Have you been paying attention?

Not to everyone else but to yourself.

Not in a self-indulgent way… in a self-reflective way.

There is a key difference and that difference can add massive value to the quality of energy you bring to your leadership this year.

Using self-reflection and self-observation as part of your tool kit can be insightful for constant improvement.

Here are some ideas designed to help you be a more effective self-observer.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking or saying any of these? If so they may be stopping your development.

3. Self Talk: I Haven’t Got Time…  

If you believe you haven’t got time to self reflect, here’s the remedy: Take A Few Moments Daily.

When it comes to self reflection you don’t have to sit on a mountain and meditate for a week. All you have to do is take a few moments in your day to pay attention and observe yourself.

For instance, observe yourself in real-time.

How are you on the way to the office, or as you walk in the door of the office, before, during and after a meeting? Make this part of your routine.

How are you showing up? Pay attention. Not as some heavy tiresome project, but as a matter of course. Like a dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development.

Ask yourself this simple question: “what am I noticing?”

And see what comes up for you. Observe how people react to you.

2. Self Talk: I’m Exhausted…

This one’s a common expression.

Do you say it to yourself?

Do you hear others close to you say it?

Begin noticing.

Why?

If others are saying it around you frequently, their verbalised thoughts may become your inner world thoughts and before too long, you’ll be saying it to yourself too.

Notice.

What can you do when you hear it?

I believe, gently challenge it. Ask a question: “are you? Are you really exhausted, or are you just in the habit of saying the words?”

Once the “I’m exhausted” verbal virus gets hold of the office, morale instantly drops all-round.

As a leader, this is language to notice and jump on straight away. Particularly if a positive workplace is important to you. It’s a small thing that will help you make a big difference in the long term.

1. Self Talk: It’s Ok, I’ll Do It…

When you delegate, you have more time or space to self reflect and be strategic.

How well do you delegate?

And when you do, are your thoughts still over there at the task being done, or can you completely let it go?

Do you trust those around you? If not, why? If yes, then how did you arrive at trusting them? What was your process?

Allowing the team to step-up and take on new tasks and challenges, frees you up to self-reflect, and then strategise about the improvements that must take place. It gives you the space to observe people dynamics and to spot gaps in communication or productivity.

If you’re always jumping in to do everything and be the saviour (because you secretly love being needed… come on admit it!), then you’re holding back yourself as well as the business.

Jumping in is also going to contribute to your exhaustion and low energy levels, and it might also kill the trust levels and bond that contribute to great overall team morale.

The Power Of Self-Observation

Adopting the daily practice of self-observation can drastically improve your leadership in 2019 and beyond.

I’m not asking you to judge yourself, I’m asking you to observe yourself.

To notice how you are showing up and what is happening around you.

To notice what you are causing and creating as a result.

Personal Growth And Integrating New Learnings

The only way you can take charge of your personal development and growth is by being deeply open and willing to grow.

No matter what courses you attend or what coaching and mentoring you receive, in the end, it’s all about application.

Self-observation is a power tool when it comes to your personal growth as it is an easy to apply daily habit that effortlessly slots in as part of your day as you begin forming new leadership and communication habits.