04/26/2024

Self-reflection in Five Steps

It's perfectly fine to notice what you notice

Carlos is the marketing EVP of a large luxury and cosmetics firm. He heads up a function that is around 750 people strong. Carlos has also been charged with leading part of a major strategic restructuring — a role that took him to Asia for a four-week secondment a few months ago. Now, back with his team for two months, he realizes that his immediate reports have become misaligned during this absence. He convenes a meeting to pinpoint everyone's objectives and priorities.

To kick things off, Carlos opens a pack of Post-its and asks his team members to jot down their thoughts on three themes: What they are doing well, what they should stop doing and what they might want to do more. One comment in particular catches his eye. It reads: Be less miserable and negative.

Carlos immediately asks whoever wrote this to elaborate. Bettina is the head of research and development; the comment is hers.

Please select this link to read the complete blog post from IMD.