Leading with Purpose: Reflection and Intentions for Authentic Leadership

While I’m on a brief break this August, I’m drawing inspiration from my book 52 Meditations on Working and Living Authentically. You can access it for free at https://www.mike-horne.com/free-books. This week’s article is a reminder for leaders to pause, reflect, and set intentions as we transition into a new month.

Leadership isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about doing so in a way that aligns with your values and builds trust. Authentic leadership starts with intentionality and self-reflection, two practices that allow leaders to remain true to themselves while empowering those they lead.

The end of August is the perfect opportunity to evaluate the past month and set meaningful intentions for the road ahead. Whether you’ve faced challenges, celebrated milestones, or found yourself somewhere in between, reflection and intention can transform how you lead into the next chapter.

This article will explore how authentic leaders can harness the power of reflection and intention-setting to build stronger teams, drive growth, and stay grounded in their purpose.

Key Takeaways

• How reflection cultivates self-awareness in leadership
• Why setting intentions goes beyond goal-setting
• Practical exercises to reflect and set intentions effectively

Reflection as a Cornerstone of Authentic Leadership

Understanding Reflection

Reflection is the act of looking back on your experiences to learn and grow. For leaders, reflection is not about dwelling on the past but using it as a tool to align actions with values. When we pause to assess our decisions and behaviors, we gain clarity about what’s working, where we can improve, and how we can better connect with our teams.

How Reflection Builds Stronger Leaders

• Self-Awareness: Reflection helps leaders identify strengths and areas for growth, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Empathy and Connection: By reflecting on team dynamics and feedback, leaders can better understand how their actions impact others.
• Improved Judgment: Looking back on past decisions provides insights into patterns and allows for better decision-making in similar future scenarios.

A Simple Daily Reflection Practice

If you’re short on time, try this quick but effective daily reflection exercise. At the end of each day, ask yourself:

1. What’s one thing I did today that reflects my core values as a leader?
2. What’s one area where I could improve?
3. How did I make others feel through my words and actions?

By building this habit, you create space for continuous improvement and personal growth.

The Power of Intention in Leadership

Moving Beyond Goals

It’s natural to focus on goals in leadership—hitting deadlines, achieving metrics, and driving tangible results. But intention differs from a goal. While a goal is an outcome, a purpose is about how you show up along the way. Intentions are rooted in your values and guide the way you lead.

For example, a goal might be to launch a new project on time and successfully. An intention, however, could be to foster open collaboration within the team throughout the process.

Why Intentions Matter

1. Keeps You Grounded: Intentions help leaders act with consistency and authenticity, even during challenges.
2. Strengthens Team Trust: When leaders communicate their intentions transparently, it builds trust and shared purpose within the team.
3. Drives Long-Term Impact: Unlike goals, which may come and go, intentions instill habits that lead to lasting personal and professional growth.

Setting Intentions with Clarity

To create meaningful and actionable intentions:

1. Reflect on Values: Identify the values you want to emphasize in your leadership.
2. Focus on the Experience: Think about how you want your team and yourself to feel as you work toward outcomes.
3. Write It Down: Put your intentions into clear, actionable statements. For example, “I will listen actively to my team during meetings to ensure everyone feels heard.”

Bridging Reflection and Intention

How Reflection and Intentions Work Together

Reflection without action lacks impact, but action without reflection can lack direction. When paired, they drive meaningful growth. Reflection allows leaders to identify what matters, while intentions create a pathway to live out those insights.

Consider this example:

• A leader reflects on how they’ve been handling team feedback and notices they’ve been more focused on advising than truly listening.
• From this reflection, they set the intention to listen more deeply during future one-on-one meetings. This intention guides their actions and strengthens connections with their team.

Practical Steps to Close Out August Authentically

1. Schedule A Reflection Session

Dedicate time this week to reflect on the past month:

• What are you most proud of?
• Where did you face difficulties, and what lessons can you take forward?
• How have your actions aligned with your leadership values?

2. Write Down Three Intentions

Based on your reflection, draft 1-3 intentions for the next month. Keep them specific and actionable. For example:

• “I will create regular opportunities for my team to share their ideas and feedback.”
• “I will celebrate small successes to foster a sense of achievement within the team.”

3. Share Your Intentions

Authentic leadership thrives on transparency. Share your intentions with your team and invite them to hold you accountable. This collaboration strengthens trust and reinforces your commitment to leading authentically.

4. Revisit Your Intentions Weekly

Intentions require ongoing effort. Each week, revisit your intentions and assess how well you’ve lived them out. Adjust as needed and acknowledge your progress.

Closing Thoughts

Leadership is as much about the inner work as it is about external action. Reflecting on the past month and setting intentions for the next isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s about building a foundation for authentic, purpose-driven leadership.

As August ends, take a moment to pause and reset. Align with your values, act with intention, and lead authentically into September and beyond. Your authenticity isn’t just a quality—it’s the key to inspiring and empowering those around you.

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