As a manager or leader, developing self-awareness is very important for your career. It’s the surest and fastest way to rise to the top personally and professionally.
Unfortunately, it looks like it’s the least talked about in leadership development. In this post, I’m going to share seven steps to fine-tune your self-awareness.
But before we dive in, let’s explore some of the key benefits. As a leader, having a heightened level of self-awareness will…
Improve your emotional intelligence
Make you a much better communicator
Enhance your ability to make better decisions
Help you identify your personal strengths and weaknesses
Reduce workplace conflicts between you and your team members
When you are a highly self-aware manager, you handle workplace issues with calmness. When others panic, you will be the force that brings order to chaos.
Unfortunately, most managers struggle to develop and practice self-awareness. Their schedule is too overwhelming.
So much is calling for our attention that it’s hard to spend time to work on ourselves. Besides, most people are afraid of confronting their weaknesses. That fear alone can hold us back from reaching the top of the ladder of success.
The good news is, as a manager, there are some simple daily habits to help you boost your self-awareness. Here are…
3 Simple Steps To Boost Your Self-Awareness In The Workplace
Step 1: Set A Daily Reflection Practice
This step is important because it creates a habit of self-examination. Set aside 10-15 minutes at the end of each workday to reflect on your behaviors and interactions.
I recommend a personal self-awareness journal to keep track of your progress.
Ask yourself these 6 simple questions:
How did my mood or emotions impact my interactions with team members today?
Did I show empathy today during my interactions with my team members?
What assumptions did I make about a person that I should reconsider?
What feedback did I receive, and how did I respond to it?
Did I model (or fail to model) active listening today?
What did I learn today about myself as a leader?
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Being self-aware can improve your relationships as a manager, parent, or friend.
Powerful leaders always reflect on their behaviors. You don’t need to have a coach to help you improve your self-awareness. You can do it yourself.
When Suzanne (a coaching client) was confronting some issues at work, I recommended she keep a self-awareness journal.
After four weeks, she noticed a sudden shift in her attitude and behaviors. Her communication style changed. She was experiencing fewer conflicts with her team members.
Step 2: Actively Seek Feedback And Take Action
This one is difficult. It takes courage to receive feedback with grace from others. Especially when the feedback is not what we desire.
Now, be very careful. Sometimes the feedback is from someone with ulterior motives. Their goal is to tear us down.
However, as a manager, you should not avoid feedback. You should encourage it. That’s how you grow.
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your peers to get their feedback.
Ask specific questions about your performance and leadership style. Listen without judgment and take action on the feedback you receive. Remember, the goal is improvement, not perfection.
Step 3: Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Meditation is how you learn to take control of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions. It’s your playground to master the art of self-awareness.
We are living in a world full of distractions. It’s hard to focus. According to the experts, we have the attention span of a goldfish – twenty seconds.
Meditation will help calm your mind.
Some people might call it prayer. But, there’s a difference.
When we are praying, we are talking. In meditation, we listen.
In meditation, you get to quiet the voices that are constantly chatting inside your head.
The remarkable thing is, our nature is calmness and peace. That’s our default. We just need to learn how to reach it.
It’s like the ocean. No matter how agitated the waves are, deep down at the bottom, it’s always calm and peaceful even during a hurricane.
The mind may become agitated by a stream of disturbing thoughts. But, deep within its recesses, it is calm and peaceful.
Here’s how to arrive there:
Schedule 15 minutes on your calendar every morning. (Personally, I spend one full hour meditating daily.)
Choose a location without noise or distractions.
Sit quietly and close your eyes. Breathe slowly.
Observe your thoughts. Zap or dismiss them one by one.
Warning: Those thoughts will come fast. The moment you dismiss one, another will show up. Keep dismissing them.
We know it’s impossible to avoid thoughts. Even if you say, “I’m not thinking,” that requires a thought.
The good news is, the more you practice, the easier it gets. Soon, those random thoughts will vanish the moment you are aware of them.
Most people tell me their problem with meditation is that they cannot stop thinking.
What they don’t realize is that catching themselves thinking those thoughts is power. Because few are mindful of their thoughts. That’s why we do and say stupid things we regret later.
Let’s conclude…
Commit to practicing daily until you develop a high level of self-awareness. You will experience a shift.
Instead of having a knee-jerk reaction to what a co-worker said, you will pause and reflect.
Practice these three self-awareness steps daily. Soon you will rise as an admired and respected leader in your field.
Remember, self-awareness mastery is an ongoing process. It’s a habit you form with repetition.
