I admit it: I used to think “self-reflection” sounded like something you do at a yoga retreat between incense sticks and vegan banana bread. Nice, but… what does that have to do with business?
Then I learned: A lot, actually!
Today I’m a bit smarter and a few grey hairs wiser, and I know: Those who lead themselves well, lead others better. Period. No PowerPoint slide in the world can replace that.
Some even say: Only those who can lead themselves can lead others. And I believe there’s a lot of truth in that—especially in times of crisis, when things aren’t going smoothly and a lot has to happen all at once or very quickly.
And because I’ve had a few “Aha” moments (and also a few “Ouch” moments) in recent years, I’d like to share them with you. Maybe you’ll recognize yourself—or you’ll get that one impulse that saves your day today.
1. Self-reflection is the turbo for clarity – and clarity is the turbo for output
Back then, I used to stumble straight into the first meeting as soon as I arrived at the office in the morning. It often felt like a chaotic shared kitchen: lots of topics, lots of voices—and me in the middle.
Only when I started taking five minutes every morning to ask myself, “What do I really want to achieve today?” did something change.
Suddenly, priorities were clear. Decisions became easier. The team knew what to expect—and deadlines were no longer as dreaded as Monday morning emails.
Today I have a ritual: With a double espresso—often not at my actual workplace—I start the day with this question and align myself. When things get especially hectic, I write my daily goal on a Post-it and stick it visibly to my monitor. That way, the clarity stays with me all day long.
2. Self-reflection makes you human – and humanity makes teams strong
For a long time, I thought being a leader meant being unshakable, tough, always having an answer. And above all: showing no emotion, always conveying that everything is under control.
Newsflash: That doesn’t make you strong—it makes you exhausting.
Once I started questioning myself (“Why is this stressing me out right now?” or “What do I actually need right now?”), I became more authentic.
And lo and behold: the team communicated more openly, contributed ideas, admitted mistakes—and found solutions faster.
Humanity in leadership isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s the glue that holds teams together—and it applies to how you treat yourself, too.
3. Self-reflection saves energy – and frees it up where it matters
I stopped getting upset about everything I can’t control. That may sound trivial, but it’s revolutionary.
Instead of pouring my energy into frustration, pointless meetings, or constant “firefighting,” I learned to consciously take breaks and focus.
The result: Less drama, more productivity.
My team quickly noticed: When the boss is calm, everyone else stays calmer too. And staying calm makes work a lot more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Self-reflection is not an “extra tool” for leaders—it’s the foundation. It makes you clearer, more human, and more efficient—and acts as a multiplier for your entire team.
And if you liked this article: Share it with that one person who could really use a dose of self-leadership right now.