How often do we hear of a business that values self-awareness amongst its leaders and actively promotes feedback?
Research by the Korn Ferry Institute found that “companies with higher rates of return on stock also have employees with few personal blind spots. ” In other words, it evidenced a correlation between self-awareness in leaders and overall financial performance.
We are commonly driven as leaders to focus on our team and individuals. How do we engage them and take them forward to drive competitive advantage? The management of change and improvements in organisational performance. In doing these vital things, we often overlook the importance of self-awareness in the workplace and its impact on business performance as leaders. One of the most effective ways for a leader to enhance their effectiveness is to cultivate self-awareness. In this way, they become aware of what drives them and their decision-making.
Strengths and Weaknesses
We can apply our strengths in the right situations if we know them. We can also recognise when to leverage the strengths of others within the team.
If we know our weaknesses and recognise our emotions in particular circumstances, we can acknowledge these and stop reacting inappropriately to a situation.
Being self-aware enables us to be more realistic about ourselves and our judgments, which in turn enables others to trust and respect us. Conversely, when we lack self-awareness, we appear less credible because others are more aware of our strengths and weaknesses than we are.
Being self-aware enables us to balance our convictions with humility, creating our vision while actively listening to new ideas and other opinions.
Developing Self-Awareness in the Workplace
Self-awareness is foundational to personal and professional growth. It enables individuals better to understand their behaviours, emotions, and decisions. Self-awareness helps enhance communication, improve relationships, and support effective leadership in a work setting. Here are some practical methods for assessing and enhancing self-awareness in the workplace.
1. Utilise Personality Tests for Deeper Insight
Personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs or the SHL Personality Test, are tools used to explore traits, behaviours, and decision-making styles. While these tests may not be definitive, they offer valuable starting points for reflection, helping you to consider your unique tendencies and preferences. For instance, understanding whether you’re more extroverted or introverted can help you navigate group dynamics more effectively. Recognising whether you make decisions based on logic or emotion can guide you in adapting to different work situations. Self-awareness, as measured through personality tests, can enhance interpersonal relationships and improve decision-making abilities at work.
2. Seek Professional Guidance through Coaching
Working with a professional coach can provide objective insights and help you refine your self-awareness. A good coach will offer valuable feedback and help you set realistic goals, as well as navigate challenges that impact your work performance. Before hiring a coach, research their certifications and areas of expertise to ensure a strong fit for your needs. Through coaching, you gain tailored strategies for growth, making it easier to interpret and implement feedback from others. Coaching can be a reliable source of accountability, helping you stay on track in your self-awareness journey.
3. Practice Self-Reflection and Document Your Thoughts
Keeping a journal where you document your decisions and expectations can be a powerful tool for self-awareness. For instance, when faced with a significant decision, jot down the outcomes and revisit these entries later to assess the actual results. This reflective activity, referred to as “feedback analysis” by management expert Peter Drucker, is crucial for identifying patterns in your decision-making process. By exploring what happened and why, you become more aware of your strengths and areas for improvement, leading to more intentional and informed actions.
4. Request Constructive Feedback from Colleagues
Gathering feedback from trusted colleagues provides valuable external perspectives on your behaviour, values, and work habits. To encourage honest feedback, consider asking people to share their insights anonymously. Constructive criticism from others can highlight blind spots in your self-perception, revealing areas for growth. Whether it’s about how you communicate, manage conflict, or handle stress, these insights help you make adjustments that enhance your effectiveness in the workplace. Accepting and acting on feedback is critical to developing a balanced and accurate self-image.
Ways to Unlock Self-Awareness
Everyone’s path to self-awareness is unique, so finding methods that resonate with you is essential. Here are some techniques to explore:
1. Journaling: Unearth Inner Thoughts
Journaling is a practical, daily habit that helps you process emotions and clarify your experiences. Keeping entries short yet focused on your feelings and reactions allows you to recognise patterns over time. Research indicates that journaling can enhance mindfulness and emotional intelligence, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of oneself. As the writer Virginia Woolf once said, “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn,” illustrating the transformative power of journaling.
2. Practice Meditation to Foster Mindful Awareness
Meditation is more than a wellness trend; it’s an evidence-based practice that cultivates self-awareness and emotional balance. Begin with a few minutes of daily meditation, focusing on your breath and observing your thoughts without judgment. Over time, meditation can help you become more attuned to your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to manage stress and stay present. Studies from Harvard show that meditation can reshape the brain’s grey matter, contributing to long-lasting mental resilience and self-awareness.
3. Embrace Feedback Loops with Peers and Mentors
Creating feedback loops by routinely asking for input from trusted individuals can deepen your understanding of how others perceive you. Ask for feedback on specific behaviours and take the time to listen actively, trying to implement constructive advice. Forbes notes that feedback is crucial for personal growth, as it enhances your ability to adapt to situations and continuously refine your self-awareness.
4. Explore Personality Assessments to Identify Core Traits
Taking personality assessments like Myers-Briggs or the Enneagram can offer insights into your behavioural tendencies and areas for growth. These assessments shed light on your innate strengths and potential weaknesses, giving you a clearer picture of your personality. While results should be viewed as guiding insights rather than absolutes, the American Psychological Association confirms that personality assessments can support career success by helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
5. Use Mindfulness Apps for Daily Self-Reflection
Mindfulness apps such as Headspace or Calm can provide guided exercises to support daily self-reflection. These tools can help you establish a mindfulness habit, enabling you to track your progress and incorporate brief, daily moments of self-awareness into your routine. According to the Journal of Medical Internet Research, app-based mindfulness practices can lead to measurable improvements in well-being, making them a convenient addition to your self-awareness toolkit.
6. Read Personal Development Literature
Reading books on personal growth offers insights and practical guidance from seasoned authors. Books by Brené Brown or Eckhart Tolle are renowned for their teachings on self-awareness, vulnerability, and mindfulness. For instance, Brown’s research on vulnerability provides valuable lessons on how self-awareness can foster authentic connections. Tolle’s concept of presence, as presented in “The Power of Now,” guides individuals seeking greater inner peace and self-awareness.
7. Engage in Physical Exercise for Mental Clarity
Exercise isn’t just beneficial for physical health; it has significant mental benefits, enhancing mood and cognitive function. Regular physical activity can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve focus, contributing to greater self-awareness. According to the American Psychological Association, exercise has a positive impact on mental well-being and supports overall cognitive clarity.
8. Cultivate Social Connections to Reflect on Yourself
Close relationships and open conversations provide a mirror that reflects your behaviours and values. Engage in discussions where you listen to understand others’ perspectives, which can reveal insights into your interpersonal strengths and weaknesses. The Harvard Study of Adult Development emphasises that nurturing meaningful relationships is crucial to personal happiness and deeper self-awareness.
9. Set Personal Goals to Direct Your Growth Journey
Establishing and working toward clear, realistic goals is an effective way to track your personal development. You create a structured path toward growth by breaking these goals into actionable steps. Studies have shown that goal-setting enhances self-confidence and motivation, serving as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to cultivate a more vital self-awareness.
10. Pursue Creative Hobbies for Self-Expression
Engaging in creative activities, such as writing, painting, or music, provides an outlet for self-expression, allowing you to explore your inner world. Creative pursuits can reveal subconscious thoughts and emotions, enabling a deeper understanding of oneself. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health suggests that participation in the arts is linked to greater self-discovery and improved emotional well-being.
11. Spend Time Alone to Enhance Self-Reflection
Solitude can be a powerful opportunity for introspection, free from external influences. Use this time to think, plan, and dream without distractions. Studies from Psychology Today confirm that time spent alone can foster self-discovery, leading to greater internal peace and self-awareness.
