Windows & Mirrors

Leadership is a non-stop journey that demands constant self-reflection and a deep understanding of the dynamics within a team. The window and mirror principle serves as a powerful metaphor for effective leaders to navigate both successes and failures with humility and integrity.

To oversimplify, there are two types of leaders…good ones and bad ones. Their approaches are very different; let me share:

Good Leaders

When things are going well, a good leader directs their attention out the window, acknowledging the efforts and contributions of their team members. They recognize that their success is a result of collective effort and skillful collaboration. By giving credit to their team, these leaders foster a positive and empowering environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to perform at their best. Simply put, they look out the window and give the team all the credit.

When things are going bad, a good leader directs their attention inward toward the mirror. Instead of pointing fingers and placing blame on others, they take ownership of their role in the situation. They ask themselves what they could have done differently, seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. Simply put, they look in the mirror and think about how they can lead more effectively.

Bad Leaders

On the other hand, a bad leader displays a contrasting behavior pattern. When things go bad, they immediately shift their focus outward, looking through the window to find someone to blame. They avoid accountability and fail to recognize the impact of their own decisions, actions, or possibly inactions. This blame game creates a toxic environment of distrust and demoralization, leading to further setbacks for the team. Simply put, they look out the window and blame everyone around them for the problems.

Ironically, when things are going well, a bad leader turns their attention inwardly as well. They look in the mirror and attribute all accomplishments solely to themselves, disregarding the efforts of their team. This self-centered behavior erodes team morale, stifles innovation, and limits the development of future leaders. Simply put, they look in the mirror and give themselves all the credit.

The window and mirror principle serves as a picture for effective leadership. Great leaders display humility and self-awareness by looking out the window to give credit to their team during times of success. In times of failure, they display accountability by looking in the mirror and reflecting on their own actions. By contrast, bad leaders deflect blame and selfishly claim success for themselves. By embracing the window and mirror principle, leaders can cultivate a culture of trust, growth, and collaboration, resulting in high-performing teams and sustainable success. Create a culture of great leaders who know how and when to look out the window and the mirror.