The Best Leaders Begin With Introspection
in⋅tro⋅spec⋅tion: –noun: observation or examination of one’s own mental and emotional state, mental processes, etc.; the act of looking within oneself.
I have said for years that leadership is both a blessing and a curse. On the one side it is a blessing because of how incredibly rewarding it can be to lead in the lives of those we care about. Some of the most significant experiences I have ever had have been related to mentoring/leading the many people God has put in my life. But I don’t get too excited because I know there is another side to this coin.
Leadership can also be a curse. It is fairly easy to lead but it is quite difficult to be an effective leader. Those who choose or are called to be effective leaders count the cost and constantly take time to examine themselves. I hate self examination. In fact, I usually think I am a pretty good leader until I take some time to meditate on how I am leading myself. The truth is, the times I take time for introspection, are the scariest times I face as a leader. Put me in front of hundreds to speak and I have no problems. Give me the opportunity to meet with someone who is going through a personal crisis and I am ready to help any way I can. But if you put me in a room by myself to consider how well I am doing in the areas of discipline and self leadership, I can easily get very timid, very quickly.
Socrates was correct. ”The unexamined life is not worth living.” While I find it at times nothing short of excruciating to take the time to critically evaluate myself as a leader; it is hands down the most critical aspect of my leadership development. Should I ever want to be a great leader, I must take time often to critically evaluate and examine my own life. As much as I hate it, it has been life giving too.
Introspection has over and over again brought me to my knees in humility. But only from my knees in humility have I been able to get back up, and go further as a leader. Introspection has often rocked my confidence to the core, but at the same time has been responsible for more confidence.
Leadership is a blessing and a curse. Exceptional leaders count the cost and know firsthand just how difficult it can be. The best leaders though, take time for themselves. They take time to think critically about themselves, examining their strengths as well as their shortcomings. And when we do take time for introspection, inevitably we grow stronger, lead with greater wisdom and are able to give more of ourselves with greater influence.
I think this post makes a valid point. Introspection is always difficult, but definitely produces a more well-developed person when it is over. The problem with introspection is, not only that it requires a inward looking at of our souls, but that it requires us to be alone with our thoughts. Being alone with my thoughts causes me to second guess, and actually lose confidence most times. I think the key is making a conscious effort to set time aside where you can be alone, and first develop the discipline of staying focused, and then when that discipline has been acheived, free instrospection will follow. I think it is important to keep in mind during those times that introspection shouldn’t be judgemental or even critical (in a negative sense) but rather it should be done through the help of God, in prayer and humility. We are all screw ups, but if we keep in mind the end goal, and who we are working to become, then introspection can be something that is valuable. The more we do it, the less daunting and intimidating it will be. Great post. Keep at it!