How a system of self-reflection can improve leadership

Developing a system of self-reflection can help leaders handle their emotions, identify self-defeating patterns and find ways to change them to improve their decision-making skills and self-awareness, writes Ben Bryant, a professor of leadership and organization at IMD in Lausanne. Bryant outlines five steps necessary to identify feelings, experience them, explain them, see limiting patterns and intentionally change them.

Put it into practice: Bryant recommends feeling your feelings but questioning how you explain them so you can spot recurring patterns that may be holding you back. "Reflecting on experiences as they unfold will help you shift from simple solutions to moving toward an acceptance of dissonance within yourself and your role," Bryant writes.

Remote team leaders need to consider the needs of team members when choosing a communication strategy, then double down on inclusivity and active listening to create a culture that encourages dialogue and concrete feedback, writes Gaurav Sharma, founder and CEO of Attrock. "I always recommend using each team member's preferred communication medium, especially when it isn't a team meeting. Ensure there are different communication options available to foster inclusion," Sharma notes.

Put it into practice: Some of your team members may prefer verbal feedback, but others may need written communication, writes Sharma, who suggests using AI-powered tools such as Grammarly or Textio to keep grammar, tone and inclusivity up front. "Always keep in mind that the major goal of communication is understanding."

Leaders who want to be good coaches for their direct reports put others at the center of their attention so they can notice patterns, ask questions and make space for responses as well as challenge limiting beliefs and move their team toward success, writes Dan Rockwell. "Coaches believe growth is probable. You can't coach someone you don't believe in," Rockwell notes.

Put it into practice: The best coaches, Rockwell notes, don't compete with those they're coaching and will also have a coach of their own. "It's hypocritical to think others could you use coaches but not you."

People who have jobs that require a high degree of mental engagement have lower odds of developing cognitive impairment after age 70, according to a study published in the journal Neurology. Any cognitively stimulating activities can help preserve brain health, according to Snorri Bjorn Rafnsson, an associate professor of aging and dementia at the University of West London.

Sheriff's deputies in South Carolina's Newberry County are responding to emergency calls from residents concerned about noises that sound like a roar or sirens but have turned out to be the cacophony created by trillions of red-eyed periodical cicadas that have recently emerged. Researchers describe the collective noise generated by the male cicadas as they call out for mates to be often as loud as jet engines.

Speaking of the importance of self-reflection, I'm going to take a little staycation next week to focus on my own mental health, rest and relaxation.

While I'm away the amazing and wonderful Diane Harrington will be your editor and guide. I'll see you in May!

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