By: Lindsay Zubek
Effective leadership starts with self-awareness. For leaders, personal reflection isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time to pause, reflect, and question your actions and mindset can be the difference between reactive leadership and thoughtful decision-making.
Leaders who practice intentional reflection unlock new opportunities for growth, both for themselves and their teams. At Plum Leadership Group, we’ve seen how a simple shift in perspective can transform stuck leaders into thriving ones. Here are the three transformative questions every leader should ask themselves regularly.
1. What challenges did I overcome today, and what did it teach me?
Leadership is full of challenges, but each one carries the potential for growth. By reflecting on daily hurdles, leaders can identify lessons that build resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. For instance, recognizing how you handled a tense conversation or solved a pressing issue can provide insight into your strengths and areas for improvement.
This question encourages a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. Leaders who embrace this perspective foster continuous self-improvement and inspire their teams to do the same.
2. How did I foster a culture of growth and learning within my team?
Leaders set the tone for their teams. Reflecting on how you’ve supported team development helps you assess the impact of your actions. Did you create opportunities for learning? Did you recognize and celebrate contributions?
A culture of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality and reflection to ensure your team feels supported, engaged, and empowered. This question highlights your efforts and reveals areas where you can do more to nurture innovation and development.
3. What are my current goals, and how am I progressing toward them?
Effective leaders are goal-oriented, but achieving those goals requires regular check-ins. Reflecting on your progress helps you identify what’s working, what’s not, and what adjustments are needed.
This question keeps you accountable and aligned with your long-term vision. It also helps you stay focused amidst the chaos of day-to-day demands, ensuring your actions are purposeful and strategic.
Creating a Habit of Reflection
Building a habit of asking these questions takes practice. Start by reflecting on situations where your reactions didn’t align with your values or goals. What triggered your response? How could you have approached it differently? Journaling is an excellent tool for this—writing down your reflections helps you identify patterns and triggers over time.
For those overwhelmed by confronting weaknesses, remember that vulnerability is a strength. No one is perfect, and recognizing areas for growth is the first step toward improvement. Whether it’s building missing skills, hiring complementary team members, or delegating tasks, there are many ways to address weaknesses and move forward with confidence.
Asking these three questions regularly can unlock new levels of self-awareness and growth. By reflecting on challenges, fostering a growth culture, and staying aligned with your goals, you’ll not only strengthen your leadership but also create a lasting impact on your team and organization. True leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, and that begins with the willingness to look inward.
