RELIABLE RESPONSE REQUIRED: 5 ways leaders need to nurture reflection to combat reaction

'We’re better at reacting than reflecting’ - Dr. Tim Elmore

That quote from 8 Paradoxes of Great Leaders caused me to reflect. First, is Dr. Elmore right? Have we turned into a society of reactors? Second, how can leaders, whom others rely on, nurture a response of reflection rather than reaction? 

Question 1: Have we turned into a society of reactors? I ran a quick scan of some books I’ve read recently addressing different aspects of our modern-day experience living in the information age. The words ‘react’, ‘reaction’, or ‘overreaction’ were used:

5 times in How to Lead in a World of Distraction

6 times in How to Think

6 times in How to Be Bored

12 times in Stolen Focus

13 times in The Death of Expertise

66 times in The Coddling of the American Mind

The fact that the word react appears in some form so often in books written about our current experience makes me think Dr. Elmore is on to something, so…

Question 2: How can leaders - whom others rely on - nurture a response of reflection rather than reaction? Leaders have to RESPOND to many scenarios, and in a world driven by immediate REACTION, RELIABLE leaders will be those who master REFLECTION. To be a better responder and a more reliable leader, here are a few ways to be a better reflector

READ LONGER on important topics. If it’s important enough to require a response, it is important enough to read a long article or book about it *read The Reading Life by CS Lewis

CONSIDER the source. What are their degrees, certifications, and experiences? Whom are they informed by? How often do they change their mind? Do they display humility when they change their mind? *read The Death of Expertise by Tom Nichols

Give it some MORE TIME. In sports coaching, you force the opponent into making mistakes by reducing their time. However fast you think you need to respond, add a little extra time. Time is almost always correlated to a better response *read When by Daniel Pink 

Ask meaningful QUESTIONS. What do you mean by that? Can you describe that to me? How does that make you feel? Questions that cause others to reflect lead you to reflect, too! *read The Coaching Habit by Michael Stangier

LISTEN to the answers! Never ask a question you don’t want the answer to. The ability to use your leadership role effectively is connected to your willingness to listen *Read Listen Well, Lead Better by Steve and Becky Harling

Keep on, keepin’ on, friends!

Bite Down and Don’t Let Go is a collection of writings on relentlessly leading yourself and others well. Read about it more here. You can listen to the Bite Down and Don't Let Go podcast here! 

Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader with more than two decades of experience. He’s earned a few degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school sweetheart, and they have three children. Life is messy and complicated most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter for inspirational thoughts and good laughs.