Leadership Lessons in Self-Reflection: Learning from the 2024 Election

By Valarie R. Austin, November 19th, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As a retired­ U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and career readiness author, I know firsthand the importance of self-reflection in achieving success. Whether in the military, a business, or a political campaign, evaluating both successes and failures is essential for growth. The Democratic Party’s loss in the 2024 presidential election offers a timely example of how organizations can learn and improve through self-assessment. For young people stepping into leadership roles, this process is a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Mastering the Military’s Secret to Success:  The After-Action Review (AAR)

In the military, we used a systematic evaluation tool called an After-Action Review (AAR) to assess mission performance by asking three critical questions:

1. What went well?
2. What went wrong?
3. What can be improved for next time?


This framework, when applied to the 2024 campaign, reveals valuable insights about organizational effectiveness, communication, and leadership. For any young person stepping into a leadership role, an AAR can provide clarity and direction, turning setbacks into stepping stones for success.

Campaign Missteps: A Leadership Learning Laboratory

1. Misreading the Audience Costs Support


After President Joe Biden’s performance at the 2024 presidential debate, Vice-President Kamala Harris’s became the Democratic presidential nominee on August 2, 2024. With a truncated campaign schedule, the Harris campaign focused almost exclusively on seven swing states, effectively ignoring much of the country. While these states were crucial, voters nationwide needed to feel heard and valued. The campaign also emphasized issues like abortion rights and democracy preservation while downplaying voters' immediate concerns about the cost of living, public safety, and border security.

Ignoring the concerns of voters outside swing states highlights a leadership pitfall: assuming support without earning it. Engaging the entire audience—not just the critical few—is fundamental to building lasting trust.

2. Engaging All Media Channels Builds Credibility


The campaign’s reliance on traditional media and carefully controlled events proved insufficient in today’s diverse media landscape. Harris stuck to conventional outlets, while her opponent maximized reach through every available channel—social media, local news, television ads, and grassroots events, such as town halls. Many constituents who would not attend rallies could have been reached through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or local news interviews.

This revealed a crucial truth: you must meet people where they are. Avoiding challenging platforms or difficult conversations creates a void that others will fill. In leadership, silence in the face of criticism is not diplomacy—it is a missed opportunity to engage and build trust.

3. Investing Resources Wisely Strengthens Connections


Despite raising over $1.5 billion, primarily from millions in dollars from wealthy donors, the campaign struggled to create meaningful voter connections. The focus on celebrity endorsements and high-profile events overshadowed opportunities for genuine grassroots engagement at the local and state level.

Resources are finite, and how you allocate them reflects your priorities. For leaders, investing in people—not just presentations—yields the greatest returns. Building real relationships and trust requires strategic use of time, money, and attention.

4. Energizing Your Base While Expanding Reach


The campaign’s failure to energize key Democratic demographics—including young voters, progressives, and communities of color—proved costly. Events like the ejection of a Muslim Democratic candidate from a Harris rally; Harris campaigning with Liz Cheney, a Republican stalwart and former Trump ally; and the perceived lack of empathy for the extensive civilian suffering and devastation caused by Israel’s prolonged military operations in Gaza further alienated key Democratic constituencies. Additionally, Harris’s inability to distinguish herself from President Joe Biden’s policies further turned off members of her base.

Leadership is about expansion without erosion. It is vital to remember that votes and buy-in are not entitlements; they must be earned through genuine connection and consistent action. Winning over new supporters should never come at the expense of alienating your base. Maintaining trust requires consistent attention to your core constituency while demonstrating empathy, integrity, and decisive leadership to reach broader audiences.

Building Your Leadership Foundation Through Self-Reflection

Transform Goals into Action

Leadership is not just about intentions—it is about results. To inspire confidence and drive change, leaders need to set clear, achievable benchmarks that guide their progress. These benchmarks provide a roadmap for success and ensure that efforts remain focused. Equally important is transparency—sharing progress with stakeholders builds trust and keeps everyone aligned with the mission. Leaders must also remain adaptable, listening to feedback and refining their strategies as challenges arise. This requires a willingness to step outside the bubble of your inner circle to hear diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring decisions reflect the realities faced by those you lead. Finally, accountability is key; leaders should regularly update their teams to show measurable progress and maintain momentum.

Forge Authentic Connections

True leadership goes beyond appearances; it is about fostering genuine relationships. Leaders can strengthen these connections by seeking out transformational mentors who challenge their perspectives and inspire innovative thinking. Listening is another cornerstone of authenticity—engaging with stakeholders at every level provides valuable insights and ensures that diverse voices are heard. Addressing criticism directly and with honesty demonstrates integrity and builds credibility. Above all, showing empathy and consistent action during tough times helps create a foundation of trust and loyalty, essential for lasting influence and leadership.

Convert Setbacks into Strengths

Every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger as a leader. Documenting lessons learned from missteps provides a foundation for improvement and ensures that past mistakes are not repeated. Sharing these insights openly with your team fosters collaboration and creates an environment where growth is a collective effort. Implementing improvements based on experience demonstrates a commitment to learning and adapting. Most importantly, building resilience through honest evaluation and accountability strengthens trust and equips leaders to navigate future challenges with confidence.

Charting Your Leadership Journey

The Democratic Party’s 2024 U.S. Presidential loss reveals a universal truth: growth comes from honest self-reflection. For young leaders, the lesson is simple—success is not about avoiding mistakes; it is about learning from them. Make self-reflection a habit. After every project or challenge, take time to ask yourself:

1. What worked?
2. What did not?
3. How can I improve?


Use these insights to set clear goals, share your progress with others, and stay accountable. Leadership is not about being perfect—it is about making steady progress. Start now, and turn today’s setbacks into the stepping stones for tomorrow’s success.

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin. Copyright 2024, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 3 of 4, fall 2024)