We all know the use of a mirror. It is showing the reflection of ourselves. The reflection we see in the mirror shows who we really are. If we want to become effective as leaders, we need to pause for a moment and look at ourselves in the mirror. Why leadership needs a mirror? In the early stage of our career, we focus on acquiring skills and knowledge needed by our works and functions. As our career progresses we are measured by what we accomplish through others. How others perceive us, and the power and influence granted to us, become very important. We want people to see us as who we are, transparent and trust-worthy. It will only happen when we start knowing ourselves.
Leaders who have mirror perspective will learn how to have self-reflection most of his/her time. Looking at one’s self in a mirror, we really want to be honest with ourselves. We have an ability to consider if it is reflecting the kind of person we desire to be. We will acknowledge and observe what is right about us and what are the things we need to work to refine our value in life. We learn to be honest with ourselves. When I look at myself into a mirror, I remind myself that I am created in God’s image. What I see is what He sees. He values me as His precious child that He loves so much. It helps me to accept myself better, because I know that my God cares and loves me. What a better way to begin each day in my life, especially when I go through difficult situations in my daily routines.
Leaders who have mirror perspective will also able to keep others engaged in a team. As a leader, we can see beyond what our followers can see. We learn the story from Nehemiah when He has to re-build the wall. In Nehemiah 4, the Israelites were intimidated by the enemies. Nehemiah glanced at the mirror and saw that the people who built the wall were paralyzed by fear. He knew that it brought a risk to the vision that he has received from God. So he decided to pause and took a moment, gathered everyone and reminded them what they were doing and who stand by them to finish what they were working and what was in store provided by God for them. Most of our team member spent majority of their time focused on the path of the future that lies ahead. Leaders have perspectives different from their followers, they see beyond where they are today. Even though we feel that we have cleared the path to move forward, but sometimes new obstacles could come in the way and take up our resources and even misdirection our team from pursuing the vision. It is our responsibility to stop and paused for a moment and look at the mirror, so that we can bring and engage the team to re-focused again.
Another main function of mirror is to reflect light. As leaders and believers in God, we have to reflect HIS light. The light that is reflected from the mirror will make an image be seen clearly. It is our function as leader that people might see the reflection of God’s image in us. Our characters should reflect God’s characters. Just like it says in 1 Corinthians 15:49 – And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.
Proverbs 27:19 – As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.