Do you know who you are? Do others see what you think they do?
In this hbr article (What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) (hbr.org)), they found that even though most people believe they are self-aware, self-awareness is a truly rare quality; they estimate that only 10%–15% of the people they studied actually fit the criteria.
What do you consider to be the definition/ criteria of self-awareness? The hbr article sets out two aspects – internal self-awareness and external self-awareness.
Some of you may be skim reading by now, thinking I haven’t got to this age or this position without being self-aware. However, stop, the research shows that seeing ourselves as highly experienced can keep us from doing our homework, seeking disconfirming evidence, and questioning our assumptions. People with more power are also more likely to over-estimate their skills and abilities and it is less likely people are willing to provide candid feedback to you.
With that in mind, take time to think:
- What are the situations / conditions like when you are at your best? And likewise not so?
- When was the last time you sense checked for blind spots?
- How are you creating the conditions for people (line managers, peers, your team) to give you feedback?
- Do you know what you need to do to be a better leader? What are you doing about that? What help do you need?
As leaders, we can all show our people that we are role modelling the changes that all of us want to see. Let’s be better and be the change. Contact [email protected] if you would like help to do so.
For more articles, encouraging you to think and be the change – visit here.