This quick morning routine tip can make you much better at your job

Do you have aspirations of rising to a leadership role in your company? Similarly, perhaps you just want to build a better reputation for yourself among co-workers and be seen as a more diligent employee. If either scenario sounds familiar, a study from the University of Florida has a new suggestion on how to start your day.

Researchers say just taking a few minutes first thing in the morning to reflect on some of your past successes and proudest leadership moments can go a long way toward making you a better leader and more effective worker. It’s simple, but sometimes simplicity works.

“It’s as simple as taking a few moments in the morning while you’re drinking your coffee to reflect on who you want to be as a leader,” says study co-author Remy Jennings, a doctoral student in the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business.

As humans, we’re all blessed with the capacity for self-reflection. We can look back on past mistakes and successes, sort through the rubble, and hopefully learn something that will help us in the future. A little bit of reflection in the AM on how you’ve been perceived in the past, and how you want to be perceived in the future, is an easy way to get each day started on the right foot.

When a group of study participants performed this morning thought exercise, they were much more likely to actively help their co-workers and act in a more cerebral, strategic manner on the job. In the study authors’ own words, volunteers “provided more strategic vision” after some quiet contemplation.

Internally, study subjects also reported feeling more like a leader and like they held some real influence in their office/company.

“Leadership is really challenging, so a lot of people are hesitant to tackle leadership roles or assignments,” adds UF management professor & study co-author Klodiana Lanaj. “Reflecting a few minutes in the morning really makes a difference.”

While there’s plenty of current managers and corporate leaders who could stand to benefit from this advice, study authors stress that this technique can help anyone and everyone, regardless of whether or not they want to be a CEO one day. 

Leadership comes in many forms. This morning exercise isn’t so much about rising the corporate ranks and earning more money, but about validating yourself every day. Focus your thoughts and energy with this approach long enough and you’ll be a more confident and helpful worker, regardless of what your job title says.

For people who do hope to become managers and office bosses one day, this reflection exercise is a great way to get started at your own pace. You don’t have to wait for a promotion opportunity to arise or for an important project to fall on your lap. Decide to start acting like a leader today. Eventually, those actions will produce the opportunities you want.

“They’re not dependent on their organization to provide formal opportunities. They don’t have to wait until they have that title that says they’re a leader to take on leadership in their work,” Jennings elaborates.

If you’re looking to try this reflection exercise out, study authors suggest getting started by asking yourself some of these questions:

• What are some of my proudest moments as a leader?
• What qualities make me a good leader (or will in the future)?
• Imagine you’ve become a fantastic leader, how does this idealized version of yourself act?
• What effect do you want to have on your co-workers? Do you want to motivate? Inspire? Help them grow their skills? 

“This is a tool to be more effective at work.” Lanaj concludes. “Just a few minutes can entirely change your focus for the rest of your day.”

A famous Netflix character once said, “mornings are for coffee and contemplation.” Even if you’re skeptical, give this approach a try for a few minutes one morning as you sip your favorite java and feel your mind shake off the cobwebs.
The full study can be found here, published in Personnel Psychology.