The Hardest Leadership Test Is the One in the Mirror

The Hardest Leadership Test Is the One in the Mirror

Most leaders I meet are chasing growth, scale, and influence.
But here’s the truth no one likes to admit: the hardest person to lead is the one in the mirror.

We all want to believe we’re self-aware. Yet so many of us operate on autopilot — driven by habits we’ve never questioned, beliefs we’ve inherited, or blind spots we can’t see.

This is why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership. Because you can’t grow beyond what you refuse to acknowledge.

I call it the mirror test:
• Do you like the person you’re becoming when no one’s watching?
• Are your daily choices aligned with your values?
• Would you follow you if you weren’t you?

Self-awareness isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity. And clarity creates alignment, and alignment creates impact.

If you want to lead others well, start by leading yourself with honesty.

What’s one area of yourself you’ve become more aware of recently — and how has it changed your leadership?