Where does leadership start? For a long time I thought it was about employing the best practices and methodologies in leading others. It is that, but it isn’t the first step. The lights came on in my leadership journey when I realised I needed to know myself before I could lead myself and then lead others effectively. Otherwise you have no clue as to why some of the things you do or say have such unexpected results. Understanding who you are—your strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and blind spots—is the cornerstone of authentic leadership. When you’re grounded in self-awareness, you make better decisions, foster trust, and inspire your team to achieve more than they thought possible. It all starts with the person staring back at you in the mirror.
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.” –Carl Jung
So, what happens when you take the time to make the unconscious conscious and know yourself as a leader? Let’s break it down.
The Benefits of Self-Awareness in Leadership
1. Better Decision-Making
Self-aware leaders make decisions with intentionality and clarity. Knowing yourself allows you to understand the way you approach decisions—whether you rely heavily on intuition, data, or a mix of both. This insight helps you strike a balance between analysis and action. When faced with a choice, self-aware leaders know what kind of information they need and where to find it, whether it’s quantitative data, qualitative feedback, or input from trusted advisors.
More importantly, self-awareness allows you to recognise biases or blind spots that might influence your judgment. For example, are you more likely to overvalue data that confirms your assumptions? Or do you tend to make hasty decisions under pressure? By understanding these tendencies, you can slow down, challenge your thought process, and ensure you’re making well-rounded choices. The result is not only better outcomes but also increased confidence in the path you’ve chosen.
2. Managing Your Energy
As a leader this is a key area, you lead out of the overflow of your energy. Making sure your cup is full is crucial, because you can’t give away what you don’t have. Leadership is a demanding role, and without awareness of how you operate, burnout can creep in quickly. By recognising what energises you and what drains you, you can structure your day to maximize productivity and sustain your energy levels. Do your recharge on your own or with others? Whether it’s delegating tasks that fall outside your strengths or scheduling downtime to recharge, self-aware leaders take control of their energy rather than being at its mercy.
3. Clarity of Purpose
Knowing yourself helps you clarify what you stand for and where you want to go. When you’re clear about your vision and values, it’s easier to align your team’s efforts with the bigger picture. Your vision is your direction of travel, your values help define how you will do this. This clarity fosters alignment and focus, ensuring that everyone is working toward the same goals. Moreover, a clear sense of purpose allows you to lead with integrity, staying consistent in your actions and decisions.
4. Understanding Your Tendencies Under Stress
Leadership isn’t always smooth sailing. In moments of stress or conflict, self-aware leaders understand their default reactions. Do you become overly controlling? Do you retreat? Recognising these tendencies allows you to manage them effectively rather than letting them derail your interactions or decision-making. This ability to self-regulate not only helps you navigate tough situations but also demonstrates emotional resilience to your team.
5. Enhancing Your Interactions with Your Team
Self-aware leaders build stronger, more authentic relationships. When you understand your communication style, emotional triggers, and interpersonal strengths, you’re better equipped to connect with others. This awareness also makes you more empathetic and adaptable, ensuring that you can meet team members where they are. Ultimately, this leads to a culture of trust and collaboration—key ingredients for high-performing teams.
Take your First Step Toward Self-Awareness
If you’re ready to unlock your potential as a leader, it’s time to start with self-awareness. I’m offering a complimentary 5 Voices Assessment with a discovery call to look at your results. This powerful tool will help you uncover your natural leadership voice and provide insights into how you can lead more effectively. Together, we’ll explore how understanding yourself can transform your leadership and your team’s performance.
Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash
