Self –Awareness at the Crossroads of Leadership

Ever wonder why some people, some leaders seem to be the “chosen ones” - the ones tapped for choice assignments and for promotions. What is it about those folks that sets them apart from others who have equal skills and experience? What makes them the stars? Is it a perfect storm metaphor of the right fit, right place and the right time for opportunities? Maybe. But I think it is more than that and is more about them having a personal vision, a path they are on that keeps them focused on a goal – on keeping the end in mind and most important on knowing themselves well.

Project Runway, the TV reality show, positions equally talented contestants against each other to win the prize of a designer contract. What separates the winners from all the rest? They can all design fashions. But the finalists seem to have had a plan that supported their desire and passion to further their career and they seem to have a confidence in themselves, knowing their strengths and what they may not be good at. The Roman philosopher Seneca said that “If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind.” Or as Lewis Carroll said: “If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there.”

What is your leadership path? Have you thought about the type of leader you want to be and worked towards that picture? Or have you just let whatever happens – happen? Of course there are those success stories where someone just gets lucky. I have known many good leaders who may have surprised some with their success as they did not necessarily fit the leadership mold at the time. I understand now that they were very self -aware. They knew their strengths and where they fell short, held tight to their values, ethics and beliefs, and defined their path to reach their leadership destination. There may be ruts in the road but at least you are on the right road.

Having a strong self awareness is possibly the most valuable of leadership competencies. Self awareness is being conscious of your strengths and of those areas you need to work on or have yet to learn and admitting both publicly. The picture of the strong John Wayne type leader would never admit to mistakes or weaknesses yet it doesn’t matter because the people around them see them anyway. Admitting to both your strengths and areas of improvement builds trust in those around you through your transparency.

So can you build self awareness? My answer is yes. How do you build self awareness? The answer is by seeing yourself as others see you and being open to their feedback. Life experience helps build self awareness as well if you are again open to the learning and the feedback.
Self awareness is the cornerstone emotional intelligence competencies. I believe it is the basis for being real – authentic, credible and transparent – the behaviors of outstanding leaders. Your thoughts? As always, Let’s Keep the Conversation Going…