In business school, I was taught that leadership is about vision, strategy, and decision-making. And while these are crucial, one skill forms the foundation for all of them: self-awareness.
Here’s the truth: research among executives shows that self-awareness is the strongest predictor of overall success. Yet, it’s not something we’re ever formally taught!
So, what is self-awareness? It’s recognizing and understanding your emotions, behaviors, strengths, and limitations. It’s being attuned to how your actions affect others and how others perceive you. When leaders cultivate self-awareness, they create and maintain stronger relationships, make smarter decisions, and leave a more positive impact on their teams and organizations.
John, the CEO of a mid-sized tech company, was known for his sharp business sense but also for his micromanaging tendencies. His team felt stifled, and employee engagement scores were declining. John initially dismissed these issues as "team inefficiencies," but after receiving feedback from a trusted colleague, he decided to work with me.
Through our sessions, John realized his tendency to micromanage stemmed from a deep-seated fear of losing control. He also recognized that his constant involvement in minor tasks sent an unintentional message: he didn’t trust his team. This awareness was eye-opening for John.
Armed with this self-awareness, John took several steps:
- Empowered His Team: He started delegating more effectively, clearly defining responsibilities and giving team members autonomy to execute.
- Improved Communication: John worked on active listening and sought input from his team before making decisions, fostering a more collaborative culture.
- Focused on Strategy: By letting go of day-to-day details, John redirected his energy toward long-term strategic goals, which had been neglected.
Within six months, team morale improved significantly, as reflected in employee engagement scores and feedback surveys. The organization’s productivity also increased as team members felt more trusted and empowered to innovate. John’s shift in leadership style not only enhanced the company’s performance but also improved his relationship with his team, solidifying trust and loyalty.
Why Self-Awareness Matters in Leadership?
- Sharper Decision-Making
Recognizing your biases and triggers allows you to approach decisions clearly and objectively, avoiding impulsive reactions. - Stronger Connections
Understanding your emotions and behaviors helps you empathize, communicate effectively, and build trust within your team. - Greater Resilience
Awareness of your strengths and growth allows you to handle setbacks gracefully, adapt to challenges, and stay on course. - Higher Team Performance
Self-aware leaders create environments where team members feel valued and motivated, leading to better collaboration and results. - Authentic Leadership
When your actions align with your values, you inspire others with your authenticity and purpose.
How to Become More Self-Aware? Here are some tips:
- Ask for Feedback
Be specific when seeking input. Try asking someone you trust: “Can you share what you liked about my approach in this meeting and what I could improve?” This gives you actionable insights into your blind spots. - Reflect Daily
When strong emotions arise, ask yourself: What am I thinking right now? What do I feel? What actions am I taking because of that? - Work with a Professional Coach
A coach can mirror back behaviors you may not notice and help you uncover the beliefs driving them. They’re trained to identify your strengths and guide you toward greater effectiveness and success. - Pause
Taking mindful breaks, journaling, meditation, or simply pausing to check in with yourself can help you stay grounded and aware of your inner state.
Here’s a Challenge for You:
Take a moment this week to reflect on your leadership:
- What patterns do you notice in how you handle challenges?
- How do your behaviors and communication impact those around you?
Self-awareness isn’t a one-time discovery—it’s an ongoing journey. And it doesn’t just benefit you—it has the power to ripple through the entire organization.
The more you lean into it, the more impactful and inspiring your leadership will be.
