SELF-AWARENESS ESSENTIALLY
MEANS KNOWING YOURSELF
WELL – HAVING AN INSIGHT INTO
WHAT MAKES YOU TICK, WHAT
PROVOKES YOU, AND WHAT
MAKES YOU FEEL YOUR BEST OR
YOUR WORST. SARAH TOTTLE
LOOKS AT HOW THIS IMPACTS
THE BOTTOM LINE.ccording to Dr Pat Jordan, a UK business
psychologist who advises on government
policy, self-awareness is crucial not only
to performing at our best but also to getting
the most out of our careers. Rather than focusing on
weaknesses, Jordan argues it is our strengths that must
be kept in the crosshair. Strengths-based approaches
often help us become more passionate at work and
ensures that we focus on the positives in ourselves
and others.
Self-awareness helps leaders not only to understand
themselves better but also to gain greater insight into
others. This, in essence, generates higher levels of
emotional intelligence, meaning better relationships
across the business overall.
Psychologists define the development of self-
awareness as a personal exploration of the self, with
the focus being on taking time to answer questions or
existential queries you may have about life, and thus
gain greater clarity into your psychological make-up.
Cultivating self-awareness is not a selfish pursuit as it
means you learn how to respond to life’s challenges in a
more diplomatic and healthier manner. This is essential
for encouraging better relationships from the top down.
Knowing where your strengths lie, what triggers you,
and when you work optimally, you’re more able to engage
in constructive relationships with staff and colleagues,
work at times that suit your energy levels, and are less
likely to fall foul to the stressors in the C-suite.ALONE TIME
We rarely make time to sit alone with our thoughts,
question our actions or our assumptions and beliefs
about life. Having alone time is an important investment
not just for ourselves, but for the health and wellness
of our organisations too. The occasional – but consistent- five minutes alone, perhaps during the commute or
while exercising, can help gain a sense of clarity and
greater vision.
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