follow-up questions will help you discover whether or not you need to improve in this area.
Am I approachable?
Am I an innovator?
Do I usually focus more on ‘people’ and not just concentrate and talk about ‘numbers’ most of the time?
Do I recognize when change is needed? Am I brave enough to encourage, promote change, and act as a change agent when necessary?
Am I willing to take risks?
How comfortable am I with having challenging discussions?
Do I control my emotional outbursts in all situations?
Application Activities:
Set aside time to ask yourself the five questions in this podcast. I have found that the best time to do this is early on a Saturday morning or late on a Sunday evening. Whatever you decide, just know that doing it during regular business hours will prohibit you from focusing because your mind will wander to the day-to-day needs of your organization.
Start a journaling practice—many people who journal like to do so right before they go to bed. In your journal, write about your feelings and actions and consider what prompted you to feel and act as you did. Ask yourself follow-up questions as you write. Periodically review your journal to look for trends and understand where you might have triggers or weaknesses.
Part of having the ability to self-reflect is nurturing your health. Create one hour a day where you can focus on your physical and mental well-being. Many leaders include journaling, prayer, exercise, podcasts, or music in their power hour.
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