Why Self-Assessment Is Essential to Leadership Growth

Insights from Leaderfluence – Chapter 2’ Access the Current State’

Leadership is not a title. It’s a journey, a personal and professional commitment to growth, awareness, and purpose. In Chapter 2 ‘Access the Current State’ of Leaderfluence, I dive into a topic that forms the bedrock of leadership excellence: self-assessment. It's a process that requires vulnerability, humility, and a willingness to see beyond surface-level performance.

Through personal stories and tested tools, this chapter outlines the importance of knowing where you stand today before you can grow into the leader you're meant to become. Whether you lead a team, a business, a community organization, or your own family, the ability to look inward with honesty and clarity will shape your effectiveness and your legacy.

Here are three key takeaways from this chapter that can help you on your own leadership journey:

1. Leadership Growth Begins with Honest Self-Assessment

Self-assessment isn't a once-a-year exercise, it’s an ongoing habit of reflecting on your actions, attitudes, and impact. In the book, I describe a pivotal moment early in my career when I took on a supervisory role at a textile manufacturer. Despite my intention to lead with collaboration, I found myself absorbing and mimicking a toxic leadership culture. One day, I lost my temper and yelled at an employee. That moment not only eroded trust with my team, but also shook my own sense of self as a leader.

I could have justified my behavior or blamed the environment. Instead, I chose to reflect. I recognized how old patterns—some ingrained from past experiences—were influencing my decisions. That realization led to an apology, a conversation with a mentor, and a renewed commitment to personal growth. It also taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten: feedback and self-reflection are not weaknesses; they are the cornerstones of real strength.

2. Feedback Is Fuel for Self-Awareness

One of the toughest realities of leadership is that the higher you rise, the harder it becomes to get honest feedback. People may hesitate to speak the truth to someone in a position of authority. But without regular, candid input, blind spots grow—and so do mistakes.

In Leaderfluence, I stress the importance of creating a circle of feedback that includes colleagues, mentors, family, and even community members. Tools like DISC, Enneagram, StrengthsFinder, and other 360-degree type assessments can offer structured insights. But equally important are the informal check-ins with people who see your leadership in action every day.

I once knew a leader who would periodically ask their direct reports: “What’s one thing I could do better?” That simple question built trust, invited growth, and set the tone for a culture of continuous improvement. Leaders who model humility in seeking feedback also empower others to do the same.

3. Success Isn’t Just About the Bottom Line

We live in a culture that often equates leadership success with financial gain, job titles, or organizational growth. While those metrics can matter, they shouldn’t define your worth or your effectiveness. Real success includes less tangible—but far more enduring—outcomes: peace of mind, meaningful relationships, personal integrity, and the ability to positively influence others.

In this chapter, I encourage leaders to periodically review where they are and whether their path aligns with their values and long-term vision. That includes setting development goals and investing time in activities outside of work—such as volunteering or mentoring—that can offer perspective and enrich your leadership capacity.

When we broaden the definition of success, we give ourselves permission to lead in ways that are authentic, compassionate, and deeply human. That’s not just good for our teams—it’s good for our souls.

In summary:

Leadership isn't a destination—it’s a lifelong process of learning, reflecting, and adjusting. Chapter 2 of Leaderfluence reminds us that before we can lead others well, we must first know ourselves well. The habits of self-assessment and feedback aren’t just exercises in personal development—they’re tools for building trust, setting a clear direction, and fostering real growth, both personally and organizationally.

At Kelly Financial Planning, we believe that financial well-being and leadership development are deeply connected. In partnership with Right Path Enterprises, we help individuals and organizations align their financial goals with a sense of purpose, leadership effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

If you’re ready to take a closer look at your leadership journey—or simply want to grow in areas of influence and impact—we invite you to explore the book Leaderfluence. You can find it online or reach out directly to start a conversation with me. Whether you're evaluating your finances or your leadership path, we’re here to walk beside you on the journey toward your right path.