A leader’s journey is one of continuous growth and self-improvement, with impactful leadership often relying 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,” esteemed Harvard Business School professor and author Robert Kaplan unveils the remarkable power of posing the right questions to steer decision-making as a leader. In this blog, we shall delve into Kaplan’s wisdom, examining how self-reflection and adroit inquiry can transform one’s leadership capabilities and produce enduring effects in any organisation.
The Value of Asking Questions in Leadership
Kaplan underscores the importance of leaders being able to pose critical questions that drive their decision-making processes. By skilfully framing questions, leaders are better equipped to reach difficult decisions and align their actions with their organisational priorities. This ability gains even greater significance as organisations evolve, with leaders expected to adapt to the ever-changing requirements of their businesses and clientele.
Aligning Time Management with Key Priorities
A crucial question for leaders to ask themselves is whether their allocation of time corresponds with their main priorities. Kaplan recommends monitoring one’s time for a week to determine its alignment with the top four priorities established for the business. Frequently, a struggling leader’s time allocation fails to match their priorities due to distractions, ingrained habits, or simply a lack of awareness.
Recognising this potential discrepancy and implementing necessary adjustments can significantly enhance a leader’s effectiveness and help them better serve the needs of their organisation.
Rethinking Business Decisions with a Fresh Perspective
A vital question for leaders to consider is whether they are assessing their business with a fresh perspective. Kaplan believes the most effective way to address this is by taking a step back and questioning if current practices and structures remain effective. By doing so, leaders can pinpoint areas for improvement and tailor their organisations to meet present-day demands, thereby outperforming competitors and achieving their business objectives.
Embracing Vulnerability and Active Listening in Leadership
Kaplan emphasises that a successful leader is not necessarily someone who knows all the answers but is open to acknowledging vulnerability and actively listening to others. This mindset enables a leader to arrive at better decisions, orchestrate more fruitful discussions with their team, and eventually execute more informed and strategic actions.
In Summary
For a leader, engaging in self-reflection and asking the right questions are crucial components of overall effectiveness. By aligning one’s time management with key priorities, regularly reevaluating business decisions with a fresh perspective, and embracing vulnerability and active listening, a leader can elevate their leadership skills and foster their organisation’s success. Drawing on Kaplan’s advice from his seminal work, leaders across the world can benefit from posing thought-provoking questions and employing self-reflection as a catalyst for continuous growth and betterment.
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