3 Tips for Better Self Awareness

If self awareness is the foundation of exceptional self-leadership then how do we become more aware? Here are 3 quick tips you can put into practice now to help up your awareness.

Seek Feedback

This may seem simple, but many people don’t actually seek feedback or worse yet listen to the feedback they’re receiving. Identify people that you’re willing to listen to regardless of what they tell you and ask them for feedback. When you ask for feedback, understand it’s one person’s perspective and that it’s a gift! Even if it’s not what you want to hear, feedback provides valuable data points for how you’re showing up. Maybe some people trigger you and you bring an edge to meetings they’re in (yep, been there). Maybe you thought you rocked that presentation but it was too detailed for the audience. It’s better to know than not to know so you can course correct in the future.

360’s are a great structured tool to get input from multiple perspectives and provide valuable information for you to reflect on. If your organization offers them, take advantage of the opportunity to have one. Feedback is great, but it’s the reflection about the feedback that provides the true value. When you receive feedback, slow down and take time to digest it, not hear it, got it, next. What does it mean and what changes will you make as a result of it?

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is an excellent tool to put in your self-leadership toolbox. It doesn’t require you to become an expert at transcendental meditation, rather it’s more about being present and fully engaged in what you’re doing at the moment. Use an app like Calm or Headspace, start small- a couple of daily sessions of 2-3 minutes and BREATHE. Practice being totally present a few times a day - what you’re eating, the sounds outside when you’re walking, what thoughts are going through your mind at any moment- all of this enhances your ability to be in the moment.

Reflect

Reflection helps you understand and process your experiences and emotions more deeply. Asking yourself questions or self-inquiry is a great way to reflect about a situation. If it’s your jam, journaling is also a great tool to process events and capture your thoughts, emotions and behaviors associated with it. What could you have done differently? What did you learn? What will you do with your insights moving forward?

Incorporating these tips will enhance your self-awareness and ultimately help you show up more effectively as a leader.