Self-awareness

Self-awareness is an important element in leadership and management. Leaders with self-awareness are conscious and understand their strengths and weaknesses (Gonzalez, M. (2012). They have a clear perception of their emotions and actions, and they have the ability to see the effects of their behaviors on others. It is important to note that leaders with self-awareness have an honest understanding and this intelligence play a fundamental role in managing behaviors and strengthening relationships. Sine leaders understand their behaviors preferences as well as their weakness, they are able to improve behaviors and sustain relationships (Gonzalez, M. (2012). Note that leaders with self-awareness are influential leaders and in order to control emotions, they need to have self-discipline and accountability. Self-discipline creates an enduring focus and they are able to take risk. They also need to create boundaries which help them address serious issues and maintain integrity. Leaders with self-awareness stay focused and are curious about peoples’ issues.  Leaders need to conduct self-assessment and create a sense of worth (Gonzalez, M. (2012).

 Leaders show that they are aware of the emotions and this helps them develop skills in managing emotions in different situations.  Being aware of emotions means that leaders do not react to the negative emotion but rather they use creative thinking in making better decisions thereby strengthening relationships and trust. Leaders understand their personality and this helps in dealing with people within the organization. Leaders with self-awareness are also able to interpret emotions and make changes (Gonzalez, M. (2012). This means that leaders understand their perceptions as well as personality and behavior.

 An example of self- awareness is when a leader is planning to make an organization change. In this case, leaders with self-awareness act as role model and articulate the need for change. They ask themselves questions like, how will this change affect the organization? Does the change have a positive impact? Such questions help the leader to develop truth-seeking and commitment. Before implementing change, leaders are required to understand themselves as well as organization team in order to create interpersonal relationship. Trust and openness are key elements in promoting active participation (Gonzalez, M. (2012).

 

Reference

Gonzalez, M. (2012). Mindful leadership: The 9 ways to self-awareness, transforming yourself, and

inspiring others. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.