Know Thyself: The Foundation of Leadership

Hey there, lovely readers!

Welcome to our Leadership Development series where we share all about making leaders of ordinary people. If you're just joining us, no worries – you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's near and dear to my heart: self-awareness and how it's the very bedrock upon which great leadership is built.

Picture this: You're trying to get to work, or on a commute that isn't very familiar, and you use Google Maps (or any other Maps app). That map is like your self-awareness. It's that little voice inside your head that says, "Hey, how are you really feeling right now?" It's your ability to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and emotions as they arise.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why does self-awareness matter when it comes to leadership?" Well, grab a cosy fall blanket and your favourite cup of beverage, because we're about to embark on a journey into the heart of this essential leadership trait.

What Exactly Is Self-Awareness, Anyway?

Think of self-awareness as the light switch that brightens up the dark corners of your mind. It's all about understanding who you are, how you react to situations, and what makes you tick. When you're self-aware, you're tuned in to your thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Self-awareness isn't about self-judgment or self-criticism. It's about self-acceptance. It's about embracing your quirks, your imperfections, and those little idiosyncrasies that make you wonderfully you.

The Magic of Self-Aware Leadership

So, why is self-awareness such a game-changer in leadership?

Well, here's the deal. When you're aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, you can lead with authenticity. You're not trying to be someone you're not. Instead, you're harnessing your unique strengths to inspire and guide your team.

Imagine a leader who knows they're an excellent communicator but struggles with patience. They're aware of their impatience, and they work on it. They acknowledge when they're about to lose their cool and take a step back. By doing this, they create a more harmonious team environment.

I didn't learn about my strengths, weaknesses and psychological capabilities until I started becoming more self-aware. By being self-aware, I'm able to spot opportunities for development when they arise, and I'm able to prioritise the development pathways I want to take as well. Leadership development opportunities mostly come at a cost - time, energy, relationships, monetary value, and more. Prioritising areas of focus (thanks to self-awareness!) allows for a clear development strategy and goal-setting.

How to Cultivate Self-Awareness

Now, here's the exciting part: self-awareness is a muscle you can flex and strengthen. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

1. Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on your thoughts and emotions. What made you smile? What made you feel uneasy? Jot it down in a journal.

2. Seek Feedback: Ask for honest feedback from friends, family, and colleagues. They might see blind spots you're unaware of.

3. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness to become more attuned to the present moment. It's like a mental gym for self-awareness.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses Inventory: Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Embrace them all. They're what make you unique.

5. Emotional Check-Ins: Throughout the day, pause and ask yourself how you're feeling. Name your emotions. It's like giving them a seat at your internal table.

6. Assessments by a leadership/executive coach: There are assessments that reveal your psychological capabilities and offer development pathways. Check my program for more info: Leadership Potential Coaching

Final Thoughts

So, dear readers, as we wrap up our cosy chat on self-awareness, remember this: self-awareness isn't a destination; it's a lifelong journey. It's the Map that guides you through the twists and turns of leadership and life.

Embrace your quirks, your strengths, your weaknesses – they're all part of the beautiful tapestry that is you. As you continue this journey, you'll find that not only does self-awareness make you a better leader, but it also makes you a more empathetic, compassionate, and fulfilled human being.

Stay tuned for next month's blog for Leader Unlocked as we explore the magical world of strengths-based leadership. Until then, embrace your unique self, and let's keep growing together! 🌟💪🌈