Know thy Self…
How Well Do You Really Know Yourself? Let’s Find Out!
Viktor Frankl once said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Have you ever wondered just how well you really know yourself? As a leader, this question isn’t just a fun thought experiment—it’s a game-changer! Dive into the world of self-awareness, and you’ll discover that knowing yourself is the secret sauce to becoming a more effective and authentic leader.
I’ve taken a deep dive into self-discovery through tools like the Johari Window, which has given me incredible insights into how I’m seen by others—friends, family, and teammates alike. I’m also a huge fan of personality assessments. Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m fully aware that these assessments can come with biases, oversimplifications, and questions about credibility. But here’s the catch: they’re still invaluable when used wisely. And no, they’re never an excuse to justify bad behavior or slack off on the job—weaknesses or not.
My Top 5 favorite assessments on one sheet, helping me see a more complete picture of me.
My journey through a mix of these assessments has granted me a richer, more nuanced understanding of myself. And here’s the kicker: I’d recommend them to any leader. But there’s a pro tip—pair those assessments with coaching for an even more powerful impact.
Why is knowing yourself such a big deal? Let’s break it down.
Unleash Your Strengths and Tackle Weaknesses
Play to Your Strengths: When you know your strengths, you can leverage them like a pro.
Smart Delegation: Hand off tasks that align with others’ strengths.
Grow and Improve: Spot areas where you can level up.
Values, Motivations, and Biases—Oh My!
Authentic Decisions: Make choices that align with your core values.
Stay Consistent: Your actions and values? They should be in sync.
Watch for Blind Spots: Knowing your biases helps you stay fair and balanced.
Master Your Emotions
Emotional Regulation: Keep your cool and manage your emotions even when things are tense.
Thoughtful Responses: React thoughtfully, not impulsively.
Model Emotional Intelligence: Be the example your team needs.
Adapt and Thrive
Flexible Leadership: Adjust your style to fit different situations and people.
Build Stronger Bonds: Foster deeper relationships with your team.
Inclusive Leadership: Create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Know Your Limits
Seek Diverse Views: Welcome input from others.
Stay Open to Feedback: Embrace continuous learning.
Show Humility: Demonstrate vulnerability—it’s a strength, not a weakness.
Perception is Reality
Align Intentions with Impact: Make sure how you’re perceived matches your intentions.
Communicate Clearly: Boost your effectiveness through better communication.
Build Trust: Earn credibility with your team.
Cultivate Your Leadership
Authentic Presence: Lead with genuine authenticity.
Inspire and Influence: Be the leader others want to follow.
Lead by Example: Walk the talk.
So, how well do you really know yourself? The more you uncover, the more you can maximize your influence, make smarter decisions, and build a high-performing, engaged team. Self-awareness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of impactful leadership.
Leaders, how well do you know yourself, and what are you doing to grow in it?