One of the benefits in working with a coach is the development or the enhancing of self awareness. Interestingly, most people have a blind spot when it comes to self awareness - few people acknowledge the gap they have in that area. It also seems easier to spot that gap in someone else as opposed to oneself. Evidence of self awareness is in the maturity of actions, decisions taken and the way an individual presents themselves. The most important is when someone acknowledges that they need to work on themselves in a particular area. Further evidence is in self care and self preservation, knowing when to say yes and when to say no.
Self awareness, facilitates courage to act towards change . It affords one an opportunity to almost stand outside of oneself and observe, going meta. With self awareness we have permission to choose what works for us and to walk away from what does not work. We find reason to savor the aha! moments and to learn at a pace comfortable to us. We own the movie director's chair when we are self aware and we take over the production of our lives. It is therefore important that we continue our development in the area, to also solicit feedback from those around us.
It is easier to embrace feedback when we are self aware, whether we asked for it or it was offered unsolicited. We would still decide what to do with it without taking it personal. It is important to be aware of power relations when you ask for feedback. There are cases where employees feel threatened to give honest feedback to their managers, on how they experience them. Feedback that is sugar coated has no value, it will never help the person it is intended for.
We all deal with different challenges at different times and often, we try apply the same tired solutions that do not bring about change. Self awareness catapults our minds to search for innovative, future focused solutions to our challenges. When we are not self aware, we often are in a 'cruise control' mode where we operate without much thought. Think of the drive from your home to the office or to the client, did you notice how you were feeling and why? Imagine the difference if you were aware of the smells and sounds, could there have been a difference in the input or outcome of your meeting?
The skill of self awareness takes time to perfect. Like other skills, we have to continuously work on becoming more self aware. It enriches our experience of the world, as well as our interactions and relationships.
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I believe that self awareness is not only an asset for leaders in the business setting, but in life in general. And it's true that it is a rarely discussed topic. Instead of trying to hide weaknesses, you could point them out and see if anyone has suggestions. You never know who may have had the same issues that you have now, you could probably get a lot of insight from co-workers or family members.
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