A511.7.3RB – Self-Awareness
MSLD 511: Decision Making For Leaders
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Worldwide: Online Campus
December 4, 2015
Self - Awareness
How do we understand ourselves; how do we understand others?
What are the factors that affect someone's behavior?
The factors that portray someone's character are typically
based upon “personality, background and values. If you were able to determine
some of these variables within minutes of meeting someone, then chances are
that you will not only be able to understand them but you will even be able to
predict their next move" (Radwan, 2015).
Our choices reflect our personality. Choices like music, friends, body language,
the way in which we speak, and facial expressions reflect who we are. Knowing
this, we can learn how to look for clues in others, as well, using the
knowledge for preferred or targeted engagement.
If we do not understand ourselves, first, we will not be able to grasp
or relate to someone else. Certainly, we
would not be able to lead them successfully if we do not understand them.
"There are two components of mindfulness that may
overcome the major barriers to knowing ourselves: attention and nonjudgmental
observation. The motivation to see ourselves in a desirable way is one of the
main obstacles to self-knowledge. People may overestimate their virtuous
qualities to ward off negative feelings or boost self-esteem. However,
non-judgmental observation of one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior, might
reduce emotional re-activity — such as feelings of inadequacy or low
self-esteem — that typically interferes with people seeing the truth about
themselves. The lack of information is another barrier to self-knowledge and in
some situations, people might not have the information they would need to
accurately assess themselves. For instance, we have a hard time observing much
of our nonverbal behavior, so we may not know that we’re grimacing or fidgeting
during a serious conversation. Mindfulness could also help in this domain, as
research has shown that mindfulness training is associated with greater bodily
awareness" (APS, 2013).
I am a retired professional triathlete. A triathlete is an
athlete who trains for or competes in triathlons, the sport that includes
swimming, cycling and running. The distances that I used to race varied between
sprints and Ironman distances. The sprint triathlon typically takes about 1
hour to complete; whereas, the Ironman distances take around 10 hours.
Regardless of distance and time, the requirements are discipline and
understanding oneself – one’s own body, mind, limitations, and goals.
Through rigorous physical daily training, I was able to
eventually understand myself. I was able to notice the patterns in which my
body, mind and spirit operate. I started to recognize very revealing
characteristic traits about myself through the ups and downs by tracking my
daily progress. This self-reflection made me notice that I am consistent,
patient, and determined. The biggest shock was that I actually preferred
the process and the journey rather than the competition or the endgame. I
appreciated discovering what physically and mentally worked and what did
not. Of course, placing well was
satisfying and exciting when it happened, but my greatest pleasure was
discovering who I was mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Once I was more aware of myself, I noticed that the same
patterns were occurring in my professional career. I was able to step back from
a situation, assess it, and eventually to come to a logical solution. I realized that my consistency, patience and
determination were traits that I used in the workplace, too. I came to also understand through various
work experiences that it was not just about the paycheck (the endgame). It is about the process and the journey of
learning and growing, challenging myself to make a positive difference in every
way possible.
It was through these reflective steps that I was able to understand
myself more so and to be open to acquiring more knowledge, grasping the concept
of empowerment, and nurturing relationships built on trust, hard work and
loyalty.
As I have come to understand myself, I have become more
empathetic to others.
I can still feel those triathlon-training emotions and see
the same emotions in others. I understand.
At this point in my life, it is about sharing the excitement of
experiences and processes with others and leading a team with perseverance,
strength and encouragement.
The goal of a leader is “how to make the most of your
differences in a way that might excite others. Leaders are able to learn how to
actively shape other’s perception in the formation of their identity. Once a
leader develops an understanding of the differences between themselves and
others, they can take advantage of the key differences that makes them
attractive to begin with. There is evidence that supports the fact that leadership
is actually non-hierarchical and may be observed throughout organizations.
There is an almost endless amount of differences on how people communicate. The
fact is that leaders must be perceived as being authentic, real and make significant
impact” (Goffee & Jones, 2006).
"A leader who puts too much emphasis on
influencing one performance determinant may have an adverse effect on another performance determinant,
resulting in lowering overall organizational performance. It is difficult
to improve efficiency or innovation if the necessary changes depend on
employees who lack the motivation and skills necessary to achieve these objectives.
Whenever possible, leaders should look for ways to enhance more than one
performance determinant at the same time" (Yukl, 2013).
References:
Association for Psychological Science. (2013). Know Thyself:
How Mindfulness Can Improve Self-Knowledge. Psychological Science. Retrieved
from http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/know-thyself-how-mindfulness-can-improve-self-knowledge.html
Goffee, R., & Jones, G. (2006). Getting personal on the topic of
leadership. Human Resource Management International Digest, 14 (4),
32-34.
Radwan, Farouk M. (2015). How to Understand Yourself and
Others. 2Know Myself. Retrieved from http://www.2knowmyself.com/Self_understanding/know_yourself/How_to_understand_yourself_and_others
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall
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