Anton Guinea
Entrepreneur, Speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group of Companies. For over 15 years, Anton has helped leaders move their teams to become psychologically safe, physically safe and overall better versions of themselves.
“Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don’t align with your internal standards.
If you’re highly self-aware, you can objectively evaluate yourself, manage your emotions, align your behaviour with your values, and understand correctly how others perceive you.” (Credit: Betterup.com).
Put simply, those who are highly self-aware can interpret their actions, feelings, and thoughts objectively with an open mind.
It’s a rare skill, as many of us spiral into emotion-driven interpretations of our circumstances. Instead of interpreting why we are behaving like we are. By the way, emotionally driven behaviour is a reaction, not a response (fast acting versus slow thinking).
Here are three things you can do to increase your self-awareness.
1. Seek Regular Feedback
Why It Matters:
Feedback is a powerful tool for self-improvement. It provides an external perspective on your actions and behaviours, revealing blind spots that you might not be aware of. Regular feedback helps you understand how your leadership style impacts your team and identifies areas for growth.
How to Implement:
360-Degree Feedback: Implement a 360-degree feedback process where peers, subordinates, and supervisors evaluate your performance. This comprehensive approach offers diverse perspectives on your leadership.
Feedback Culture: Foster an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. Regularly ask for input from your team and peers, and be open to their insights without being defensive.
Act on Feedback: Show that you value feedback by taking concrete steps to address it. This not only helps you grow but also builds trust within your team.
Example:
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, transformed the company’s culture by emphasising a growth mindset and encouraging open feedback. This approach has been instrumental in Microsoft’s resurgence.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection
Why It Matters:
Mindfulness and reflection help you stay grounded and present, allowing you to better understand your thoughts and emotions. This self-awareness enables you to respond to situations more thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
How to Implement:
Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to reflect on your actions, decisions, and interactions. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this practice.
Mindfulness Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness meditation into your routine. Even a few minutes a day can improve your focus, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Pause and Assess: During your day, take brief pauses to check in with yourself. Assess how you’re feeling, why you’re feeling that way, and how it’s influencing your behaviour.
Example:
Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, is a strong advocate of mindfulness. He has implemented meditation practices within the company, which has helped foster a culture of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
3. Engage in Leadership Coaching
Why It Matters:
Professional coaches provide a structured and objective perspective, helping you uncover underlying issues and develop strategies for improvement. Coaching can accelerate your self-awareness and personal growth.
How to Implement:
Choose the Right Coach: Look for a coach with experience in leadership development and a style that matches your needs. Personal chemistry is important for a productive coaching relationship.
Set Clear Goals: Work with your coach to establish specific, measurable goals for your development. This will give direction to your sessions and ensure tangible outcomes.
Commit to the Process: Regular coaching sessions, combined with your commitment to apply what you learn, will yield the best results. Be open to challenging your assumptions and exploring new perspectives.
Example:
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has often spoken about the value of having a coach. He credits his coach with providing valuable insights and feedback that significantly contributed to his success.
Conclusion
Increasing your self-awareness is a continuous journey that requires intentional effort and a willingness to grow. By seeking regular feedback, practicing mindfulness and reflection, and engaging in professional coaching, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and enhance your effectiveness as a leader. Remember, the most effective leaders are those who are not only aware of their strengths but also their areas for improvement. Embrace these strategies and watch your leadership impact soar.
Stay Connected
Follow our newsletter for more expert advice and insights on leadership. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—let’s learn and grow together!
Feel free to share this newsletter with colleagues who might find these insights helpful. Until next time, continue striving for self-awareness in your leadership journey!
Please click the image below if you’d like to chat about what leadership means to you
If you would like to learn more about Anton or The Guinea Group, please click here to book into Anton’s calendar, to:
UPGRADE your Mindset
UPSKILL your Leadership
UPLIFT your Teams