The Questions I Ask Myself
I was recently asked by some of my students to share with them the questions I ask myself when I self-reflect. I have summarized the questions in two lists. The first list is the “Annual Self Reflection Questions” that I focus on once a year during my three-day silent retreats in Minnesota each December. The second list is my “Daily Self Examination Questions” for each evening:
Annual Self Reflection Questions
- What are my values?
- What do I stand for?
- What is my purpose?
- What really matters?
- How would I react if I was told I only had five days left to live?
- What kind of a leader do I want to be?
- What kind of a example do I want to be for others?
Daily Self Examination Questions
- What did I say I was going to do today in all dimensions of my life?
- What did I actually do today?
- What am I proud of?
- What am I not proud of?
- How did I lead people?
- How did I follow people?
- If I lived today over again, what would I have done differently?
- If I have tomorrow (and I am acutely aware that some day I won’t) and I am a learning person, based on what I learned today, what will I do tomorrow in all dimensions of my life that are important (as a father, as a leader, as a son, as a spouse, as a spiritual person, etc.)?
Harry Kraemer on Leadership 
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Prof Kraemer!
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Thanks Rohan…….you and Lexie are doing a fantastic job with the “Good Life” seminar at Kellogg!!! Harry
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Harry,
These questions are outstanding, but more importantly, or perhaps in my opinion!), is the fact that you practice reflecting on them in such a disciplined way.
If there were more leaders who did (full credit to those KSM students who complete your class and make this a habit!) we’d have a lot less Enron’s, LIBOR rate rigging scandals and Atlantic Public School grade frauds!
Best,
Daven
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Thank you Prof Kraemer
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Harry,
Thanks for your “opinions” on the topic of leadership. I realize that I need to take more time with self-reflection and understanding what happened and where I am going. Strikes me that daily course corrections are far more valuable than huge shifts done periodically. I might name your reflection methodology as “My Daily Compass.”. I am curious, however, if there is a spiritual or faith based underpinning to your world view that drives your values. You mentioned that you started at a Jesuit retreat.
Thank you again for sharing your story.
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