It’s like learning to ride a bicycle. You will wobble at first. You won’t achieve overnight results. Stay with it.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, fostering a culture of appreciation can significantly enhance team morale and productivity—all without spending a dime. Here’s a deep dive into why and how expressing gratitude can be a game-changer in your workplace.
The Impact of Appreciation on Workplace Dynamics
Boosts Morale
Regular recognition helps employees feel valued and integral to the team. This sense of inclusion fosters a positive work atmosphere and enhances individual self-esteem.
Enhances Productivity
When employees are acknowledged, their motivation surges. This increased drive can lead to improved productivity as they are inspired to maintain or exceed their current performance levels.
Improves Loyalty
Appreciation is a powerful tool for retention. Employees who feel appreciated are less likely to leave, reducing turnover and the associated costs of hiring and training new staff.
Effective Strategies for Zero-Budget Appreciation
Say It Out Loud
Be Specific: Instead of a generic “good job,” specify what exactly was done well, such as, “Your management of yesterday’s project deadline was exemplary because you ensured all team members were on track.”
Be Timely: Immediate recognition is more impactful. Acknowledge good work right when it happens to reinforce positive behaviors.
Make It Public
Public praise not only recognizes the individual but also sets a benchmark for success within the team.
Use Meetings: Celebrate achievements during team meetings to publicly affirm that hard work is valued.
Employee of the Month: Implement a recognition system where standout efforts are highlighted in a communal space like a notice board or a newsletter.
Personal Touches
A handwritten note or a personal email mentioning specific accomplishments can make an employee feel truly seen and valued.
Cultivating Inclusivity Through Recognition
Ensure No One Is Overlooked Especially important in hybrid or remote work environments, inclusive recognition practices help remote employees feel as connected and valued as their in-office counterparts.
Regular Check-Ins: Use check-ins to acknowledge recent achievements.
Inclusive Meetings: Make sure to highlight efforts from all members of the team, regardless of their physical location.
Personalize Your Praise Tailor your acknowledgments to reflect the specific actions and impact of an employee’s efforts.
Observe and Note: Keep track of individual achievements and mention these specifics when giving praise.
Describe the Impact: Explain how their actions contributed positively to the team or the project.
Leadership’s Role in Fostering an Appreciative Culture
Set the Tone: Regularly recognize and reward efforts to integrate appreciation deeply into your corporate culture.
Adapt to Preferences: Understand and respect how each team member prefers to receive acknowledgement, whether publicly or in private.
Extending Appreciation Beyond the Workplace
Bringing the practice of appreciation into your interactions outside of work can strengthen personal and professional relationships and enhance overall well-being.
Personalize Client Communications: A custom thank-you note after a project completion can make a significant impact.
Acknowledge Supplier Efforts: Recognize the hard work of your suppliers with a simple thank you message that highlights their contribution to your business’s success.
Conclusion
Implementing a consistent, thoughtful appreciation strategy in the workplace can transform team dynamics, boost morale, and increase productivity—all at no monetary cost. Start integrating these practices into your daily routine and observe a significant enhancement in team engagement and satisfaction.
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” This powerful question isn’t just a thought experiment; it’s a call to action to break free from the paralysis of analysis and take the leap towards achieving your dreams.
Breaking the Cycle of Perfectionism
I recently spoke to a coaching client who prides himself on being “the idea man.” Despite his creativity, he was stuck in the perpetual loop of getting ready to get ready. Many of us are familiar with this cycle—ready, aim, fire—but never actually pulling the trigger. This paralysis by analysis is a common trap where endless planning replaces actual action.
The Myth of Perfect Timing
Many people wait for the perfect alignment of circumstances to start acting on their dreams—enough money, enough time, or just waiting for the ducks to line up perfectly. However, life’s messy reality rarely accommodates such perfect alignments. Waiting for the perfect moment often means missing out on potential opportunities.
Just Start: Embracing Imperfect Action
The truth is, action begets action. Leaders and innovators don’t wait for perfection; they dive in and iterate along the way. This principle is embodied by tech giants like Apple and Microsoft. These companies don’t wait for a flawless product to launch; instead, they release their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and improve it over time through customer feedback.
Lessons from Tech Innovators
Apple and Microsoft are notorious for launching products that aren’t fully polished and then releasing updates to fix bugs along the way. This approach allows them to move fast and stay ahead, even if it means going through a few rounds of corrections. This iterative process is crucial not only in technology but in any field where innovation plays a key role.
