Cracking the Self-Awareness Code: Short Guide for True Leaders

In the bustling world of office chatter and coffee corner revelations, there's a new celebrity in town – the elusive and sometimes mythical creature known as self-awareness. It's the buzzword on everyone's lips, the golden ticket to success, and the secret sauce to workplace zen. But, as I discovered after some readings and a particularly enlightening conversation with the enigmatic Mourad Chouaki , the journey to self-awareness is less of a straight line and more of a quirky dance through the maze of our own mind.

Picture this: I'm deep in conversation with Mourad . We're discussing the nuances of knowing oneself when, suddenly, a realization hits me like a well-aimed paper airplane connecting dots with previous thoughts– the pursuit of self-awareness is like trying to catch a unicorn with a butterfly net. You may think you've got it, but chances are, you're just chasing a particularly self-reflective horse. At that moment, this idea dawns on me that self-awareness is not just a destination; it's THE comedic journey filled with unexpected detours and awkward moments. So, armed with a fresh perspective and a sprinkle of curiosity, I decided to dedicate a few hours to reflect and read again about this topic. In the following paragraphs, I would like to bring you dive with me into the wild world of self-awareness, where the only certainty is the uncertainty of our own reflections.....

The Illusion of Self-Awareness

Now, as we embark on this whimsical exploration, it's worth noting that humanity has been attempting to wrangle this elusive concept for centuries and millenniums. From ancient philosophers contemplating their own existence to modern-day researchers armed with surveys and statistical analyses, the quest for self-awareness is as old as time itself.

Within the vast landscape of introspection, a prevailing misconception stands tall – the pervasive belief that the majority possesses a firm grasp on self-awareness. It's a cognitive bias akin to the philosophical adage, "Cogito, ergo sum" – I think, therefore I am... aware, presumably. However, within the realms of psychological scrutiny and academic inquiry, a different narrative unfolds. Contrary to the widespread assumption, authentic self-awareness reveals itself to be as rare as discovering a four-leaf clover in a field of dandelions.

In an era where LinkedIn profiles proudly claim self-awareness as a mastered skill, the reality, as our exploration illuminates, is more intricate. True self-awareness isn't a commonplace checkbox on a professional skillset or an easily acquired competence from a weekend seminar. Let me tell you something: be prepared to unravel the complexities behind the prevailing misconception that has misled many in their pursuit of mastering the intricate art of self-awareness. The journey, as we shall discover, unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, adding a layer of academic intrigue to this age-old quest.

The Comedy of Two Selves

Now that we've set the scene for our exploration, let's break down the complex world of self-awareness into two main characters – Internal Self-Awareness and External Self-Awareness. Think of them as the dynamic duo of personal discovery, each playing a crucial role in our journey of understanding.

Internal Self-Awareness is like having a backstage pass to your own thoughts, values, and idiosyncrasies. It's about understanding what makes you tick, what you love, and how you react to the world around you. Imagine it as the backstage crew making sure the show runs smoothly behind the scenes.

External Self-Awareness, on the other hand, is your front-row seat to how others perceive you in the grand theater of life. It's the ability to understand the impact you have on those around you, how your actions are interpreted, and how you fit into the larger narrative. It's akin to seeing your performance through the eyes of the audience.

Not clear? Let's meet our quirky character, Josh, a middle manager on a quest for internal self-awareness. Picture Josh diligently documenting every detail of his morning routine, believing it to be the ultimate key to self-discovery. He thought internal self-awareness was about knowing the play-by-play of his daily life, but little did he know, the real show was happening beyond the confines of his morning ritual.

As we laugh along with Josh's comical obsession, the essence becomes clear – internal self-awareness is more than a detailed account of our routines. It's a journey into understanding our core values, passions, and how we impact the world. The ultimate quest must be and remain reaching this step at the top right -->

The Power Paradox

This being said, let's get back to the professional environment and the main goal of this text. How can we reach self-awareness to be better leaders? It becomes imperative to scrutinize the paradoxical relationship between experience, power, and the hindrances they pose to genuine self-awareness for leaders. Contrary to the commonly held belief that experience begets insight, and power facilitates clarity, the reality often paints a more intricate picture.

Leadership experience, while a valuable asset in the professional journey, can act as a double-edged sword when it comes to self-awareness. Research has indicated that individuals with extensive experience may fall prey to a false sense of confidence. This phenomenon manifests as an overestimation of one's abilities, particularly in leadership roles. The seasoned professional, buoyed by a wealth of encounters, may inadvertently become less adept at accurately assessing their effectiveness and impact.

Similarly, the dynamics of hierarchical power within organizational structures contribute to the self-awareness conundrum. Those occupying elevated positions may find themselves distanced from candid feedback, creating a vacuum where genuine insights become scarce. The discomfort associated with providing constructive criticism to those in authoritative roles perpetuates a cycle where leaders, often unaware, overvalue their skills and effectiveness.

In examining the interplay between experience and power, we uncover a pattern where individuals at the zenith of their professional journeys are susceptible to a distorted self-perception. This distortion, rooted in the insulation of power and the cushion of experience, acts as a formidable impediment to the cultivation of true self-awareness.

The Introspection Illusion

Now, let's turn our attention to a pervasive belief that has long woven itself into the fabric of self-awareness – the notion that introspection, the act of reflecting inward, holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of one's true self. While introspection is often lauded as a pathway to enlightenment, it's time to dissect this assumption and explore whether it stands up to scrutiny.

Contrary to the widespread acceptance of introspection as a panacea for self-awareness, research and insights gleaned from our exploration suggest a more nuanced perspective. The common refrain that peering into the depths of our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors is a guaranteed route to self-awareness deserves a closer inspection.

The Pitfalls of Asking "Why":

One of the most entrenched myths surrounding introspection centers on the ubiquitous question: "Why?" Why did I react this way? Why do I feel a certain emotion? While seemingly logical, research has illuminated the inherent flaws in the effectiveness of "why" questions. Our minds, it appears, are not omniscient repositories of self-knowledge. The very act of probing "why" often leads to subjective interpretations, incomplete information, and, at times, outright inaccuracies.

The Confident Error of Introspection:

Furthermore, the issue extends beyond mere inaccuracies. The confidence with which individuals latch onto their introspective insights can create a paradoxical situation. The more assured one is about the accuracy of their introspective conclusions, the more likely these conclusions are to be biased or outright incorrect. In essence, the myth of introspection as the definitive route to self-awareness crumbles under scrutiny. Our journey into the realms of self-discovery demands a reevaluation of these long-held beliefs to uncover a more accurate map to authentic self-awareness.

Embrace the Awkwardness

In the pursuit of self-awareness, it's crucial to acknowledge the journey's inherent awkwardness. Rather than viewing discomfort as a hindrance, see it as a guide to unexplored territories within yourself.

Awkward moments in self-reflection often lead to profound insights. Embrace these discomforts as signals of growth, stepping beyond the familiar into the uncharted realms of your psyche.

Recognize the imperfect nature of self-awareness. Just as a sculptor molds clay with both precision and adaptability, your journey unfolds in nuanced, imperfect glory.

Dear reader, embrace the awkwardness. Revel in uncertainty, relish self-discovery's discomfort, and let each awkward step be a testament to your commitment to genuine understanding. In this dance of introspection, the awkward moments contribute to the triumphant finale of self-realization.

In the grand finale of our exploration into self-awareness, let me leave you with a whimsical reminder: "Embarking on the journey of self-awareness is like doing the cha-cha in a dark room – awkward, occasionally stepping on toes, but oh, what a dance it is!"

So, my fellow dancers in the ballroom of introspection, keep those awkward moves coming, savor the unexpected twirls, and remember, the real charm lies in the joyous, unpredictable rhythm of self-discovery. Happy dancing!

Elias Hedjaz

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in my LinkedIn posts are strictly my own and do not reflect the opinions or positions of my current, future or previous employers. The content shared is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be construed as representing the official stance of any organization. Any resemblance to actual organization is purely coincidental. Thank you for understanding and respecting the boundaries between my personal thoughts and my professional affiliations.