<aside> 💡 Self-awareness - in a nutshell, how well you know yourself. By gaining insight into your own behaviors, emotions, and decision-making processes, you can better navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and lead with authenticity.
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There are 2 types of self awareness - 1. internal or our ability to clearly view ourselves and 2. external or our ability to clearly view how other people view us. A person being aware that their initial reaction to receiving feedback is to shut down is an example of internal self-awareness. A person being aware that their language and facial expressions often get interpreted as unapproachable by strangers is an example of external self-awareness.
<aside> 💡 “Research suggests that when we see ourselves clearly, we are more confident and more creative. We make sounder decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. We’re less likely to lie, cheat, and steal. We are better workers… and more-effective leaders with more-satisfied employees and more-profitable companies.” What Self-Awareness Really is (And How to Cultivate It)
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The Johari Window is a helpful model when trying to gain better internal and external awareness and to see the crossover between them!
For example, knowing that you feel the most energised and enthused in the mornings, and communicating this with your colleagues, puts it in the open area and allows them to consider when to schedule a brainstorming session.
Or you might be feeling extremely nervous before having to present to the whole team. If you do your best to not show it, it will remain unknown to others and so you’ll be putting on a confident facade. Or if you choose to make this known to others, it will be in the open area. And while that might feel like a vulnerable area it can help to build genuine connection.
You might not be aware that when deep in thought, you hum - a colleague letting you know will uncover that blind spot for you.