In this episode, Ben explains why occasional reflection on past experiences can help leaders understand themselves better and improve their leadership. While coaching is typically future‑focused, reflecting on personal history can reveal how past experiences shaped values, reactions, and behaviour. Using a childhood story about his time in the playground, Ben illustrates how his value of self‑reliance may have developed. While this value has many strengths, it also has potential downsides, such as reluctance to ask for help or collaborate. The key lesson is that understanding your personal values - and the strengths and drawbacks they bring - helps leaders become more self‑aware and more forgiving of themselves, which supports stronger leadership. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Useful Thinking Journal. Article: Why Self Acceptance is a Foundation for Good Leadership. Understand and use your values online course.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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