Top Takeaways Tuesday: Self-Aware Leadership Unplugged
The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast, Ep 77
Welcome to this week’s episode of The Knowing Self, Knowing Others Podcast! In today's episode, we have a unique twist as our I hand over the reins to guest interviewer, Alex Jaworski. In this episode, Alex interviews me, which is a real treat! I get to talk about self-aware leadership and it’s link to behaviour, relationships and lots, lots more!
Take a listen here…
Self-awareness and leadership are inextricably linked: My conversation with Alex highlights the undeniable relationship between self-awareness and effective leadership. As organisations shift away from the old industrial era type hierarchical structures to the more fluid structures of the digital era, the need for strong relationships and positive behaviour increase. This consequently raises the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Developing self-awareness has a noticeable impact on a leaders’ effectiveness.
Reflection Question: How can you cultivate self-awareness to enhance your leadership capabilities and strengthen your team dynamics?
Self-awareness underpins behaviour and relationships: In our discussion, I talk about the foundational role of self-awareness in shaping behaviour and relationships. I emphasise the importance of understanding the impact we have on others, particularly in the context of shifting organisational paradigms (i.e. industrial to digital). Self-awareness helps us guide and regulate our behaviour, allowing us to make informed choices about how we show up. If interpersonal relationships are becoming increasingly important in driving organisational success, and behaviour is a key component of relationship, then self-awareness is as essential skill to cultivate for the modern and future focused work place.
Reflection Question: What experiences have you had of colleagues who have grown, professionally, by building their self-awareness skills?
Self-aware leaders can be found at all levels of an organisation: I stress the importance of identifying and empowering leaders across all levels of organisations. I emphasise the need to provide opportunities for people to gain experience and practice their leadership skills. Think about the leaders you've encountered across various levels of your organisation. It’s likely you will have observed people with clear leadership potential without manager or leader within their job title. You may even be one of those people holding a strategic level role who has supported and nurtured someone who has shown potential.
Reflection Question: How can you support people with leadership talents and skills within your team or organisation?
“I think self awareness is related to an individual. So the fact that you have leader within your job title, I don't think that is suggestive of somebody who is self aware.”
Self-awareness is a continuous journey on the "superhighway.": The analogy of the self-awareness "superhighway" highlights the ongoing and dynamic nature of self-awareness. I always say that self-awareness is not a destination but a lifelong journey, constantly influenced by life experiences and interactions with others. I talk about the journey of self-awareness not the journey to self-awareness. We are impacted by births, deaths, marriages, ill health, house moves, new jobs, new colleagues and a myriad other life experiences. Everyone’s superhighway is different, but it is not the same as the long and winding road of day to day life. To get on the superhighway you have to travel a different route - a more enlightened route, that gives you a different perspective on your life journey.
Reflection Question: What life experiences have contributed to your self-awareness?
Self-awareness is critical for effective leadership: My self-aware leadership compass, with its 9 directions, provides a framework for understanding and developing self-awareness. You can find out all about the 9 directions in this piece that I wrote with
below…
Reflection Question: How can you incorporate self-awareness into your leadership practices and fostering a culture of self-awareness within your team?
These takeaways and reflection questions are designed to help you think deeply about your practice and the impact you have on their team and organisation.
What can you do next?
Pick one of the top takeaways
Share it with you team
Ask for their thoughts and views.
Reflect, discuss and debate. Agree, disagree, make a plan!
Get to know your own thoughts better. Help others to know their thoughts better. Get to know each other better.
Share your thoughts here with us on what you’ve discovered and learned.
Hope you enjoy the episode and find that these top takeaways generate interesting and awareness raising discussions!
HAPPINESS AT WORK
🤩 Did you know that the next face to face Chief Happiness Officer training is happening in Prague, 10th-12th October? Book your spot to ensure you get a place.
🤩 On the 14th and 15th, it’s the Happiness at Work Live Conference. Get your tickets now!
It’s going to be an amazing week!!!! See you there?