High level of self-awareness means really understanding who you are, why you act, communicate and respond as you do, truly knowing your strengths, weaknesses, positive and negative emotions and what motivates you.
When you are self-aware, it is easier for you to understand other people and be aware of how they view you. It also allows you to notice how your behaviour impacts others around you so that you can adapt accordingly. High levels of self awareness equals high emotional intelligence and that is one of the most important factors to success.
Improving self-awareness is a life long journey, but a journey you can accelerate at any time. One thing for sure is that throughout your career you will either work as part of team or you will lead a team. Self-awareness can be a game-changer for either!
Self-awareness for leaders
High levels of self awareness as a leader is the foundation of a strong character, where leaders lead with purpose, trust, authenticity and openness. Leaders have a clear understanding of who they are and what they need most from other people to build a successful team.
Self-awareness ensures leaders can identify the gaps and weaknesses in their management style, clearly shows up the areas in which they are effective and where they might need additional effort and focus. Such leaders positively motivate their employees, inspire and engage their teams to perform better, are constantly looking at ways to improve their leadership skills and nurture a more supportive and effective business culture.
Self awareness for teams
Teams with high levels of self awareness feel accountable for each other’s success, and willingly provide support and candid feedback to help each team member be their best.
Self-aware teams are:
- More likely to spend time debating, discussing problems, and making decisions
- More likely to address unacceptable team behaviors promptly
- More likely to give each other tough feedback
- Less likely to have “undiscussables” that the team can’t talk openly about
These team members talk honestly and openly about team and individual team members’ strengths and challenges. And, because team members trust each other, they assume positive intent when the tougher conversations happen. Therefore, authentic and candid feedback is more easily heard and valued. It feels okay to be imperfect or to experience setbacks. It is less scary to be vulnerable.
Creating these teams takes time, but is well worth the effort! Think about how your team is going to pull together through our current crisis and invest in raising their self awareness now.
Email us at info@lanterntraining.com for more information.
