Know Yourself to Lead Yourself
You are amazing. Everyone of you has the potential to create greatness around you. One crucial thing tends to undermine that potential every day. Self Awareness. As you lead, it is crucial you understand that self-awareness is not just a nice to have; it is a necessity. Understanding your own tendencies faced with different circumstances, and the blind spots that impede your effectiveness is crucial to you becoming a truly influential leader. This blog explores how self-awareness can transform your leadership and offer practical steps to achieve it.

The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership
Research consistently underscores the significant impact of self-awareness on leadership effectiveness. According to a study by Green Peak Partners and Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, high self-awareness was the strongest predictor of overall success. The study found that self-aware leaders are more likely to create environments where employees feel empowered and engaged, which in turn drives organisational success.
Moreover, a survey by Korn Ferry revealed that companies with employees who are self-aware demonstrate better financial performance. Leaders who are aware of their own emotional triggers and behavioural patterns are better equipped to manage their teams effectively, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Blind Spots
Blind spots are the aspects of your behaviour and personality that you are unaware of but can be seen by others. These blind spots can become significant barriers to effective leadership. For example, when you are unaware of your tendency to micromanage, you may stifle creativity and initiative within your team. Similarly, when you are oblivious to your poor listening skills you might miss out on valuable feedback and innovative ideas.
The key to overcoming these barriers is to recognise and address them through increased self-awareness. When you are conscious of your blind spots (we all have them) you can take proactive steps to mitigate your negative impact, enhancing your ability to influence and inspire your teams.
Three Essentials
To cultivate self-awareness and lead more effectively, consider these three essential steps:
1. Seek Honest Feedback
One of the most effective ways to gain insight into your blind spots is to seek honest feedback from colleagues, mentors, and team members. Create an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. You could use tools like 360-degree feedback surveys to gather diverse perspectives on your leadership style.
2. Reflect Regularly
Get into a regular rhythm of setting aside time for regular self-reflection. Reflect on your decisions, actions, and their outcomes. Journaling can be a powerful tool to track your thoughts and behaviours over time. This practice helps you identify patterns and areas for improvement.
3. Engage in Professional Development
Invest in professional development opportunities that focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Workshops, coaching, and personality assessments can provide valuable insights into your leadership style. Tools like the 5 Voices personality assessment can help you understand your communication style and how it impacts your team.
“You can’t change what you can’t see.”
What’s the Evidence?
The correlation between self-awareness and effective leadership is well-documented. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that self-aware leaders are more likely to demonstrate empathy and understanding, which are crucial for building strong team relationships. Additionally, research by Tasha Eurich, an organisational psychologist, shows that self-aware leaders are more successful and promotable.
With high self-awareness you are also better at managing stress and conflict. You can recognise your own emotional responses and manage them constructively, creating a more stable and positive work environment. This capability is particularly important in high-pressure situations where clear-headed decision-making is essential.
Next Steps: Take the 5 Voices Personality Assessment
Understanding yourself is the first step to leading yourself effectively. To help you on this journey, I invite you to take the free 5 Voices personality assessment. This tool will provide you with valuable insights into your natural strengths and potential blind spots, enabling you to lead with greater clarity and confidence. It comes with a 30 minute discovery session to help you understand it.
Contact me here for your free assessment.
By investing in self-awareness, you can begin to unlock your full potential as a leader, fostering a culture of growth, trust, and innovation within your organisation. Remember, the journey to effective leadership starts with understanding who you are and how you lead. Take the first step today.