How to Become a Great Leader: Practice Metacognition
What if you had a way to reduce misunderstandings, handle conflict with more grace, and make wiser decisions under pressure? What if you could see yourself and others more clearly, and respond in ways that build trust instead of tension?
That is the power of metacognition.
Everyone lives inside a story shaped by what they think, perceive, and believe to be true. But not everything we think is true. Our perceptions are often biased, limited, or incomplete.
This shows up everywhere. In how we interpret a colleague’s tone. In the stories we make up about someone’s motives. In the way we decide whether we belong in a room. It shapes how we handle conflict, give feedback, or even see our own strengths and limitations. And it deeply affects how effective we will be as leaders.
Metacognition is the practice of thinking about what you think. It is stepping back from your own thoughts, emotions, and assumptions with honesty and curiosity. Instead of being swept along by your inner story, you notice it, test it, and choose how you will respond.
“With this empowering concept [of metacognition] comes the notion that if we have the power to observe our thoughts, we may also have the power to change them. Rather than falling into the trap of believing that our negative, irrational, and/or unhealthy thoughts are facts, we use mindfulness to observe them and know that our thoughts do not define us—we can observe them, recognize their impact, and opt to edit them.”
People who practice metacognition are able to pause instead of react, choose intention over assumption, and bring steadiness when others are caught in confusion or emotion. Without it, we are led more by habit and bias than by wisdom.
Here is what it looks like to develop strong metacognition:
Build awareness through reflection. Notice recurring thoughts or gut reactions and start questioning their validity.
Slow down in the moment. When you feel a strong reaction, take a breath before you respond.
Question your inner stories. Ask, “What am I assuming? What story am I telling myself about this person and this situation?”
Seek other perspectives. Invite feedback or ask someone you trust how they see the situation.
Anchor in humility. Remind yourself that your perspective is one among many.
Metacognition is about creating space between your thoughts and your responses. It helps you notice assumptions before they harden into conflict and allows you to choose curiosity instead of reactivity. Where assumption divides, metacognition opens the door to connection, understanding, and grace.
Practiced daily, metacognition becomes a leadership superpower. It helps you see with clarity, respond with wisdom, and lead in a way that people can trust.
With you in the journey,
Justine
Reflection question:
Think of a situation or person you’re struggling with. Try using the guiding questions to reflect:
What story am I telling myself about this situation or person?
Resource recommendation:
“Thinking about Thinking” podcast with Simon Sinek, Brene Brown and Adam Grant