Self-Reflection as A Leader

In my fellowship journey, there is a point in time where I found myself stressed over piled-up tasks and this was because I would voluntarily postpone tasks and end up not attending to them. I have struggled with procrastination for close to six months and it was greatly affecting my growth as a leader.

During one of our coaching conversations with Coach Decimon Wandera, he asked me for an area where I would like to be supported. Procrastination was my first priority because it is something I gradually adopted in my leadership journey way back.

In a bid to find solutions to overcome the vice, my coach challenged me with different strategies which included setting deadlines for me to have my tasks done, and designing a schedule for myself such that I would know what to do at specific times, he also advised me to be intentional in the things I do so I would prioritize my assignments.

In order to find more solutions to procrastination, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection. I took time to look back at my daily actions to discover what my reasons for postponing tasks were and how best I would overcome it. I realized I had just made myself lazy at completing the given tasks and was gradually losing track of growing my leadership skills.

After the self-reflection process, I am proud to say that I am gradually growing toward having my tasks done on time. I am more intentional towards my growth as a leader and having tasks done on time is emotionally fulfilling and satisfactory. My mind has been opened to what really matters.

As a leader, your relevance is in growth, either your personal growth or growth in those you lead. There must be an intentional desire in you to grow but without change, there is no growth. Self-reflection is key for transformational leadership. Give serious thought to your actions, character, and motives and decide on the next steps that will lead you to your desired destination.

A leader who does not self-reflect does not grow as they keep making the same mistakes and eventually lose sight of their vision. They are stuck at a certain level since there is no self-assessment to discover the effectiveness of their actions. Non-reflective leaders easily get frustrated because they even don’t get to celebrate their successes.

Any leader who wants to experience growth should make self-reflection part of them.

As said by John Dewey: “We don’t learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” Look back at your strategies, and actions and make informed decisions. A reflective leader is assured of growth.

“Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences and failing to achieve anything useful.” By Margaret J Wheatley.

Compiled by Nakitende Samsha.
Teach For Uganda Fellow