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What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential
Successful leaders know that leadership is less often about having all the answers—and more often about asking the right questions. The challenge lies in being able to step back, reflect, and ask the key questions that are critical to your performance and your organization’s effectiveness.
In What to Ask the Person in the Mirror, leadership expert Robert Kaplan presents a process for asking the big questions that will enable you to diagnose problems, change course if necessary, and advance your career. He lays out areas of inquiry, including questions such
Do I clearly articulate my vision and top priorities to my employees and key constituencies?Does the way I spend my time enable me to achieve my top priorities?Do I give subordinates timely and direct feedback they can act on? Do I actively seek feedback myself?Have I developed a succession roadmap?Is my organization’s design aligned with the achievement of its objectives?Is my leadership style still effective, and does it reflect who I truly am?
Packed with real-life situations, this highly readable and practical guide helps you learn to ask the right questions—and work through the answers in ways that are right for you. By asking these questions, you can tackle the inevitable challenges of leadership as you craft new strategies for staying on top of your game.
In What to Ask the Person in the Mirror, leadership expert Robert Kaplan presents a process for asking the big questions that will enable you to diagnose problems, change course if necessary, and advance your career. He lays out areas of inquiry, including questions such
Do I clearly articulate my vision and top priorities to my employees and key constituencies?Does the way I spend my time enable me to achieve my top priorities?Do I give subordinates timely and direct feedback they can act on? Do I actively seek feedback myself?Have I developed a succession roadmap?Is my organization’s design aligned with the achievement of its objectives?Is my leadership style still effective, and does it reflect who I truly am?
Packed with real-life situations, this highly readable and practical guide helps you learn to ask the right questions—and work through the answers in ways that are right for you. By asking these questions, you can tackle the inevitable challenges of leadership as you craft new strategies for staying on top of your game.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2011
108 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Robert Steven Kaplan
5 books11 followersRobert Steven Kaplan served as the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2015 until 2021. In this role he managed the 1,300 employees of the Dallas Fed and represented the Eleventh Federal Reserve District on the Federal Open Market Committee in the formulation of U.S. monetary policy.
Kaplan was previously the Martin Marshall Professor of Management Practice and a Senior Associate Dean at Harvard Business School. Prior to joining Harvard, Kaplan was Vice Chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group with global responsibility for the firm's investment banking and investment management divisions.
He serves as Chairman of Project A.L.S. and Co-Chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. He is a board member of Harvard Medical School, St. Mark’s School of Texas and is a member of the Advisory Council of the George W. Bush Institute. Kaplan is an Advisory Board Member of the Baker Institute and a Member of the Board of Directors of the SMU Tate Lecture Series. Previously he served as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee at Google and a trustee of the Ford Foundation. He was appointed by the Governor of Kansas as a member of the Kansas Health Policy Authority Board.
Kaplan has authored three books, titled What You Really Need to Lead: The Power of Thinking and Acting Like an Owner; What You're Really Meant To Do: A Road Map for Reaching Your Unique Potential; and What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential.
He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
Kaplan was previously the Martin Marshall Professor of Management Practice and a Senior Associate Dean at Harvard Business School. Prior to joining Harvard, Kaplan was Vice Chairman of the Goldman Sachs Group with global responsibility for the firm's investment banking and investment management divisions.
He serves as Chairman of Project A.L.S. and Co-Chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. He is a board member of Harvard Medical School, St. Mark’s School of Texas and is a member of the Advisory Council of the George W. Bush Institute. Kaplan is an Advisory Board Member of the Baker Institute and a Member of the Board of Directors of the SMU Tate Lecture Series. Previously he served as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee at Google and a trustee of the Ford Foundation. He was appointed by the Governor of Kansas as a member of the Kansas Health Policy Authority Board.
Kaplan has authored three books, titled What You Really Need to Lead: The Power of Thinking and Acting Like an Owner; What You're Really Meant To Do: A Road Map for Reaching Your Unique Potential; and What to Ask the Person in the Mirror: Critical Questions for Becoming a More Effective Leader and Reaching Your Potential.
He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 14, 2015
Although it took me a lot of time reading this book, I would still mark it as a-must-read business book especially if you are in your initial stages as a young organisation leader. There were a lot of practical aspects that help identify certain core questions, questions that encourages you to think about both the organisation and your self.
Can the book serve as a bible for business leadership? I wouldn't say that as there are far better books, such as " The I of Leadership" or "Strategic Leadership" previously reviewed in my read archive. However it is still a book you would like to read even later on in your career as it brings you back to some basics that you might have missed as you progressed in your career.
The centric idea of the book is the creation of identity. Whereby your own identity cannot be separated from that of your organisation. Hence the more you understand thyself (strengths & weaknesses) the more effective you are in leading the ship.
Can the book serve as a bible for business leadership? I wouldn't say that as there are far better books, such as " The I of Leadership" or "Strategic Leadership" previously reviewed in my read archive. However it is still a book you would like to read even later on in your career as it brings you back to some basics that you might have missed as you progressed in your career.
