5 Leadership Habits of Reflection and Reconnection
Before we begin…
During this season we think of giving, reflecting, and (re)-connecting. It’s an opportunity to foster a culture of appreciation, a good time to inspire others while reinforcing the human side of leadership.
Here are some key ideas…
Practice gratitude: Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of others, big or small
Lead by example: Model generosity through acts of kindness. Share time, or provide support for someone.
Reflect on the year: Do some self-reflection, celebrate successes and learn from your challenges.
Build Connections: Strengthen relationships during the season to carry positive momentum into the new year (especially with teams).
Leadership Habits of Reflecting and Reconnecting This Season
Do You Know…
leadership ties directly to the spirit of Christmas and the year-end season? Here’s how:
Celebrating Successes
Highlight accomplishments, foster a sense of pride, belonging, — and even momentum. At work, you can host a year-end gathering to reflect on wins and milestones. Or you can share specific examples of how the efforts of your colleagues contributed to success.
Acknowledging Challenges
Reflecting doesn’t mean ignoring setbacks. Encourage others to view challenges as learning opportunities. Provide some guiding questions:
What did I learn from my struggles?
How can I grow and build resilience, rather than blame others?
Reflecting on Your Own Journey Over the Year
Ask yourself:
What went well with my leadership style?
Where can I make improvements and be a better leader next year?
Inspiring Going Forward
Use the year’s reflection as a bridge to next year’s vision.
Connect the year’s progress to future goals, personal or professional.
Reinforce the “why” behind the work —and build excitement.
As a leader, you can encourage reflection, inspire growth, and celebrate achievements. Cultivate a growth mindset and prepare to step into the new year with clarity and purpose.
It’s a powerful way to renew your energy while showing humility and vision!
Reflect and Re-connect this Season
What About My Personal Relationships?
When you reflect on personal relationships and take action, you inspire others to do the same. Be authentic and caring, it creates deeper connections and sets a powerful example for those around you. Here’s some advice:
1.Strengthen The Bonds
Take time to reflect on your relationships. Keep in mind, reflection opens the door for meaningful reconnection. Ask yourself:
Who has been there for me? Have I acknowledged their support?
Have I nurtured my relationships, or have I taken some for granted?
Moving forward, where can I be better to others?
2. Express Gratitude
Christmas is an ideal time to tell people how much they matter.
Send handwritten notes or meaningful messages— acknowledge their role in your life.
Be specific —let them know what you appreciate about them.
Practice active listening— make people feel seen.
3. Repair and Reconnect
Reflecting also means thinking about those relationships that need repair. Christmas offers that chance to extend understanding, forgiveness, or just a fresh start.
You can…
Initiate difficult conversations with the focus on rebuilding trust. Be empathetic.
Show vulnerability and take ownership of your mistakes. You can mend bridges with simple words like, “I wish I had…”.
Reach out even if imperfectly—it matters more than staying silent
4. Balance Relationships
At times, we tend to prioritize work relationships at the expense of personal ones. This year, reflect on whether you have a healthy balance. Set boundaries for the new year to separate and honor your personal and work relationships.
Ask yourself:
Have I overlooked my family, friends, or even myself?
5. Be Present
When we reflect on relationships during Christmas we realize that time and presence are irreplaceable gifts. Yet, you can…
Set aside distractions and be fully present with loved ones.
Prioritize meaningful moments —quality conversations, shared traditions, and laughter (over material things).
This season…reflect on your relationships—start the new year leading by example and inspire others to do the same.
Reflecting and Reconnecting…
—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
—Dr. Aguilar
