4 Reasons Self-Awareness is Critical For Leadership

Discover the transformational power of self-awareness in leadership in hybrid and remote work environments and effortlessly build trust among teams, communicate effectively, and influence outcomes.

Do you have what it takes to be a great leader? And as a leader, how do you gauge your own success? Is it having a robust team of healthy, happy employees who are always up for any challenge? Is it having a cohesive, collaborative team in a world divided by political polarization? Is your success measured by how many promotions you receive, how many outcomes you influence, or how little employee turnover ensues under your direction? Is leadership defined by an ability to show compassion and empathy or to roll their sleeves up and never be above certain tasks? Is it all of the above?

There are a copious amount of qualities that make a great leader; and while every leader is unique, wielding different strengths to drive favorable results within an organization, there is one quality that enhances your leadership ability in a way no other can—and it’s one that helps leaders tap into and leverage their full potential, build trust, influence outcomes, and communicate compellingly.

That highly underrated trait is self-awareness. Let’s talk about what it is, what someone without it might look like, and how this critical leadership skill can take your career to new heights.

What is Self-Awareness?

Self-awareness is defined as conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. But before we talk about what self-awareness is and how every good leader can become great when they embody this trait, let’s talk about what someone who is not self-aware looks like. Someone who is not self-aware may demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Inflated sense of self or denial of one’s limitations, causing them to unrealistically take on tasks and responsibilities that are beyond their capabilities

• Emotional reactivity that does not align with the situation (overreacting, losing their cool, exhibiting erratic, over-the-top behavior for seemingly insignificant matters)

• Defensiveness and combativeness, especially when being given feedback

• Destructive emotional patterns like taking things personally, getting irrationally upset over any type of conflict, an unscheduled change, or other inconsequential situations

• Consistent regret about past decision-making

• Vocally negative about one’s self or others

4 Ways Self-Awareness Can Improve Your Leadership Legacy

Maybe you’ve worked with or even for someone with poor self-awareness. Maybe it’s been you a time or two (we’ve all been there). But the truth is, the effects of little or no self-awareness go far beyond the cubicle and can negatively impact teams, departments, and even home life.

Understanding the understated benefits of being or working with leaders with high self-awareness is key to wanting to improve the current state—be it your team or you personally. Here are 4 ways self-awareness can improve your leadership legacy.

1. Self-awareness helps leaders recognize their value in both industry skills and knowledge.

A self-aware leader is acutely aware of what they do well and where they fall short. Someone who is not self-aware may try to do it all themselves and fail, creating more work (and frustration) for their team. A self-aware leader, instead, can shine in the areas they are innately skilled in and delegate those other tasks to team members more suited to execute them (giving others on the team valuable development opportunities).

2. Self-awareness builds trust and credibility which improves team morale and productivity.

Someone who understands their own shortcomings is more relatable and genuine, building trust within the team and empowering others to show up more authentically, which improves overall morale and productivity.

3. Self-awareness gives leaders the power to influence outcomes.

A study out of UC Berkeley found that high-powered performers all have one thing in common: an ability to persuade others. UC Berkeley Management Professor Morten Hansen discovered through conducting this study that those leaders skilled at persuasion also rise to the top of their organization. In other words, high self-awareness is linked to influencing outcomes, making this trait an instrumental leadership skill.

4. Self-awareness empowers leaders to communicate with clarity and intention.

Self-awareness means a leader knows themselves inside and out. Seeing yourself clearly can promote feelings of confidence and creativity leading to more sound decisions, stronger relationships, and more effective communication.

Self-awareness is an integral leadership skill that can be life-changing for any leader (even beyond the office). If you don’t consider yourself to be self-aware, don’t worry: it’s not a dealbreaker in your career.

Because as with any positive habit, self-awareness can be learned and practiced—especially with the unbiased professional help of an executive coach.

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RC3 Partners stands at the intersection of Executive Search and Leadership Development. Our mission is to elevate organizations by aligning them with leaders who don't just fill roles but redefine them. Contact us today to learn more.