Why Reflection is Key to Conscientious Leading

The difference between a negligent leader and a conscientious leader is the Autopsy.

In my career, I have had to make the hard decision to end things - sometimes it’s client contracts, or contracts with people I’ve had the privilege to work with. 

I can see the temptation for leaders to say, "Well, it is what it is. I made the best business decision. Their reaction is their problem."

I call that the Lazy Leader response. It absolves you of growth and personal responsibility.

To become a sharper and more conscientious leader, I force myself to sit in the discomfort of the decision and conduct an autopsy on the relationship.

• Did I communicate enough?

• Did I give actionable feedback?

• Was I transparent about the stakes?

  
  

This isn't about self-loathing. It is about data. If I find a gap in my own leadership, I fix it for the next person. You cannot control how a decision is received. You can control the clarity and care with which it is delivered and you can certainly control how you improve as a leader going forward.