Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Most Self-Aware Leader of Them All?

This was me at 19, thinking I ‘knew it all.’ Becoming a first-time manager, in my mind, meant that I had ‘earned my right’ and that everything else would come as standard.

It’s a common one: First-time managers find it hard to be vulnerable, ask for help, or simply aren’t self-aware enough to think there’s a problem.

They either idolise their own manager or conform to a certain management style, one that is commonly based on results and processes and leaves people out of the equation in the pursuit of quick wins and figures.

The result is typically a crash, failures, disappointments, elevated stress, perfectionism, and the B word. Not just for the leader but also for the team too.

I often recommend leaders captaining their own ship instead of following others.

This is massively helped through self-awareness to understand yourself, your strengths, development areas, etc.

Reflection

As mentioned in the last edition, as part of my ‘self-awareness’ journey and post-burnout growth, I started with something simple. A 5-minute ‘reflection’ writing session in the morning.

I sent a template in the last drop, and here’s an example of a real journal entry so you can get an idea of context, depth, and simplicity:

I found it useful to include an ‘Affirmation,’ ‘A feeling check,’ and a ‘Gratitude field.’ I also do a 2-minute gratitude breathing session before journaling.

Reflection Time: Do you engage in gratitude exercises? Spend a couple of minutes right now listing three things you are grateful for. Mix this with some breathing; here’s a timer to guide you:

Gratitude Linked to Self-Awareness

Research indicates a significant link between gratitude and self-awareness, highlighting various benefits for psychological and emotional well-being.

Gratitude practices, such as keeping a gratitude journal or expressing thanks, have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by modulating neural activities in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in emotional regulation and awareness.

This modulation helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and reactions, improving self-awareness​.

Reference: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/

Practical Tip

Start a Daily Gratitude Journal: Leaders can significantly boost their self-awareness by incorporating a daily gratitude journal into their routine.

This simple practice involves setting aside a few minutes each day to write down three things they are grateful for.

By focusing on the positive aspects of their day, leaders can cultivate a mindset of appreciation, which improves their emotional regulation and mindfulness.

How it Works:

1. Choose a Time: Dedicate a specific time each day, such as in the morning or before bed, to reflect on your day.

2. Write Down Three Things: List three things you are grateful for. These can be small, everyday occurrences or significant events.

3. Reflect on the Positives: Spend a moment reflecting on why these things are meaningful to you and how they positively impact your life.

Fun Corner: Self-Awareness Challenge

During your next meeting, practice active listening by imagining you’re in a karaoke duet.

Focus on the "lyrics" (what the speaker says) and summarise their message.

It’s a fun twist on communication! Beware not to ‘sing’ your responses :-)

Your Journey Begins Here

Start your journey towards greater self-awareness with small, impactful steps. Reflect on today’s tips and stories to develop a more balanced and effective leadership style.

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear from you! What resonated most with you? Do you have personal experiences or reflections on self-awareness and gratitude? Hit reply, and let’s chat. Keep reflecting, keep growing, and remember – self-awareness is key to effective leadership.

Thanks for reading!

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