Leaders, how well do you know yourself?

Leadership goes beyond merely holding a position of authority or making decisions. True leadership lies in one’s ability to influence, inspire, and guide others towards a common goal. At the core of effective leadership is self-awareness, a critical attribute that not only enhances performance but also fosters growth and positive relationships within organizations.

What is self-awareness?

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s emotions, thoughts, motivations, and behavior patterns. It involves a deep, honest reflection on one’s strengths, weaknesses, values, and the impact one has on others. For leaders, this attribute is indispensable because it forms the foundation upon which all other leadership qualities are built.

Without self-awareness, a leader risks being disconnected from their team, making biased decisions, or responding impulsively to challenges. Conversely, when a leader is self-aware, they become more intentional, empathetic, and adaptive in their approach to leading others.

A study published by Harvard Business Review assessed nearly 5,000 leaders and found that those with higher levels of self-awareness were more likely to lead high-performing teams.

The research indicated that self-aware leaders demonstrated stronger interpersonal skills, made more informed decisions, and created more effective organizational outcomes. The study showed that leaders who invest in understanding themselves are better positioned for success and impact within their organizations.

The role of self-awareness in leadership performance

1. Enhances emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Self-awareness is a key component of EQ. Leaders who are self-aware are better equipped to regulate their emotions, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and build stronger relationships with their teams.

A leader with high emotional intelligence can read the room, understand the moods and motivations of their team members, and adjust their communication style accordingly. This fosters a healthier work environment where collaboration, trust, and respect thrive.

1. Improves decision-making

Leaders are constantly faced with complex decisions, many of which have long-term implications for their organizations. Self-aware leaders are able to approach decision-making with clarity, free from ego or defensiveness. They acknowledge their biases, seek diverse perspectives, and weigh the impact of their choices on others. This balanced approach leads to more sound, ethical, and sustainable decisions.

For instance, a self-aware leader can recognize when their personal preferences might cloud their judgment and take steps to involve others in the decision-making process, resulting in more inclusive and well-rounded outcomes.

1. Builds authenticity and trust

Authenticity in leadership is about being genuine, transparent, and consistent in behavior. Self-awareness enables leaders to remain authentic by aligning their actions with their core values. When team members observe that their leader is grounded, they are more likely to trust them and feel confident in their vision and direction.

Trust is a key component of any successful team. When leaders are honest about their strengths and areas for improvement, it sets a precedent for open communication and vulnerability within the team, enhancing collaboration and commitment.

1. Fosters continuous learning and growth

Effective leaders understand that growth is a continuous process, not a one-time achievement. Self-awareness prompts leaders to regularly evaluate their performance, reflect on past experiences, and identify areas for improvement. This mindset of ongoing learning not only makes the leader better but also inspires their team to adopt a similar attitude towards self-improvement.

A self-aware leader is open to constructive criticism, is willing to admit mistakes, and actively seeks out opportunities for personal development. This humility encourages a culture of growth within the organization, where every team member feels empowered to learn and evolve.

1. Improves team dynamics

A self-aware leader is attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of their team members. They recognize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. By being aware of their own leadership style, they can adapt their approach to suit different personalities, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious team environment.

Moreover, self-aware leaders are better at managing conflicts, as they can navigate tensions with empathy and objectivity. This helps in maintaining a positive team dynamic, where differences are resolved constructively, and everyone feels valued.

How to cultivate self-awareness as a leader

1. Practice reflection: Take time to reflect on your actions, decisions, and interactions with others. Ask yourself questions like, “What motivated me to act this way?” and “How did my behavior impact those around me?”
2. Seek feedback: Invite honest feedback from colleagues, mentors, and team members. This can provide valuable insights into how others perceive you and highlight blind spots you may not have noticed.
3. Stay mindful: Mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling can help you stay present and grounded in the moment, enhancing your emotional regulation and awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
4. Embrace vulnerability: Be open about your strengths and weaknesses with your team. By demonstrating vulnerability, you create a safe space for others to be authentic, fostering stronger relationships and better communication.
5. Commit to personal growth: Leadership development is a lifelong journey. Commit to learning new skills, gaining new experiences, and challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone.

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective leadership. By understanding oneself better, leaders are empowered to make wiser decisions, build stronger relationships, and inspire growth within their teams. In an ever-changing world, self-aware leaders remain adaptable, authentic, and resilient, creating an environment where both individuals and organizations can thrive. For leaders who aspire to make a lasting impact, harnessing the power of self-awareness is not just an option—it is a necessity.

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About the author

Terry Mante is a thought leader whose expression as an author, corporate trainer, management consultant, and speaker provides challenge and inspiration to add value to organizations and position individuals to function effectively. He is the Principal Consultant of Terry Mante Exchange (TMX). Connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads and TikTok @terrymante and www.terrymante.org.