Creating Space to Think: The What, Why, and How of Deliberate Reflection for Effective Leadership

Abstract

Military leaders increasingly promote self-reflection as an important leadership capacity that furthers
leader effectiveness. Similarly, military educational institutions are placing greater emphasis on reflection
in their curricula. However, this advocacy of self-reflection for leaders seems to rest primarily upon personal
and professional experiences, with limited insight into the mechanisms by which reflection enhances
leadership. As such, this article draws upon research and practice to describe the “what, why, and how”
of reflection. The discussion aligns reflection with knowing oneself, knowing others, and constructive
engagements; along with other leader behaviors and processes. The aim is to affirm reflection as an
established leader behavior and a foundational component of leader development for both military and
civilian organizations.