Become a Self-Aware Leader in 4 Steps

As a leader, how do you evaluate your current performance? How do you continue to grow as a decision-maker, colleague, team head or manager? How do you find a full and honest account of your strengths and weaknesses?

Business success is only as great as the leader behind it. Self-awareness is one singular factor that sets great leaders apart. It reveals the strengths, weaknesses, and motivations of such a leader as well as character areas that need more dedication.

Here are some of the steps to becoming a more self-aware leader

1.   Think of Assessments as the Beginning

There are various assessment tools that can help you gain new perspectives on yourself, your values and your motivations. But you should learn to regard these assessments as catalysts to discussions and deeper feedback that can lead to crucial insights. These insights will drive self-reflection which will invariably lead to a stronger sense of self-awareness.

2.   Take Action to Learn

Now you should have a clear understanding of who you are. Now, begin to load yourself with skills, techniques, and tools that can make you better. Reflect on what you learn, and how you are able to apply it to make decisions.

You can practice writing out reasons for each of your decisions and actions, then look back later to see what went right or wrong. This will give you a better orientation of your strengths and values.

3.   Read Situations

An effective leader does not change just for the sake of changing. When you hear negative feedback about yourself, employ it as useful information. For instance, if your employees have an issue with your approach, you can let them understand why you have taken that stance, and what you hope to achieve.

4.   Mindfulness

Part of the process of full self-awareness is taking out time to reflect on certain issues. Think about upcoming conversations, meetings, or presentations before they happen. Consider what your natural response in each situation, and whether it is appropriate and valuable.

Armed with these four steps, you can become a great leader – one who is able to leverage awareness by trusting and acknowledging strengths, and remaining receptive and humble to weaknesses. 

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