Myth or Fact?
Studies show that the most incompetent people are the most confident about their performance, and yet 95% of people would tell you that they are self-aware. How you see yourself and how others see you can be different. How many people are ACTUALLY self-aware? Try 10-15%. Most leaders do not start off being self-aware – they just believe they are. Those who are more self-aware and curious become more self-accepting in the process. Seeing who you are, clearly and compassionately, allows you to gently stop making that assumption. Self-aware leaders don’t assume they are leaders. They ask what, not why. They learn the brutal truth as they build self-aware teams.
“Leaders who are more self-aware and curious become more self-accepting in the process.
The 7 Pillars of Internal Self-Awareness
There are two kinds of self-awareness: Internal, whereby you see yourself clearly and External, whereby you know how others see you. Both types work independently but which type do you need to focus on the most, and which the least?
We understand our values and principles
We understand what we’re passionate about.
We know what we want to accomplish and experience both at work and life.
We understand where we fit, the environment that makes us happy and engaged.
We understand the patterns of our personality.
We understand our reactions—knowing our momentary reactions, strengths & weaknesses.
We understand our impact on others
The What and the Why
Thinking isn’t knowing. In fact, studies show the more we think about ourselves the less we actually know ourselves. To deal with a tough boss, for example, replace the ‘Why’ questions with ‘What’ questions. Instead of asking WHY are we like oil and water, ask WHAT can I do to work better with my boss?
Leaders who are more self-aware and curious become more self-accepting in the process
What Did You Think?