Self-Awareness: Greatest Superpower for Organizations

My wish for all organizations in 2025?

For leaders and their teams to focus on self-awareness. And more specifically, to move towards understanding the unique personality dynamics between introversion and extroversion.

Why?

Self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools for bridging the gap between introverted and extroverted team members. It powers the creation of environments where EVERYONE can thrive because they feel seen, heard, and understood in ways meaningful to them. It’s the driver of unprecedented potential in people. It’s essential to team cohesion, high value-creation, and innovation. It’s a critical differentiator in the new world of work.

The most successful organizations will be those that prioritize the skill of self-awareness in the coming year.?

The Power of Self-Awareness

Picture it. An environment where:

• People understand their own communication styles, energy needs, and stress triggers…making them better equipped to empathize with and collaborate effectively with colleagues who may operate differently?
• Contribution preferences are encouraged as strengths and not seen as obstacles; space is intentionally created (in projects, meetings, etc.) for both reflective and dynamic contributions
• Leaders embrace transparency, vulnerability, and a coach approach to leadership
• The team is handling setbacks, learning from mistakes, and recovering from challenges more easily
• Diverse approaches are welcomed and strengths are maximized
• Burnout is recognized as a systemic issue and not just a personal one?
• Greater fulfillment and engagement exist
• Conflict is proactively addressed in healthy ways
• Mutual respect and understanding flows, and morale is boosted
• Organizational performance is strong and outperforming competitors

How closely are all of the above bullet points mirrored in your own organization? What elements of this picture are missing or not at the level you want them to be?

Suggested Approaches?

Of course, gaining self-awareness is not a “one and done”. It’s an ongoing experimentation of and commitment to personal and interpersonal development. It will look and feel different for everyone, but here are some ways I’m working with my clients to nurture this skill…

• Regular reflection - set aside time daily or weekly (even just 15 to 20 minutes) to reflect and journal on thoughts, reactions, emotions, interactions with others, etc.; this helps you discover patterns in behavior, triggers, motivations, and recurring challenges
• Ask for honest input from peers, team members, mentors - get their perspective on how you are perceived, your strengths, areas to improve, how you are coming across in interactions; make it a regular practice to seek out this input
• Establish a “self-awareness buddy” or accountability partner/peer group - together, share your daily/weekly reflections, discuss personal insights, and support each other’s path to growth and change
• Make use of personality assessments - to learn more about your unique and natural strengths + tendencies, work style, communication preferences, etc.
• Wrap yourself in self-compassion - acknowledge that growth and change take time and avoid self-criticism or negative self-talk

Invest in Yourself and Your Team

Self-awareness is no longer a “nice to have” skill. It’s the new table stakes for the success of your organization. Your secret sauce to building high value-creating teams that foster inclusion and belonging.?

In January, my team and I at The Leadership Greenhouse are opening our virtual doors to the Lotus Learning Sanctuary. A first of its kind, this is an exclusive learning membership that brings leaders AND their teams together for holistic, experiential development. Grounded in self-awareness and mindset, the Lotus Learning Sanctuary is wholly focused on bridging understanding between introverts and extroverts to give organizations performance gains in: improved collaboration and communication, enhanced Emotional Intelligence (EQ), reduced stress and anxiety, increased productivity and focus, stronger leadership development, and positive culture shifts.?

If you’re ready to create an inclusive and adaptive workplace and looking for a partner that offers forward-thinking, personality-sensitive personal development, let’s connect and have a conversation.?

My Favorite TED Talks on Self-Awareness

As supporting resources for you, here are some of my favorite TED Talks that I’ve watched myself on repeat, and have also shared with my clients. Happy watching!?

Brené Brown:

The power of vulnerability

Susan David:

The gift and power of emotional courage

Isaac Lidsky:

What reality are you creating for yourself

Brian Little:

Who are you, really? The puzzle of personality

Andy Puddicombe:

All it takes is 10 mindful minutes