We look in them each day, research says, more often than we realize.
We check our hair and our smile. We check to see if our shirt is buttoned correctly. We check to see if we have lettuce from lunch still on our teeth.
We look in the mirror often, to check on our physical appearance.
Yet all of these times we look, we may not be seeing what is most important at all.
Our organizations, our teams and our personal results are a reflection of who we are and the actions we are taking each day. Our lives are like a big mirror, reflecting back to us what we are putting into the world.
You may be thinking, ok Kevin, I get your metaphor, but that doesn’t prove your point in the title of this post. A mirror may be a metaphor, but how is it a leadership development tool?
The next time you look in the mirror, look beyond your physical appearance. Realize that you are looking at a component part; a partial reason for all of the great stuff and all of the challenges that you are facing each day as a leader (and human being).
The mirror can be our (daily) reminder of two things:
- That we are ultimately responsible for our results. If we aren’t happy with those results, we must start by looking at ourselves to change things.
- While you see yourself in the mirror, everyone else sees you all the time. Your example, your attitude, your approaches all are being observed and more often than you realize, analyzed and mimicked.
The next time you look in the mirror, after checking your hair and clothes, think about what others are seeing, what they are emulating, and what example you are setting for them.
If you don’t like the reflection in the mirror, you may comb your hair one more time or adjust your blouse. If you don’t like your results, maybe it is time to take new actions to get better, more lasting, and more meaningful outcomes.
Great post! So many people don’t realize the impact they have on those around them: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, even strangers at the grocery store! Be the change you want to see in the world…isn’t that how the saying goes? Thanks for reminding us all to check that mirror!
A Mirror as a Leadership Development Tool
Yes sir you are right. That way we needed as like as self evaluation . Therefore we need several tools including Mirror
Thank you
Marisi
True, it is a good self assessment on what we are presenting ourselves as. One major issue will be, What you project and what you perceive yourself may not be same. In other words, What you think is a right thing or the right attitude or the right message, May not be viewed or received or perceived by other people. The self assessment is one of the tool. It should be supplemented a lot with 360 feedbacks.
I love the point about changing, what you do not like. That is key, You have to first understand and know, something needs to be changed.
Rest in Next.
Thanks Kevin for another good Blog.
Your point about the mirror being only a part of the puzzle is definitely correct, AND too few people take this critical reflection step as a part of their personal and pressional growth.