We are hearing more and more about self-awareness and why it matters in general, particularly in leadership, workplace dynamics, and personal development. As organizations emphasize emotional intelligence and adaptability, embracing the importance of self-awareness has helped us improve our ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics, build stronger and more meaningful professional relationships, and make thoughtful business decisions. I talk about it a LOT in my programs, webinars and workshops. This is why I wanted to write more about it in our new blog!
Self-awareness is one of the most valuable traits a professional can cultivate. It is not a fixed state but an ongoing process of introspection, learning, and growth. The ability to recognize our strengths, limitations, biases, and impact on others is essential for effective leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. Without self-awareness, we risk stagnation, misunderstanding, and even unintentional harm in our interactions.
The first step is intentionality because the journey of self-awareness requires (wait for it…) intentional effort. It demands that we examine our own thought processes, challenge our assumptions, and remain open to feedback. In doing so, we become better professionals, colleagues, and leaders.
How do you do it? There are no "best" ways or 'top 10 list', but I believe there are a few foundational practices that can help set us on the right track.
Interrogating Our Biases (sidebar: bias isn't bad, it just means we are human)
Everyone has biases—conscious and unconscious. These biases shape how we perceive others and how we engage with them. Becoming self-aware means actively questioning our assumptions, seeking diverse perspectives, and being open to feedback that challenges our viewpoints.
Listening More Than We Speak (this can feel hard in organizations where speaking is a way to “prove” our competence and value)
Strong professionals recognize the power of deep, active listening. Creating space for other voices and truly hearing different perspectives enhances our understanding of workplace dynamics, team interactions, and decision-making. Listening without immediately reacting or defending allows us to grow from the experiences and insights of those around us.
Understanding Our Power and Influence (which is a critical leadership competency)
Self-awareness includes recognizing the ways in which we hold power, whether through our position, expertise, or lived experiences. Power dynamics influence interactions, and failing to acknowledge our own influence can lead to unintended consequences. Being mindful of how we impact others fosters stronger relationships and more effective collaboration.
Being Open to Feedback and Growth (because no one likes a know-it-all)
No one navigates their career without making mistakes. What matters is how we respond. Self-aware individuals welcome feedback, take accountability, and commit to learning from missteps rather than becoming defensive. Growth comes from acknowledging areas for improvement and taking proactive steps to develop.
Self-Awareness as a Team Sport
Self-awareness is not just an individual pursuit—it is a cultural practice. Workplaces, teams, and professional communities that prioritize self-awareness lead to stronger collaboration, deeper trust, and heightened creativity (what I consider to be the root of innovation). Collaboration - because we have a better sense of what works for the group as a collective. Trust - because we see reliability, vulnerability and shared commitment across the group. And creativity - because it fosters a stronger sense of psychological safety, which powers bravery, openness and confidence across a team. As colleagues, managers and leaders, we captain the self-awareness team by modeling vulnerability, admitting when we do not have all the answers, and creating safe spaces for honest conversations.
To cultivate self-awareness in our environments, we can:
Encourage reflection and open conversations about assumptions and perspectives.
Provide learning opportunities that go beyond surface-level training.
Foster psychological safety so people feel comfortable expressing their experiences.
Model accountability and continuous self-improvement at every level.
The Journey Never Ends
I know I already said this, but it bears repeating: self-awareness is a lifelong journey, not a one-time achievement. It requires ongoing reflection, a willingness to challenge our perspectives, and a commitment to learning from those around us. In the professional world, self-awareness enhances leadership, strengthens relationships, and improves decision-making. By embracing this practice, we not only grow as individuals but contribute to creating more effective and thoughtful work environments.
True growth starts with self-awareness. Take a moment to reflect: How has self-awareness shaped your professional journey? What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of yourself and your impact on others? The more we cultivate it, the more we unlock our potential to lead, collaborate, and succeed with integrity and impact.