Why Self-Reflection Makes Better Leaders: Insights from Primal Leadership
Nov 14, 2025Many leaders assume that experience, logic, and quick decision-making are what drive high performance. But research in Primal Leadership by Richard Boyatzis, Annie McKee, and Daniel Goleman• shows something different.
The most effective leaders are the ones who reflect regularly.
Not occasionally, not when there’s a crisis — consistently.
Why?
Because self-reflection strengthens emotional intelligence, and emotional intelligence shapes everything else: clarity, judgement, communication, trust, and culture.
The authors highlight that when leaders skip reflection, their unseen emotions start steering their behaviour. Pressure, insecurity, frustration, or fear show up in ways they don’t notice — but everyone around them does.
And that emotional leakage slows progress and weakens performance.
But when leaders build a habit of reflection, things change:
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They understand their emotional patterns.
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They reconnect with their purpose and the organisation’s mission.
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They solve problems more effectively.
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They inspire instead of instruct.
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They lead with presence — not pressure.
This is why the research is so clear:
Leaders who engage in regular self-reflection develop stronger emotional intelligence, deeper alignment with vision and mission, and greater ability to manage and inspire their teams.
Reflection isn’t optional. It’s a core leadership skill.
How The Elephant in the Room Helps Leaders Put This Into Practice
The challenge isn’t knowing that reflection matters — it’s having the courage and structure to do it honestly and consistently.
That’s exactly what The Elephant in the Room training is designed to support.
This programme helps leaders:
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See the emotional patterns driving their behaviour
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Build the courage to face uncomfortable truths
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Respond instead of react under pressure
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Strengthen psychological safety in their teams
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Increase clarity, resilience, and emotional awareness
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Lead with emotional intelligence every day — not just in calm moments
Primal Leadership explains why self-reflection matters.
The Elephant in the Room shows leaders how to do it.
If you want a team that’s grounded, connected, and capable of high performance, this is where the work begins.
Ready to Develop More Reflective, Emotionally Intelligent Leaders?
To learn more about The Elephant in the Room training and how it can support your team, contact us at:
👉 [email protected]
•Richard E. Boyatzis, Annie McKee, and Daniel Goleman, Primal Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2013).
Looking to shift how your team shows up?
Check out Elephant in the Room — our signature training programme for teams ready to build trust, speak honestly, and perform at a higher level.
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