Preeti is a mid-level manager at a tech firm. She loved her job, was excellent in her work and always had a positive demeanour. She was also very popular among her peers and so she grew quickly in her career. As a new manager though, Preeti struggled to manage her team and get things done. Despite her best efforts, her team had low morale.
‘I tried everything, I really don’t know what’s going wrong’ was her first statement when she signed up for our coaching program.
In just 2 sessions, Preeti discovered that her communication style, often perceived as blunt and dismissive, was demoralising her team.This new found information made Preeti take a step back and decided to seek feedback from her colleagues and team members.
The feedback was eye-opening. Her team appreciated her expertise but felt undervalued and unheard. Preeti began to work on herself. Her positive attitude helped her all along. She practiced active listening, asked for regular feedback, and made a conscious effort to show empathy.
‘I can see the changes now!’, she beamed. Her team became more engaged, morale improved, and turnover decreased. By becoming more self-aware, Preeti transformed her leadership style and created a more positive and productive work environment.
“Mastering others is strength; mastering oneself is true power” – Lao Tsu.
Self-awareness is crucial to master oneself and to develop this is a continuous journey that requires dedication and practice.
If you relate to Preeti’s struggles, here are few strategies to cultivate self-awareness as a new leader –
Seek Regular Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers, mentors, and team members. Constructive feedback provides valuable insights into how others perceive your actions and behaviors. It highlights blind spots and areas for improvement.
Reflect on Your Actions and Decisions: Take time to reflect on your daily interactions and decisions. Consider what went well and what could have been done differently. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this reflection process.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. These practices help you stay present and attuned to your thoughts and emotions, allowing for better control and understanding of your reactions.
Develop Emotional Intelligence: Work on enhancing your emotional intelligence by recognizing and managing your emotions and understanding the emotions of others. This helps in building stronger relationships and improving communication.
Set Personal Development Goals: Identify areas where you want to grow and set specific, measurable goals. Regularly review your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
Utilise Self-Assessment Tools: Use self-assessment tools and personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal. These tools can provide insights into your strengths and areas for development.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to learning. Read books, attend workshops, and participate in training sessions that focus on leadership and personal development.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with a network of supportive colleagues, mentors, and coaches who can provide guidance and hold you accountable.
Self-Awareness is a true Leadership Superpower!
By understanding and acknowledging your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, you can lead more effectively and empathetically. Self-aware leaders are better equipped to inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a positive and productive work environment. As Preeti Patel’s story illustrates, the journey of self-awareness can lead to profound transformations, both personally and professionally.
If you’re ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, check out our Elevate Leadership Coaching Program. This program is designed to help you cultivate self-awareness among many other benefit.
