In today’s world, Self-awareness is an indispensable soft skill if you really want to be a leader that your team will remember positively in their careers.
Leaders who possess a deep understanding of themselves, their “unconscious” bias, triggers, limiting beliefs, demands, as well as how they influence and make an impact on their team members are better equipped to navigate the complexities of leadership with authenticity and lead with empathy.
Self-awareness is a life long journey, if you take time to observe your thoughts, what happened on the day, how you reacted to the situations that you faced, you might pick up on some of your natural reactions, and thinking pattern, however not always this might be your best response for yourself and others around you.
Let’s explore a series of practices about how you can cultivate self-awareness to strengthen your leadership capability:
1: Reflect post team meetings
After team meetings or one-on-one sessions, take time to reflect on the dynamics of your interactions with team members. Assess the impact of your communication and leadership style during these engagements. Did you effectively communicate the organisation’s news or agenda items, or were there areas for improvement? Consider whether you actively engaged all team members by encouraging questions and soliciting input from those who may not typically speak up in meetings. Reflect on how you can create a more inclusive and collaborative environment where every voice is valued and heard. By observing and reflecting on your interactions, you can gain valuable insights into your leadership approach and identify opportunities for growth and development.
2: Mindful Listening
Active listening is crucial in understanding the emotions and needs of others. Mindful listening goes beyond the spoken words; it involves tunning into your team members facial expressions, body language and the unspoken messages conveyed between the lines. Recognise that your leadership position may create a power dynamic that inhibits some team members from expressing themselves authentically, fearing judgment or reprisal. Reflect on whether your team members feel confident and comfortable enough to share their truths with you. This will provide insight into how they perceive you as a leader and whether they might feel intimidated by you.
3: Assess your “Career History”
It’s common for a wealth of career experiences to influence your leadership style. Do you lead in a manner that aligns with how you prefer to be led? Consider that what works for you may not work for all team members. Some might thrive with a hands-off approach, while others require trust and autonomy. Reflect on key work experiences with past leaders and how they have shaped your leadership philosophy and style.
4: Practice “Career stage check”
Recognise that not everyone on your team may be at the same career stage as you. While you may be motivated and excited about your career, some team members may not be at that same level, or vice versa. Ensure your demands align with your team’s capabilities, considering that their level of motivation may differ from yours, and make adjustments accordingly.
5: Rank your leadership Values
Take time to clarify your core values and guiding principles as a leader. Reflect on what matters most to you personally and professionally, and how these values inform your decision-making and behavior and if these align with your true self.
Share your values with your team members and encourage them to do the same. By aligning individual and team values, you’ll create a sense of purpose and unity that drives collective success.
Be the Best Leader
Self-awareness is a foundational skill for effective leadership and team collaboration. By engaging in these practices regularly, leaders can deepen their understanding of themselves and others, leading to improved communication, stronger relationships, and greater success. Embrace this journey of self-discovery with an open heart and mind, and watch as it transforms you and your team for the better.