Leadership plays a dynamic role in an otherwise static society of accepted norms and rigid thinking. It is the very nature of disruption that brings leaders into the limelight of their own actions. You may remember multiple leaders at the top of your head, those who made a difference. And it never happened because they followed what everyone else did. Either this, you may look up to certain leaders because they achieved and came on top as a winner.
Some leaders created waves like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. They didn’t just sit on the bylines waiting for a change to happen or permission to take action. They did things to make a difference and with a noble purpose to make the world a place safe for future generations.
Self-awareness played a huge role in their lives. For instance, Mahatma Gandhi knew who he was and his humble beginnings. Not only this but over time, in his pursuit and experimentation of the truth, he further discovered himself. And in doing so, he was able to lead India as a nation towards freedom. What more can self-awareness do if its potential is tapped?
What is self-awareness and why do leaders need it?
Self-awareness is a crucial quality for leaders because it involves an honest and accurate understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, emotions, and values. Leaders who possess self-awareness can recognize and manage their thoughts and feelings. This enables them to better understand and connect with their team members, make better decisions, and lead more effectively.
Efficient ways in which self-awareness can benefit leaders:
- Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses: Self-aware leaders can identify their strengths and weaknesses. As a result, they can use this knowledge to delegate tasks, make more informed decisions, and improve their leadership skills.
- Recognizing and managing emotions: Leaders who possess self-awareness can identify their own emotions and manage them appropriately. They can work on and develop profound emotional intelligence as leaders. This in turn can help them remain calm and composed under pressure, and communicate more effectively with their team members.
- Building relationships: Self-aware leaders can understand how their actions and behaviors affect others and can use this knowledge to build better relationships with their team members, customers, and stakeholders.
- Making better decisions: Leaders who possess self-awareness can make more informed and effective decisions because they have a better understanding of their own biases, values, and decision-making processes.
- Fostering a positive culture: Self-aware Leaders can create a positive and supportive work environment by modeling healthy behaviors, encouraging open communication, and building trust with their team members.
More importantly, self-aware leaders have a higher Spiritual Quotient compared to those who are yet to reach this stage. Their FIT score is tremendously high on the scale, wherein they develop the Frequency to lead with effectiveness, the Intensity and the Tenacity to deal with life’s unexpected twists and turns.
In summary, self-awareness is a critical quality for leaders who wish to build a legacy. It enables any leader to better understand themselves and others. It also helps them communicate effectively, build stronger relationships, make better decisions, and create a positive and supportive work environment.
