Strategic Growth Increases Your Self Awareness

One area where most leaders need to increase their self-awareness is in their own development, which is just as important as their team's! If we are truly growing, we will identify areas where we can improve. When we create change within ourselves (growth) and become better in these areas, and continue developing ourselves, we will find more areas where we can improve. And off we go again, growing! The more we grow, the more aware we become of additional areas where we need further development, creating a cycle of growth.

The Law of Awareness states, "You Must Know Yourself to Grow Yourself." Self-awareness is the beginning of bridging the gap between who we are and who we want to be. We have to understand who we are and what we are not. Growth will get us there, as it helps us understand our strengths, weaknesses, and values. Knowing and accepting these allows us to lead authentically, make informed decisions, delegate the right tasks for the right reasons, and build strong relationships with our team. If we want to grow and change, we must know ourselves and accept who we are before we can start building the person we want to become.

When we are foolish, we want to conquer the world. When we are wise, we want to conquer ourselves. - John Maxwell

You may have heard the saying, "You are who you are, you are who you think you are, you are who your family thinks you are, you are who your friends think you are, and you are who your acquaintances think you are."

In the book "The Self Aware Leader," it is mentioned that the less we know about ourselves, the more we will role play. The better we know ourselves, the more authentic we will be in every situation.

True self-awareness means consistency in moods, values, and principles, allowing leaders to be effective. It also involves openness and transparency, even in difficult situations such as performance reviews. Self-aware leaders are willing to address their weaknesses without becoming defensive, and they surround themselves with people who compliment their shortcomings.

Socrates said, "To Know Thyself is the Beginning of Wisdom." Self-awareness is the result of maturity, feedback, and a willingness to change.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article titled "What Self Awareness Really Is and How to Cultivate It," it is mentioned that the two greatest challenges leaders will face are within themselves: awareness of themselves and the ability to change.

Learn more in our Leading at the Next Level program through the lesson titled, “The Impact of Strategic Growth on Leadership.” I (Cindy) created and delivered this lesson and would love your input!