How can you become more self-aware as a leader in system development?

My partner really like it, when I admit mistake!!! Beside the general EI, the most important thing is the admitting mistake as a tool for self-awareness competency. Social awareness skill can be easily gained, however, having the gut of admitting mistake can have real impact. Reflection, actively soliciting feedback from team member, continuously learning and keeping leadership journal to document your experience, challenges as well as lesson lean can have further impact, beside understanding the dynamic within your development team. All this will lead to more effective decision making and positive team dynamics.

Seek feedback: Actively solicit feedback from colleagues, team members, and even clients. Consider 360-degree feedback or anonymous surveys to gain diverse perspectives.

Seeking feedback from others is a valuable practice for personal and professional development. Here are some suggestions on how to effectively seek feedback: Use a 360-Degree Feedback System: Implement a 360-degree feedback system where feedback is gathered from peers, subordinates, and supervisors. This comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded perspective. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with team members to discuss performance, challenges, and growth opportunities. Use these meetings as opportunities to seek feedback. Anonymous Surveys: Offer anonymous survey options to employees who may feel more comfortable providing feedback without attaching their names. This can promote candid responses.

Take time to honestly assess your skills, knowledge, and experience in system development. Identify areas where you excel and areas where you need improvement. Utilize tools like self-assessment questionnaires, feedback surveys, or 360-degree feedback to gain a more objective perspective. Regularly reflect on your leadership style and how it impacts your team. Consider whether your approach is effective and motivating for your team members.

Our emotions are valuable and serve us VERY well; designed to bring our full attention & awareness into focus. It’s like having an amplified early warning detection system! That said, reacting to emotions can be impractical & over-reacting can have dire consequences. The key is to practice pausing in the moment, thinking about the situation and considering how to RESPOND. This gives us the opportunity to choose the direction we want to go. We can’t control other people or circumstances, but we CAN choose our next words, next actions, and meeting each moment intentionally.

1. Pay attention to your physical sensations: Body language: Notice changes in your posture, facial expressions, and muscle tension. For example, clenched fists or a furrowed brow could indicate anger, while slumped shoulders or a tight jaw could indicate stress. Breathing: Pay attention to your breathing patterns. Shallow or rapid breathing can be a sign of anxiety, while slow and deep breaths can indicate calmness. Heart rate: Notice if your heart rate increases or decreases in different situations. A racing heart could be a sign of excitement or fear, while a slow heartbeat might indicate calmness or boredom.

Monitoring your emotions and reactions is important for self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Here are some tips that I recommend: Self-Reflection: Take time regularly to reflect on your emotions and reactions. Consider what situations trigger specific emotional responses. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to stay present and aware of your emotions in the moment. Journaling: Keep a journal to track your emotions and reactions. Record the events that led to certain emotions and how you responded. This can help identify patterns. Feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues or friends. They may offer insights into your emotional expressions and reactions that you might not be aware of.

1. Seek diverse viewpoints: Step outside your echo chamber: Branch out from your usual sources of information and engage with people who hold different views. Read books, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries that challenge your existing beliefs. Actively listen to others: Pay close attention to different perspectives, even if you disagree. Try to understand the reasoning behind their viewpoints without judgment. Participate in respectful conversations: Engage in open and honest discussions with people who hold different opinions. Focus on understanding their experiences and motivations rather than winning arguments.

Challenging assumptions and biases is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. I would like to share a few points about working with biases. Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself on different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Attend diversity and inclusion training programs to gain a deeper understanding. Reflect on Personal Biases: Regularly reflect on your own biases. Consider how they may influence your perceptions and decisions in the workplace. Stay Open-Minded: Cultivate an open-minded attitude. Be willing to consider alternative viewpoints and be receptive to learning from others.