The Power of Starting Small
You don’t need to be a tech giant to apply the MVP concept. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an artist, starting with a basic version of your idea can lead to unexpected avenues and opportunities for refinement and growth.
From the Wright Brothers to Modern Day Innovators
Consider the Wright brothers; their first flight in 1903 lasted just 12 seconds, but it was a monumental step that led to the development of modern aviation. If they had waited for the perfect design, they might never have taken off.
Your Call to Action
So, what are you waiting for? What could you achieve if you discarded the fears of failure and perfection? Here’s how to start:
Identify your MVP: What is the most basic version of your idea that you can start with?
Embrace feedback: Use feedback as a stepping stone for improvement, not a setback.
Iterate rapidly: Make small, quick improvements based on real-world experiences.
Keep moving: Momentum is crucial. Keep pushing forward, even if it’s in small steps.
Conclusion
Let go of the illusion that everything must be perfect before you begin. By accepting imperfection and understanding that every step forward is a step towards success, you’ll find that you are more capable of achieving your dreams than you ever thought possible. Remember, inaction is the only real failure. Start small, learn fast, and keep iterating, and soon, you’ll find yourself where you once only dreamed of being.
What project would you start today if you knew you couldn’t fail? Dive into the discussion below and share your first steps towards making it a reality!
Resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s the backbone of every success story. This belief was personified when I arrived in the United States with barely anything but a firm resolve to succeed against all odds.
The Humble Beginnings
I landed in Miami with just $5, two shirts, and a pair of pants. Speaking no English and without any contacts, my early days were spent juggling jobs as a car washer, janitor, and carpenter. Despite these challenges, my determination did not waver. I was fueled by a vision of the American dream—a dream I saw being realized by others around me, propelling me to push beyond the boundaries of my circumstances.
The Power of Resilience
Resilience became my mantra. From speaking no English to addressing thousands at major conferences across North America, my journey is a testament to the relentless human spirit. My book, Kick Your Excuses Goodbye, encapsulates this ethos perfectly.
Learning Through Rejection
The path to success, especially in sales, is fraught with rejection. Early in my career, I learned that each ‘no’ was a step closer to a ‘yes’—a lesson in persistence and resilience. This mindset shift transformed how I approached every challenge, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones.
Strategic Setbacks
In life’s relentless curriculum, setbacks are lessons in disguise. My initial failures were not roadblocks, but redirections steering me towards greater opportunities. When rejected by McDonald’s due to a language barrier, I didn’t see it as a defeat but as a push towards entrepreneurship—a successful car wash business that started right in a bank’s parking lot.
Turning No Into Yes
The journey from being unheard to a celebrated speaker and author was paved with countless rejections. However, it was my refusal to quit and the positive outlook that turned these experiences into opportunities. This resilience not only helped me survive but thrive.
The Road to Resilience
Embrace Rejection: Understand that rejection is not a personal attack but a part of the growth process. Each no teaches something new about perseverance.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Staying optimistic can convert your lowest points into launch pads for success. Positivity attracts positive outcomes.
Continual Self-Improvement: Constantly improving oneself ensures that when opportunities arise, you are the best candidate for success.
Conclusion
Resilience is more than just bouncing back from setbacks—it’s about pushing forward with an unwavering faith in oneself and one’s dreams. It’s about turning the impossible into the possible. Remember, resilience is not just for the extraordinary few; it is within everyone waiting to be unleashed.
We’re living in remarkable times. In a world of crisis-centric headlines and fear-amplifying social media, I’d like to provide an alternative perspective on building resilience during difficult times. Through my journey from a small village in Haiti to becoming a global speaker, I’ve learned one unchanging truth: Leaders emerge in times of crisis.
The Hidden Luxuries Most People Are Not Considering
Consider this perspective: 200 years ago, a king would pay millions for things you use daily without thought. Television. Dishwashers. Air conditioning. Refrigerators. Internet. Cell phones. Cars. These aren’t luxuries anymore—they’re basics most take for granted. That same king couldn’t even fly across a continent in hours. It wasn’t possible. No airplanes existed.
The technology in your pocket holds more computing power than what sent humans to the moon. You can video chat with someone on the opposite side of the planet for free. Your groceries arrive at your doorstep with a few taps on a screen. This isn’t just progress—it’s a revolution in human capability.
Poverty is Declining Around the World
When discussing building resilience in difficult times, poverty often enters the conversation. Yes, we must work to eliminate it—there’s too much wealth in the world for poverty to persist. But here’s what many miss: poverty is actually declining.
