Just one question:
When was the last time you reflected on your leadership style?
If your answer to that question is something like, “I can’t remember”, “Not sure I ever have”, “I don’t know where to start”, or “It’s been a while”, you’re not alone. As leaders, our days are often a blur of back-to-back meetings, responding to urgent matters, and ensuring our teams are supported.
Let’s be honest—some days, it’s hard to find time for a cup of coffee, let alone pausing to reflect on how we are leading our people. But here’s the thing, reflecting on your leadership style is not a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s essential. Most leaders become leaders because they are good at their job and are then promoted to lead people who are now doing the job they once had. Very rarely are we presented with a leadership opportunity and ready to go with ‘best practice’ in leadership. Best practice that will motivate the reluctant team member, strategise ways for teams to achieve collectively, and manage the latest crisis, and let’s face it, that can all happen before lunch.
We need to reflect on our leadership style so we can take on feedback, improve our skills, and become the leader we wish we had. So, why is it so important to reflect on our leadership style?
Let’s break it down into three key reasons. I have included some starter questions to get you thinking about your own leadership style and some potential resources for further reading.
Enhances your self-awareness
Great leadership starts with self-awareness. Reflection helps you identify your strengths and uncover your blind spots. It’s about understanding how your behaviour, both intentional and unintentional, impacts your team’s dynamics and overall productivity. (One resource that could enable this: Dare to Lead, B. Brown)
Starter questions to consider
What recent leadership moment am I proud of?
How did my actions influence my team’s motivation and/or morale?
Improves team performance
Your leadership style directly affects your team’s performance. Reflecting allows you to recognise whether you are fostering an environment of safety, trust, and collaboration with a shared purpose. It gives you the space to adapt your approach to better serve your team’s needs. (One resource to help unpack this: Leaders Eat Last, S. Sinek)
Starter questions to consider:
Who, in my team, did I check in with this week? Is there anyone I unintentionally overlooked?
How much time did I spend being proactive rather than reactive in the past week?
Encourages continuous growth
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Reflecting helps you embrace feedback, learn from challenges, and actively seek ways to grow. It ensures you are not leading on autopilot but making deliberate choices to evolve as a leader. (One resource to help understand this: The Culture Code, D. Coyle)
Starter questions to consider:
What feedback have I received recently that made me rethink my leadership approach?
What is one leadership skill or behaviour I want to strengthen?
Knowing why we are reflecting on our leadership style it is half the journey, now you need to find a tool that will work for you. Below are two simple tools that could assist you with your leadership reflection process.
Jacque's Leadership Reflection Tools
Firstly, if you are looking for a practical yet deep reflection tool, there is the 4R Leadership Framework (developed by Dr Mark W. McCloskey). This is great to use if you are unsure where to start and need to identify a professional growth focus for your role. The 4Rs provide a clear process to structure your thinking.
The 4R Leadership Reflection Framework:
Recognise: Identify key leadership moments or challenges.
What situations stood out recently?
How did I respond as a leader?
Review: Analyse the impact of your leadership.
How did my leadership style influence my team’s performance and morale?
Did my actions align with my values and leadership philosophy?
Refine: Pinpoint areas for improvement.
What could I have done differently?
Are there patterns in my leadership that need attention?
Reapply: Implement changes and commit to growth.
What specific actions will I take moving forward?
Who can support me in this journey, who could be my mentor or coach?
The second tool is a quick reflection card for leaders, which you can use by selecting just one area to reflect on at a time, moving around the card each time you have an opportunity for reflection.
Download these cards here
This blog was written by our Partner, Jacque Allen.
Jacque has over thirty years of experience as an educational leader, university lecturer, and classroom practitioner at both primary and secondary schools. She has worked internationally with education and corporate organisations, providing expertise in leading with courage and enabling effective pedagogy and practice. As a professional development consultant, Jacque has worked across New Zealand, Australia, and North America.
Her workshops and public speaking engagements have taken her to many different settings, including Singapore, Perth, Sydney, Queensland, Adelaide, and Melbourne, as well as all of the major cities throughout New Zealand. Jacque holds a Master of Management from the University of Auckland, which complements her teaching qualifications. Her research background forms the foundation of her drive to ensure learners remain at the centre when designing and delivering effective, research-based professional learning and development for educators and organisations.
Join Jacques Auckland Workshop:
Leading with Confidence: Professional Learning for Women in Management and Leadership
Join other inspirational female educators in Auckland this March 20-21, 2025, for Leading with Confidence, a transformative workshop designed for women in management and leadership roles. Led by Jacque Allen and Glenys Henry, this event will equip participants with practical strategies to enhance their leadership skills, including:
Understanding behaviour styles
Using powerful questioning techniques
Motivating and inspiring teams
Managing difficult conversations with confidence
As a special addition, participants will have the opportunity to receive an EXTENDED DISC Profile (valued at $250) to gain deeper insights into their leadership style and strengths. Plus stay connected beyond the event by joining our online community of practice, where you can continue learning and networking with like-minded leaders.
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your leadership journey: register now on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/leading-with-confidence-tickets-1067226566389?aff=oddtdtcreator
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