As the CEO of Group Therapy Associates, I often reflect on what it means to be a good leader, especially in this work. Navigating the business, societal, and interpersonal demands of working in mental healthcare isn’t often easy but it is worth the effort. For me understanding how to lead well is critical. Leadership, much like therapy, is about more than just guiding others; it’s about being a role model—someone who embodies the values and behaviors we hope to see in our team and, ultimately, in our clients.
A good role model isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being genuinely human. This concept is something I’ve carried with me since my early days in leadership, long before I was managing a team of therapists and administrative staff. I remember reading in a leadership book that a good leader is someone who is “genuinely human,” a phrase that stuck with me so profoundly that I wrote it down and taped it above my desk. It’s a daily reminder that being a role model requires self-awareness and self-reflection. After all, how can we embody something if we aren’t paying attention to ourselves?
The Importance of Self-Reflection in Leadership
Self-reflection is the process of creating clarity about how you view yourself and your role. For me, it’s an ongoing journey that allows me to look critically and introspectively at what makes me, well, me—and how that influences my leadership. Understanding my strengths, limitations, and even my doubts has been crucial in managing not only myself but also my team.
In the mental health profession, where our work directly impacts the lives of others, it’s easy to fall into the trap of striving for perfection. But self-reflection helps me recognize that I, too, have limits, and that’s okay. It’s about being authentic, embracing my imperfections, and showing my team that it’s okay to do the same.
How Self-Reflection Enhances Leadership
When I engage in self-reflection, I learn more about myself than I ever anticipated. I recognize my signals for when I need to adjust, like if I’m second-guessing decisions or irritable about a meeting. Those little flags let me know that I need more solitude, or fun or rest. The more we learn about ourselves, the better we can take of our needs and show up fully for our teams, clients, and loved ones. Knowing that I will always crave solitude after a long day of client care and team management, helps me schedule my week in a way that honors myself and ensures I can tend to the needs of others in ways that feel good and lead to success. These are all part of my humanness, and acknowledging them helps me lead with authenticity.
For me, therapy is also a key part of my leadership development. I can not effectively lead without this kind of thoughtful and compassionate self-evaluation. We are not as compartmentalized as we want to think that we are. Pretending that all the facets of my identity don’t pop up at work is a fool’s game. I am all of me and so therapy helps me bring the best of all of me as often as possible. Race, culture, gender, family history, and current personal circumstances all play a role in how we show up. I take a lot of pride in modeling for my team and my clients the importance of prioritizing all those parts.
Strategies for Better Leadership
- Practice mindfulness and carve out space for stillness every day. Self-reflection requires time and space to be with ourselves.
- Review and reinforce your boundaries regularly.
- Move beyond just self-care activities and nurture your self-compassion (learn more here)
- Build a healthy community around you. We need people to help us thrive, be honest about our areas of growth, and who will celebrate our areas of success.
- Hire the professionals and experts you need when you need them. Be it a career coach, a therapist, a new doctor, or a personal trainer… invest in your well-being. It’s not only good for you but models the habits you want those you lead to follow as well.
If you’re ready to lead with authenticity and enhance your role as a mental health professional, consider joining our GTA Wellness Suite. Our resources are designed to support your growth in every area of your life. Embrace self-reflection and take the next step in your professional journey today.