Business|10-06-2025
Self-reflection in leadership
Positive leadership self-reflection is a simple yet effective micro-method from leadership research. It’s not about “fake positivity” or repeating mantras. Rather, it’s a short, structured reflection on the strengths and qualities that make you effective as a leader today. The method has been tested in field studies during regular workdays – with measurable effects on the very same day.
What Does the Study Show? A research article in the Journal of Applied Psychology examined a positive leadership self-reflection exercise as a morning impulse in leaders’ daily routines – using a field experiment with a diary design. On days when participants used the exercise, the following happened:
- Less exhaustion (lower depletion) during the workday.
- Higher work engagement – which in turn led to greater influence: participants reported a stronger prosocial impact (positive effect on others) and more clout (perceived assertiveness and influence).
- The effect was conceptually replicated and found to be specific to individuals in leadership roles.
In other words: a brief, focused reflection kick-off in the morning releases energy, noticeably boosts your engagement, and enhances your impact on others that very day.
How to Put It into Practice:
- Block 2–5 minutes before your first meeting. Set a timer – a short time frame increases the likelihood of follow-through.
- Answer three guiding questions in writing: Which one or two strengths make me a good leader – and where do I want to consciously apply them today? Which specific situation today is suitable for that? How will I know this evening that I was effective?
- Start with 10 workdays – doing it two to three times per week is sufficient.
Practical Takeaway
Small dose, big leverage: A two-minute reflection on your genuine leadership strengths reduces daily exhaustion, increases engagement, and pays off in tangible effects (prosocial impact, clout). Start tomorrow with just three sentences – and keep it up for 10 days.
Reference
Lanaj, K., Foulk, T. A., & Erez, A. (2019). Energizing leaders via self-reflection: A within-person field experiment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000350