A Time for Radical Reflection? A Reset for Leaders
The start of a new year often brings momentum—and pressure. New goals, new plans, and an unspoken expectation to move quickly.
But before accelerating forward, many leaders benefit from a pause. That pause is radical reflection.
Designed by Debra Hertz and originally shared in a HAYVN Halftime conversation recorded in the post-pandemic period, this framework remains highly relevant for any new year, leadership transition, or strategic reset. Its premise is timeless: meaningful progress starts with honesty.
What Is Radical Reflection?
Radical reflection is a disciplined approach to navigating uncertainty—both personal and professional—by taking a clear-eyed inventory of reality. Rather than reacting or defaulting to familiar patterns, leaders step back to assess:
The current state of their organization
Their leadership capacity and constraints
The external environment shaping future decisions
This process allows leaders to map multiple “realities” that could unfold—and prepare intentionally for what’s next.
Why Radical Reflection Matters at the Start of a New Year
A new year is a natural inflection point. It invites renewal. Radical reflection encourages leaders to slow down just enough to ask better questions:
What decisions can no longer be delayed?
Do we have the capacity to grow—or even to sustain—our current work?
What needs to change for strategy and resources to align?
Who are our most critical partners?
What do our stakeholders truly need next?
These are not theoretical questions. They are leadership questions—and answering them early in the year sets the tone for everything that follows.
A Practical Tool for Leaders and Organizations
The radical reflection process was intentionally designed to be:
Simple – accessible without extensive preparation
Flexible – usable for individuals, executive teams, or boards
Action-oriented – grounded in real decisions, not abstractions
It can support:
Leadership and executive reflection
Board and governance conversations
Strategic planning and organizational resets
Personal leadership development
Explore the Resources
· To view the half hour YouTube video of the webinar, click here.
· To download the handout from the webinar with the inventory questions, click here.
