How Developing Self Awareness in Leadership Can Transform the Workplace

The most important thing to remember about leadership is that it’s not a one-person show. Whether you are a team leader on a new project or overseeing a department or division, being a leader requires self-awareness. It means putting your ego and desires aside so your team and organization can succeed to the fullest extent.

Developing self awareness in leadership is a skill that takes time and practice. You may be the most seasoned employee on the team, have the most education, or perhaps you think you have the best ideas. Regardless, being a solid and trusted leader requires the ability to acknowledge where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

We at ASAP have some helpful tips for team leaders working on developing self awareness. Keep reading to learn more.

Self Awareness: What is It?

Self awareness requires putting the team and organization’s collective success before yourself. A self-aware team leader wants their team members to thrive. They aren’t focused on individual successes and milestones as much as the wins of their team as a whole. This is achieved by continuously self-reflecting and thinking about ways to improve as a people and project manager.

Here are five helpful tips to help you develop self awareness as a team and business leader.

Be Open-Minded 

Be open to the ideas and opinions of others. Build a team that you trust and that is full of potential and innovation. And once you do, allow the team members to think, contribute, and act! 

Be Aware of Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Being fully cognizant of your own strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. However, we all have weaknesses. Perhaps you are reluctant to delegate tasks, taking everything on yourself. Maybe you are great at starting projects but have a weakness when it comes to seeing them through to the finish line. Whatever your individual weaknesses may be, work towards identifying them and allow others to excel in areas you might not.

Identify Your Triggers

Do you hate being questioned? Perhaps you get upset when others interrupt you at a meeting, or arrive late. Whatever your triggers may be, put these aside. Keep in mind that others' actions are not personal or directed at you. Working at identifying your triggers and not simply reacting when these buttons are pushed will help you become a better leader. It will also help you become a more self-aware person in general. 

Use Self-Discipline 

Self-discipline is essential for any good team leader. Truly great leaders tend to practice self-discipline in every aspect of their lives. Whether it’s exercise, diet, alcohol consumption, work hours, balancing family and work time, or even daily work routines, establishing self-discipline sets an example and improves your personal production. 

Think of Others 

Do your best to put yourself in others’ shoes. A good team leader takes the time and effort to consider other team members before making decisions or changes. Life happens to all of us, outside of work and during big projects. Take the time to become aware of the personal lives of your team members. Make an effort to be mindful of these situations.

Possessing Empathy in Leadership

What is empathy? Empathy is the ability to understand, acknowledge, and feel what others are feeling. An integral part of being a trusted and valued leader is showing empathy for others. Empathy towards your employees and teammates becomes much more natural and easy once you master true self-awareness. 

Ask yourself questions such as, “How would I feel if that happened?” “What would I have done if faced with that same situation?” or “How would I react if I was tasked with _____.”

Putting yourself in another’s position while weighing their feelings is paramount when it comes to true leadership. Don’t ask your team to do anything you wouldn’t do, and keep in mind their feelings and emotions. 

Team Leadership Skills 

For more team leadership skills, lean on ASAP. We have a multitude of training courses, webinars, and in-person events to help you work on your leadership and team-building skills.