In today's dynamic society and turbulent business environment, effectively managing people and organisations is increasingly demanding. Traditional management skills are no longer sufficient to cope with managers' daily complex challenges. This context highlights the crucial role of self-reflection and self-assessment in enhancing managerial competencies. The presented article aims to analyse the importance of self-reflection and self-assessment in the work of a manager, identify barriers preventing their practical use, and propose recommendations for their systematic implementation into everyday management practice. Research conducted in a questionnaire survey on 64 managers operating in the Slovak Republic revealed that although most managers declare a positive attitude towards self-reflection, its practical use is predominantly unsystematic, intuitive, and individual. Few managers use complex methods such as 360-degree feedback or systematic self-assessment tools. The results also pointed to low use of input from employees and neglect of personal development planning. The findings confirm the need to support the development of a culture of openness, introduce formal feedback mechanisms, and incorporate self-reflection and self-assessment as a standard part of managerial work. The work emphasises the importance of developing self-reflective skills and their contribution not only to the personal growth of the manager but also to increasing management efficiency, building healthy interpersonal relationships, and improving organisational culture.
