How Can Managers Cultivate the Self-Knowledge Necessary to be Good Leaders?

Dec 17, 2015 |
News |

How Can Managers Cultivate the Self-Knowledge Necessary to be Good Leaders?

When you think about qualities of a great leader, self-awareness is likely not at the top of the list of priorities. However, this is a very necessary part of being a good leader and having the ability to steer your team in the right direction. Without this understanding, you will not be as effective of a leader.

What is Self-Awareness:

Being self-aware is understanding your emotions toward situations you encounter. You are able to identify your passions, abilities, and characteristics. In a sense, self-awareness is truly understanding who you are and what causes you to respond the way you do in different environments and around other people. This is foundational in your ability to relate to others and grow a deeper understanding of the people around you. If you are going to address your weaknesses and become a stronger individual, you must understand why you behave the way you do.

Why is Learning to be Self-Aware Vital to be a Good Leader:

Maybe you understand what it means to be self-aware, but what does this mean in regard to being a good leader? When you understand yourself better, you are able to relate to others on a more personal level.

In order to help cultivate others in their success and direct a group of employees, you must first understand yourself. In order to recognize the emotional traits, psychological abilities, characteristics, and passions of others, you must first know these things about yourself. When you fully understand yourself and become more self-aware, you will be able to empathize with others. You will also have the ability to help your team reach full effectiveness as you work with your employees to better themselves for the benefit of the company. When each person within a work environment understands themselves, greater relating happens among the team. Enhanced communication will take place as a product of greater self-knowledge.

How to Become More Self-Aware:

Now that you understand the importance of becoming more self-knowledgeable for the sake of your business, here are steps you can take to understand yourself better.

  • Use Profiles & Assessments – profiles ask you a serious of questions and assess your answers to give you a better understanding of your style. Two assessments to look into are DISC & Emotional Quotient (EQ). After you take these assessments, you will better understand your communication style and your logical thought process.
  • Get a Coach – it is important to have specific guidance from an authoritative source that can lead you in understanding your personality type. A coach will personally work with you on an individual basis to help you gain a deeper awareness and to keep you on track.
  • Read Self-Improvement Books– Chade-Meng Tan wrote a book called Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace). This individual coaches Google employees on self-awareness.

Many things can help you to understand yourself better. It is important that you decide to become more knowledgeable about who you are and how you relate to the world. When you take this initiative, you will be able to lead your employees in a bolder and more compassionate way.

If you have any questions about this article, or about how we can help you obtain the DISC & EQ assessments, contact Otis & Tina Bishop!

Thanks for your readership.

Sincerely, Otis & Tina Bishop

Bishop Placement Services

150 Uptown Square suite D Murfreesboro, TN 37129

http://www.bishopplacement.com ~ otis@bishopplacement.com ~ 615-367-6177

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