The centric idea of the book is the creation of identity. Whereby your own identity cannot be separated from that of your organisation. Hence the more you understand thyself (strengths & weaknesses) the more effective you are in leading the ship.
March 12, 2013
great business book
January 7, 2019
Ask right questions
Leadership is not about knowing all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. Invest in talent. Talented people are the most important asset any organization can have. Do not rely on empty rhetorics to command excellence. Instead, build excellence. Build a winning team.
Time
Time is very important asset and it’s a finite one. Once spent, it cannot be replenished. The challenge with time management is life as a leader is extremely chaotic. Events happen at their own schedule and we are forced to respond. So it’s highly imperative to use your own time as well we as your people’s time wisely.
Feedback loop
Criticism basically implies judgement and we all recoil from feeling judged. Offering feedback has to be a humble exploration rather than declaration, a dialogue rather than a monologue, curiosity rather than certainty.
Leadership is not about knowing all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. Invest in talent. Talented people are the most important asset any organization can have. Do not rely on empty rhetorics to command excellence. Instead, build excellence. Build a winning team.
Time
Time is very important asset and it’s a finite one. Once spent, it cannot be replenished. The challenge with time management is life as a leader is extremely chaotic. Events happen at their own schedule and we are forced to respond. So it’s highly imperative to use your own time as well we as your people’s time wisely.
Feedback loop
Criticism basically implies judgement and we all recoil from feeling judged. Offering feedback has to be a humble exploration rather than declaration, a dialogue rather than a monologue, curiosity rather than certainty.
January 8, 2021
Combined with MJ “A man in the mirror”, this is a masterpiece that help whoever willing to develop their leadeship skills - with or without title, with or without direct reports. Why? It starts with one self. It is about cultivating the right mindset — Believe+Courage - to do the right thing, be yourself, help others and sacrifice for the success of the organisation. Be mindful to develop your own style - fit for you personally as well as your organisation. How? It takes a lot of practice. Believe+Courage.
This is definitely a right pick to start the year. Call it a year of reflection, a year of discovery. It feels right to plan ahead.
This is definitely a right pick to start the year. Call it a year of reflection, a year of discovery. It feels right to plan ahead.
April 23, 2022
When daddy planned the whole life for you, like in the case of Kaplan, you would find yourself trusted in management positions that are way over your head. Only this book is not about leaders. Kaplan doesn't know. It's about how to wing it so your bosses will feel you were meant for that middle management job.
May 4, 2023
First book to go on my DNF shelf. It was a bit of a bait and switch with the author, Robert Steven Kaplan, not one of the co-authors of BSC. I lost confidence that his leadership advice would be more than generic after the 2nd chapter. I might pick it up again someday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2017
Lot of important things in it.
Well presented, things to focus on.
Well presented, things to focus on.
April 3, 2018
I actually didn't finish it, my library loan was up before I could. True confessions. Might go back and get it later but it's not the most inspiring book. Kinda made me feel tired.
December 2, 2018
this book should be on every MBA's classroom.
December 30, 2018
Never stop growing from inside to the ouside
Read
January 12, 2022This book is not mine. Please remove it from my author list.
Robert S. Kaplan, HBS Professor
Robert S. Kaplan, HBS Professor
March 31, 2025
Decently good read if you’re trying to become a stronger leader. Recommend for managers or senior executives.
Read
October 7, 2025for class
March 20, 2013
Great Lessons For A Leader
http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...
Book Review: What To Ask The Person In The Mirror By Robert S Kaplan: Great Lessons For A Leader
Recently I read a good book from Robert S. Kaplan titled as What To Ask The Person In The Mirror. Robert Kaplan is well known as co-creator of the Balanced Scorecard. Formerly he was vice chairman of Goldman Sachs. In this book he has raised some genuine concerns related to Leadership like - Why focus is important for leaders? Is it possible to create leaders or it is only born leaders? How leaders cope up with setback? What all changes happen with moving one step up on the ladder of growth and success?
A deep introspection is required for a leader, as per Kaplan in a way that when a leader stands in front of a mirror, he must ask some basic fundamental questions from himself. Robert S Kaplan teaches in Harvard University in the field of management practice. Kaplan states that leaders have a very good quality of posing confident all the time even if they are not sure about the situation at times. Let us take a note of few important points on What lessons can a Leader get from Robert S Kaplan based on his latest book What To Ask The Person In The Mirror:
1. There is a great relationship between Leader and Being Focused.
2. Leadership qualities can be inculcated in a Leader by means of adopting few important qualities.
3. A good Leader has to be a good actor too, especially at the time of crisis.
4. A good Leader becomes expert over period of time on getting out of state of confusion quicker
than others.
5. A good Leader when not sure about his decisions, takes a call based on his inner strengths.
http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...
Book Review: What To Ask The Person In The Mirror By Robert S Kaplan: Great Lessons For A Leader
Recently I read a good book from Robert S. Kaplan titled as What To Ask The Person In The Mirror. Robert Kaplan is well known as co-creator of the Balanced Scorecard. Formerly he was vice chairman of Goldman Sachs. In this book he has raised some genuine concerns related to Leadership like - Why focus is important for leaders? Is it possible to create leaders or it is only born leaders? How leaders cope up with setback? What all changes happen with moving one step up on the ladder of growth and success?
A deep introspection is required for a leader, as per Kaplan in a way that when a leader stands in front of a mirror, he must ask some basic fundamental questions from himself. Robert S Kaplan teaches in Harvard University in the field of management practice. Kaplan states that leaders have a very good quality of posing confident all the time even if they are not sure about the situation at times. Let us take a note of few important points on What lessons can a Leader get from Robert S Kaplan based on his latest book What To Ask The Person In The Mirror:
1. There is a great relationship between Leader and Being Focused.
2. Leadership qualities can be inculcated in a Leader by means of adopting few important qualities.
3. A good Leader has to be a good actor too, especially at the time of crisis.
4. A good Leader becomes expert over period of time on getting out of state of confusion quicker
than others.
5. A good Leader when not sure about his decisions, takes a call based on his inner strengths.
June 19, 2021
Are you comfortable asking questions?
Usually, people don’t ask questions for one of three reasons:
1. They are sure of everything that they need to know, beyond any scope of doubt
2. They are concerned not to come across as someone who doesn’t know (i.e. stupid)
3. They think they need to act quickly (it’s an emergency)
And here is a book that not only suggests we ask more questions, but also suggests many pertinent questions we could ask in different situations.
The author, Prof. Robert Kaplan, is no stranger to management and leadership struggles. There are seven key areas taken up by him in this book:
Vision & priorities
Managing your time
Giving & getting feedback
Succession planning & delegation
Evaluation & alignment
Leader as role model
Reaching your potential
Each key area is discussed in great detail, and Prof. Kaplan has provided some questions that we need to ask ourselves to better understand our own position on each of these key areas. And, finally, he has provided a framework that neatly ties everything together.
Through this book, Prof. Kaplan makes it easier for people to ask questions. A skill most of us need to develop.
A self-help book that would make sense to every manager / leader.
Usually, people don’t ask questions for one of three reasons:
1. They are sure of everything that they need to know, beyond any scope of doubt
2. They are concerned not to come across as someone who doesn’t know (i.e. stupid)
3. They think they need to act quickly (it’s an emergency)
And here is a book that not only suggests we ask more questions, but also suggests many pertinent questions we could ask in different situations.
The author, Prof. Robert Kaplan, is no stranger to management and leadership struggles. There are seven key areas taken up by him in this book:
Vision & priorities
Managing your time
Giving & getting feedback
Succession planning & delegation
Evaluation & alignment
Leader as role model
Reaching your potential
Each key area is discussed in great detail, and Prof. Kaplan has provided some questions that we need to ask ourselves to better understand our own position on each of these key areas. And, finally, he has provided a framework that neatly ties everything together.
Through this book, Prof. Kaplan makes it easier for people to ask questions. A skill most of us need to develop.
A self-help book that would make sense to every manager / leader.
July 31, 2012
Have recently started reading this book. Kaplan has spoken about a 7 step approach for becoming effective which starts from having a vision, defining the value proposition, leader becoming a role model.
What I had expected from this book is partially met right now as it hasn't been able to engage me in the first few pages.
A book which you can kind of avoid buying!
What I had expected from this book is partially met right now as it hasn't been able to engage me in the first few pages.
A book which you can kind of avoid buying!
November 24, 2011
I haven't read a lot of leadership books. I thought Rob made a lot of sense and many good particle suggestions. There's even homework assignments. I like his idea of articulating and updating gols frequently. It's a quick read, but something I'll go back to.
March 2, 2012
The concept of reflection to align the company with threats and opportunities. I enjoyed reading on the mini cases on how this approached has worked with top level executives. I wish the author would had mentioned the execs.
July 26, 2013
READ JUL 2013
Good for any current leader to be reminded of what most likely drew them into leadership roles. Essential for any emerging leader to understand ways to develop good practices to enhance their development as leaders.
Good for any current leader to be reminded of what most likely drew them into leadership roles. Essential for any emerging leader to understand ways to develop good practices to enhance their development as leaders.
October 11, 2012
En un estilo ligero, entrega valiosos puntos para aquellos que dirigen un grupo, e incluso a los que no.
August 20, 2013
Recomendado, después de leer Inteligencia Emocional e Inteligencia Emocional para los negocios. Así como para Emprendedores y todos aquellos que desean una vida trabajadora más sana.
December 7, 2014
This book encourages you to develop and reflect on critical questions for reaching your potential as a more effective leader. It provokes thought and motivates action.
January 19, 2016
Nothing really new, but very well wirten and a concise guide to be a good and peacefull leader!
February 3, 2016
Some practical tools and tips for honing your leadership
September 12, 2020
Interesting.
Read
October 18, 2015A clear set of questions to ask. easy read.
Read
April 3, 2017Every CEO or who wishes to become a CEO should read this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews