Self-Awareness is a Superpower

Many studies reveal the importance of self-awareness. Emotional Intelligence is one concept promoting self-awareness. Dozens of personality assessments also support people in their journeys to understand themselves.

However, tools only work if we use them. To use the tools effectively is to trust their results and findings. Trusting the accuracy of personality assessments, understanding the root causes of our personality traits and using that information to choose behaviors is the trifecta of leadership and personal effectiveness.

Using self-knowledge and awareness takes practice, focus and control.?These three are choices not instincts.?Choosing practice, focus and control means we cannot be in fight-or-flight mode.?We must be in the intellectual part of our brain, our higher-order-thinking brain.

Maintaining higher-order-thinking for long periods of time requires stamina.?This is why it’s like a super-power.?The more we use self-awareness to control and choose our behavior, the easier and more effective it becomes.?

Pay close attention to what you know about yourself.?For example, if you know your ability and need to change is extremely high, consider others might not have this capacity.?From this self-awareness, you can choose to be patient while other catch on or catch up.

Another example might be your need for high activity.?More activity might recharge you even more while others may need down time to recharge. Knowing these aspects of your personality allows others to meet their needs.?

Self-awareness can also help you explain what’s happening, so other people don’t get frustrated with you and vice versa.?For example, saying, “Hey, I really like being super busy, and I understand it’s okay if you need down time.” Or, “I’m a really intense person who gets very excited and passionate about interesting projects.?However, I’m going to act calmly, so I don’t overwhelm you with my energy.”?

Write Wise Communications, LLC specializes in training people to turn ideas into clear messages. Our course, “Executive Presence,” provides an introduction to self-awareness to manage our relationships and careers effectively. Check out our 2023 Instructional Design and Course Guide at www.writewisecommunications.com