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Every successful leadership journey starts with reflecting on self. Self-awareness is a critical trait for effective leadership. When leaders cultivate self-awareness within themselves and encourage it in their team members, they create a positive environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and success.
What Is Self-Awareness?
Self-awareness is the ability to know and understand oneself deeply. It involves recognizing emotions, beliefs, values, thoughts, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. When leaders are self-aware, they can better connect with their team members and navigate complex relationships.
How does it benefit?
You enhance your communication: Self-aware leaders communicate more effectively because they understand their own communication style and adapt it to meet the needs of others. They listen actively and respond empathetically.
You learn about emotional intelligence: Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. Leaders who recognize their emotions can regulate them and make thoughtful decisions. They also empathize with their team members’ feelings.
You become authentic: Self-aware leaders are authentic and real. They bring their true selves to work, which builds trust and credibility. Authenticity encourages team members to do the same.
You start understanding others: Knowing oneself leads to understanding others. Leaders who grasp their own motivations and triggers can better understand their team members’ perspectives and needs.
What are the tools for Self-Awareness?
Reflection Questions: What emotions do I experience during challenging situations?
What core beliefs influence my decision-making?
What are my strengths, and how can I leverage them?
What areas do I need to improve? \
360-Degree Feedback: Leaders can seek feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors. Honest feedback helps identify blind spots and areas for growth.
Journaling: Regularly writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences promotes self-reflection.
Personality Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the DiSC assessment provide insights into personality traits and preferences.
Sheryl Sandberg’s self-awareness has contributed to her success as a CEO of Facebook. She understands her leadership style, acknowledges her vulnerabilities, and openly shares her experiences. Sheryl possesses exceptional vision for the future. When she left Google for Facebook in 2008, Facebook had only 550 employees. Despite this, she believed in its potential for growth and had a clear plan.
Sheryl’s ability to influence people is a common quality of effective leaders. Her relatability, shaped by her own life experiences, allows her to connect with others and inspire change. She becomes a kindred soul to those around her, making her a great.
You can also start you your Leadership Journey by reflecting on the following:
How do I handle stress?
What values guide my decisions?
Am I open to feedback?
Remember, self-awareness is an ongoing journey. Encourage your team members to explore their own self-awareness, and together, you’ll create a culture of growth and achievement.
Thank you for reading! If you're interested in enhancing your leadership skills, check out the Global Leadership Intelligence Program on our website and feel free to reach out at hello@wisdomarchy.com for a personalized consultation. Together, let's embrace the journey as a successful navigator and unlock the potential for a growth mindset and an excellent leader.
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