The Power of Self-Reflection: A Guide to Asking the Right Questions as a Leader

The journey of a leader is one of constant growth and self-improvement, and effective leadership often hinges on an individual’s ability to engage in introspection and self-reflection. In his book “What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential,” Harvard Business School professor and renowned author Robert Kaplan reveals the exceptional power of asking the right questions to guide decision-making as a leader. 

In this blog, we will explore Kaplan’s insights, unpacking how self-reflection and skillful inquiry can transform one’s leadership abilities and create a lasting impact in any organization.

The Importance of Asking Questions

According to Kaplan, the best leaders are those who can ask crucial questions that drive their decision-making processes. By framing questions effectively, leaders are better equipped to make difficult decisions and align their actions with their priorities. This ability becomes even more important as organizations evolve, and leaders are expected to adapt to the ever-changing needs of their businesses and customers.

Matching Time Allocation with Priorities

One of the most important questions that leaders should ask themselves is whether their time allocation matches their key priorities. Kaplan suggests tracking one’s time for a week to see how it aligns with the top four priorities set for the business. Often, when a leader is struggling, it’s because their time allocation does not match their priorities due to distractions, old habits, or simply a lack of awareness.

Being aware of this potential mismatch and making the necessary adjustments can drastically improve a leader’s effectiveness and help them better serve their organization’s needs.

Looking at Business Decisions with a Clean Sheet of Paper

An essential question that leaders should ask is whether they are viewing their business with a clean sheet of paper. Kaplan believes that the best way to address this is by taking a step back and questioning whether current practices and structures are still effective. By doing so, leaders can identify areas of improvement and adapt their organizations according to what is needed today, helping them stay ahead of competitors and meet their business goals.

The Role of Vulnerability and Listening in Leadership

Kaplan emphasizes that a successful leader does not necessarily have all the answers but is open to admitting vulnerability and actively listening to others. This allows a leader to make better decisions and orchestrate more productive discussions with their team, ultimately leading to more informed and strategic actions.

In Summary

As a leader, self-reflection and asking the right questions are crucial components of your overall effectiveness. By matching your time allocation with your priorities, regularly reviewing your business decisions with a clean sheet of paper, and embracing vulnerability and listening, you can boost your leadership skills and enhance your organization’s success. Following Kaplan’s advice, leaders everywhere can benefit from asking thought-provoking questions and utilizing self-reflection as a tool for continuous growth and improvement.

At Global Coach Group (GCG), our network of over 4,000+ experienced coaches is dedicated to delivering tailored leadership coaching to help leaders become more self-aware, improve their communication strategies, and ultimately drive better team performance. 

For leaders who want to become coaches or coaches looking to enhance their leadership coaching skills, Global Coach Group (GCG) provides a comprehensive leadership coaching certification program. GCG’s internationally acclaimed coaching tools and resources can help you improve your coaching proficiency and empower you to guide others.