I know this firsthand. As a teenager in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, chicken and rice were luxuries—monthly treats at best. Cornmeal filled our daily bowls. Owning a car, television, refrigerator, or telephone marked real wealth. My tiny village had no electricity. We used kerosene lamps after dark. No TVs, phones, or movies existed there.
I still remember my first encounter with ice during my trip to Port-au-Prince. The brain freeze shocked me so much, I spit it out immediately. My mouth couldn’t handle it. That memory serves as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.
Today? Every house in my village has electricity and cell phones. Some homes have a phone for each person. They eat rice and chicken daily. They connect worldwide through Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. This isn’t just change—it’s transformation.
The Fear Factory: Why Bad News Sells
Building resilience in difficult times requires understanding how media works. Bad news creates addiction. Watch enough news, and you’ll think we’re living in the worst era ever. That’s why I don’t own a television.
Strange? Maybe. But I train my brain to focus on positive developments. Why learn about every shooting, crisis, or disaster? How does that improve life? “If it bleeds, it leads” drives media coverage. But here’s reality: we’re living in history’s most peaceful time.
Consider these numbers:
Civil War deaths: 1,084,000
World War II deaths: 1,076,000
Iraq War: 36,710
Afghanistan War: 4,442
While any death is tragic, these numbers show a clear trend toward less violence, not more. Modern warfare, while still terrible, claims fewer lives than conflicts of the past. Crime rates in most developed nations continue falling. Domestic violence receives more attention now—not because it’s more common, but because we no longer accept it as normal.
The Truth About Today’s Challenges
People worry about rising costs. Recently, a friend complained that food prices were much lower in the 1980s. “$100 bought a month’s groceries then,” she said. What she missed: that same $100 from 1980 equals $306.14 today. Think about how much food $300 buys now.
The real change isn’t just in prices—it’s in variety and accessibility. Year-round fresh produce. International cuisine ingredients in local stores. Organic options. Specialty diets accommodated. Our grandparents couldn’t imagine such choices.
The Speed of Information
Why do we hear more bad news? Simple: faster communication. Fifty years ago, a war across the world might go unnoticed for months. Today, smartphones make every event immediate. Anyone can become a journalist, broadcasting reality in real time.
This constant connection brings challenges. Information overload can overwhelm us. Building resilience means learning to filter what we consume. Not every crisis requires our immediate attention. Not every problem needs our personal involvement.
Building Real Resilience for Tomorrow
Am I ignoring potential dangers? No. Could some catastrophe loom ahead? Possibly. Might some “crazy lunatic” disrupt our lives? Perhaps. But would that be new? No. We’ve faced deplorable moments throughout history. We survived. We bounced back.
Building resilience in difficult times means staying optimistic despite challenges. We’re heading toward remarkable breakthroughs in:
Medical science
Clean energy
Space exploration
Artificial intelligence
Environmental protection
Yes, tough challenges lie ahead—but that’s good. Without challenges, creativity dies. Innovation never emerges. Our greatest achievements often come from our darkest moments.
The Innovation Cycle
Many upcoming breakthroughs will radically improve our lives. Those afraid of change will struggle. Those ready to embrace change and maintain optimism will thrive.
Consider how problems drive progress:
Challenges emerge
Innovation responds
Solutions develop
Life improves
New challenges arise
This cycle never ends. It’s not a bug in the system—it’s a feature. It’s how we grow.
Your Path Forward
Let’s face it, you and I don’t have much control over what’s going on in the world. The only thing we can control is how to choose to react. That said, building resilience in difficult times requires specific actions. Here are a few of them:
Maintain perspective about real progress
Limit your exposure to negative media
Recognize opportunities in challenges
Embrace change rather than fearing it
Stay optimistic about human potential
Start with small steps:
Choose one positive news source to follow
Set limits on social media consumption
Connect with optimistic people
Learn one new skill each month
Share success stories with others
The Power of Choice
We’re living in the most prosperous and promising times ever. The future holds remarkable potential for those ready to seize it. Building resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times—it’s about thriving through them. It’s about staying in the race when others are bailing out.
Every morning, we have a choice. We can focus on problems or seek opportunities. Building resilience in difficult times means choosing growth over fear, progress over panic, and action over anxiety.
The question isn’t whether challenges will come—they always do. The question is: Will you be ready? Will you see opportunities where others see obstacles? Will you be among those who thrive through change?
What steps will you take today to build your resilience for tomorrow?
