This is me
I challenged you last time to reflect on reflection.
I’m intrigued as to how many of you actually found time to reflect? What struck you about you? And your interactions at work? How did you find the process? And if you didn’t do it. What do you learn from that!?
I recently interviewed the Chief Executive of a large London Teaching Hospital. I asked her how she was managing her own anxiety in the midst of a very anxious and uncertain situation? She started by saying “you don’t get to my position without doing a lot of work on yourself”.
That’s what reflection and growing in self awareness is. Critical work that prepares you to be a better leader. But do we do it?
It set me thinking how many senior leaders have indeed done “a lot of work” on themselves? Have I? Have you?
As I’ve got older, I’ve come to realise that the only person I can actually change is me. So healthy self awareness — not a self absorbed introspection — is key opportunity for learning. As I become more aware of myself, those around me and the wider environment, I change my presence and my interactions. Others often change naturally in the space and opportunity created.
Probably like me you’ve had the opportunity to experience many different tests over the years — many subtly different but often pointing to similar characteristics once we get beyond the, sometimes unhelpful, labelling and sense of being put in a box. We can also learn richly by seeking feedback from colleagues and those around us.
When you are introducing yourself to somebody you are working with, what is it that they need to know, about you, so your working relationship flourishes?
So my question is what have you learned about yourself in your leadership journey so far?
If you would like to discuss further, schedule a time here.
