Title: The Leadership Mirror: Are You Brave Enough to Look Inward?
Let’s face it - self-reflection can be confronting. I recently read a passage from Proverbs that stopped me in my tracks. Not because I hadn’t read it before - but because this time, I chose to read it as a mirror, not a magnifying glass.
Here’s what it says:
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
— Proverbs 6:16 - 6:19 (NIV)
Ouch, right?
At first, my brain did what many instinctively do: use it as a magnifying glass to point fingers. “That sounds like politician X… corporate leader Y…” But after a moment of satisfying outrage, I caught myself.
That’s not leadership. That’s deflection.
So, I asked a better question - What if this passage is a personal leadership checklist?
What if I read it as a mirror? What if the real power asks, “Where does this show up in me?”
The Silent Distractions Holding You Back
Let’s be honest. As leaders, we’re constantly pulled in different directions - team performance, deadlines, market pressures, family responsibilities. But what if some of the fundamental barriers are internal?
This passage highlights seven warning signs. You don’t have to read them as religious decrees - read them as mindset markers that may distract you from your potential.
Haughty eyes: Are you judging more than you're learning?
A lying tongue: Are you fully honest with others and yourself?
Hands that harm: Have your actions, even unintentionally, left someone worse off?
A scheming heart: Are your motives aligned with your values?
Quick feet to evil: Do you follow the crowd or lead with conviction?
False witness: Are you repeating information without checking facts, or letting silence say too much?
Stirring conflict: Are your conversations building trust or fuelling division?
None of this is about shame. It’s about awareness. And with awareness comes choice.
From Judgement to Ownership
Here's the thing: judging others is easy. Owning our stuff? That takes courage.
But the moment we shift focus inward, we move from the circle of concern to the circle of influence. That's where authentic leadership begins.
You might not be able to change what others do. But you can decide how you show up.
You can choose to be the leader your team talks about years from now with gratitude.
You can choose to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Your Next Move: A Reflection Challenge
Here’s your leadership challenge this week:
Print the passage or screenshot it. (or non-faith-based version at end of article)
Block 15 minutes of undisturbed time.
Ask yourself: Where do I see myself in this? What’s one small behaviour I can adjust?
You’ll be amazed at what shows up.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. As Jim Rohn put it:
"Do all you can with all you have, in the time you have, in the place you are."
The world doesn’t need more perfect leaders. It requires more honest ones.
More present, self-aware, values-driven leaders.
People like you.
So... ready to hold up the mirror?
Stay inspired and lead with excellence.
P.S. Prefer a non-faith-based version of the reflection list? Here's a values-centred adaptation of the same powerful ideas:
Seven behaviours consistently erode trust, damage teams, and compromise leadership:
Arrogance – Looking down on others or leading with ego.
Dishonesty – Speaking or acting in ways that distort the truth.
Harmful actions – Causing unnecessary pain or damage through words or decisions.
Manipulation – Using others for personal agendas or hidden motives.
Recklessness – Rushing into poor choices without thought or principle.
False accusations – Sharing half-truths or rumours that undermine others.
Divisiveness – Stirring tension, gossip, or disunity within the group.
Use this list as a mirror - not a weapon. It’s not about guilt. It’s about growth. It’s not about others. It’s about you.
To help you go deeper with this reflection, here are a few questions to guide your thinking:
Self-Awareness and Ownership
Where do I see myself in the seven behaviours mentioned in Proverbs 6:16 - 6:19? (or above version)
Am I more likely to judge others or examine my behaviour first?
What distractions or inner narratives might keep me from living and leading with integrity?
What’s one small behaviour I can choose to adjust or improve starting today?
Integrity and Honesty
Am I being fully honest with others and with myself?
Have I repeated stories, comments, or criticisms without verifying their truth, or remained silent when I should’ve spoken up?
Are my motives aligned with my values, or are there areas where I’ve compromised?
Impact and Responsibility
Have my actions, words, or leadership decisions unintentionally caused harm to someone else?
Have I stirred conflict - knowingly or unknowingly - through gossip, sarcasm, or careless comments?
Leadership and Values Alignment
Where have I allowed pride or judgment (“haughty eyes”) to get in the way of growth?
Have I followed the crowd or taken the easy road, even when it didn’t align with my values?
What would it look like if I led more fully from my values this week?
Gary Good
Founder, LeaderLegacy
Like this article? Share it with friends:
Tell us what you think about this article! Leave a comment below: