Introspection and Feedback for the Empowered Leader
It is said that Self-awareness is the gateway to self-management and relationship building–two important competencies for effective leaders.
If you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.
Here are some tips for how to practice introspection and how to give honest feedback in a way that open doors to learning and growing and allows you to be an Empowered Leader.
BE CLEAR: Introspection or examination of personal values, meaning, and purpose creates clarity. When going inward, explore if the responses, choices and decisions you are making or made are in alignment with your values and are helping you achieve your goals.
Also, when providing feedback-be clear and be kind) when delivering the message. Provide a sandwich with positive feedback, the constructive feedback and then more positive feedback to motivate the receiver to take inspired action. It is also helpful to share a story of how you made a mistake and what you did to learn to be able to teach in a constructive manner.
BE IN TUNE: When you are in tune with yourself you can make decisions not only from your intellectual capacity, but from your intuition or gut. Take time each day to practice mindfulness and stay in tune with yourself and others by truly focusing and paying attention.
When delivering feedback-understand how the person responds best to feedback and deliver it in a manner that will motivate them and not shut them down and get defensive. (Criticism will automatically create a defensive environment) Everybody handles feedback differently and it is important to give “News You Can Use” and let the feedback be a source of information to help them learn and grow in a safe manner and tone that will encourage and empower them to feel like they are making the choice to change on their own.
BE EMPOWERING: Ask empowering questions that provoke you and your peer mentor to think in terms of better solutions and possibilities setting you on the path to success. “What did you learn from this experience?” “What really matters most to me at this moment?” “What would you do differently to come up with a better outcome?”
The real answers lie inside the receiver.
BE STRONG: Set boundaries. Take responsibility for what you take in and what you do with it. This is your responsibility as the receiver. Consider the time, place and SOURCE of the feedback. Is this somebody who’s feedback you value and is providing “News You Can Use” with compassion so you can be the best you can be?! As the giver, it is important to provide timely feedback and possibly ask permission from the receiver to make sure they are prepared and in the right mindset to receive.
BE COMMITTED: Leaders and Mentors need to schedule time to be introspective and increase their self-awareness. And the simple practice of journaling or writing down your insights, intentions, and goals will help you become a more intentional leader who gets the best out of yourself, your team and your business. As a role model, those around you will be inspired and learn from your actions.
Leaders who know the value of this self-reflection and consider who they are, what they value and what motivates them; show up focused and clear and are able to lead themselves and their team to be the best they can be.
How do you practice Introspection?
How do you give and receive feedback?
A great way to explore topics like this is to join us at one of our Empower Hour Round Table Discussions. We dive deep into areas of personal and professional growth that will allow you to explore ways that you can learn and grow and make changes in your life.
Check out one of our events ! The transformation lies in the experience.