With the busy pace of modern life, it can be difficult to find time to reflect on how things are going and whether there’s anything we could or should change.  New research from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business suggests, however, that a daily period of reflection can significantly improve our leadership.

“It’s as simple as taking a few moments in the morning while you’re drinking your coffee to reflect on who you want to be as a leader,” the researchers say.

The study found that when people took that simple step, they subsequently reported that they were more likely to provide strategic vision and supportive behavior to colleagues than on the days when they didn’t engage in such reflection.  They also reported feeling more like leaders on those days, with a perception of greater power and influence.  It’s a phenomenon the researchers believe will benefit aspiring leaders as well as existing leaders.

“Leadership is really challenging, so a lot of people are hesitant to tackle leadership roles or assignments,” they explain. “Reflecting a few minutes in the morning really makes a difference.”

Reflecting on leadership

What is particularly powerful about this approach is that reflecting on one’s performance is something that is completely within the control of each of us.  We don’t need permission from anyone else to do it.

“They’re not dependent on their organization to provide formal opportunities. They don’t have to wait until they have that title that says they’re a leader to take on leadership in their work,” the authors explain.

If you want to try morning reflections for yourself, the researchers provide a number of prompts to help you on your way:

• What are some of your proudest leadership moments?
• What qualities do you have that make you a good leader, or will in the future?
• Think about who you aspire to be as a leader, then imagine everything has gone as well as it possibly could in this leader role. What does that look like?
• What effect do you want to have on your employees? Do you want to motivate them? Inspire them? Identify and develop their talents? What skills or traits do you have that can help with those goals?