The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership
As a leader, understanding your own emotions, values, and tendencies is essential to effectively manage your team and achieve your goals. Growing in emotional intelligence – especially the component of self-awareness is the first pillar of successful leadership.
What is Self Awareness?
Self-awareness is about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, your communication style, and your overall personality. It is a deep understanding of who you are, how you interact with others, and how you respond to different situations. It’s also about understanding how OTHERS view you. We all have blindspots – so getting others’ perspectives about how you come off is a huge gift for any leader.
Why Do Leaders Need It?
Leaders who are self-aware can better manage their emotions and respond to different situations with clarity and focus.
They are also able to communicate more effectively with their team members, as they understand how to adapt their communication style to different personalities and situations.
Self-awareness also helps leaders build stronger relationships with their team members. When leaders understand their own emotions, they are more empathetic and understanding towards the emotions of others. This skill is essential for building trust and creating a positive work environment.
How Can I Develop Self-Awareness?
One way to develop self-awareness is through self-reflection. Take time to reflect on your actions and how they impact others. Ask for feedback from your team members, peers, and superiors. (One great way to do this is through a 360 feedback survey! Email hello@vaxacollective.com if you’re interested in hearing more.) Identify areas where you excel and areas where you need improvement. This process will help you identify your blind spots and work on them.
Another way to develop self-awareness is through mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment. When you practice mindfulness, you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and you learn how to manage them effectively. This skill is essential for leaders, as it helps them remain calm and focused during stressful situations. Being a leader who doesn’t promote negativity and doesn’t operate in a frantic way will help your team trust you a lot more.
Leaders who work to develop self-awareness through self-reflection and mindfulness will better understand their strengths and weaknesses, manage their emotions effectively, and build stronger relationships with their team members. This self-awareness makes them better equipped to lead their teams towards success.
Tell us: How would you like to grow in your own EI and self-awareness?
Check back next week for a post on the second pillar of successful leadership: Understanding what drives your team!