The Self Aware Leader
Integrating Insights from HBR and Aware Leadership
Self-awareness is a cornerstone of effective leadership. In her insightful article on Harvard Business Review, Tasha Eurich explores what self-awareness really is and how to cultivate it. Eurich’s findings resonate deeply with the principles outlined in the Aware Leadership body of knowledge.
The Dual Dimensions of Self-Awareness
Eurich categorizes self-awareness into two types: internal and external. Internal self-awareness involves understanding one’s own values, passions, and impact on others, while external self-awareness is about recognizing how others perceive us. These dimensions are crucial for leaders to develop a balanced perspective.
Similarly, Aware Leadership emphasizes the importance of self-awareness as a fundamental attribute of effective leadership. The PREP framework—Pause, Reflect, Engage, and Proceed—guides leaders through a process of self-reflection and mindfulness to deepen self-awareness and align their actions with their values“【oaicite:0】“ .
Experience and Power: Double-Edged Swords
Eurich highlights that experience and power can hinder self-awareness, as senior leaders often receive less critical feedback and may overestimate their abilities. This insight is mirrored in Aware Leadership’s emphasis on continuous feedback and reflective practices to maintain self-awareness and authenticity .
Introspection: The Right Questions Matter
One of the surprising findings from Eurich’s research is that introspection, often seen as a path to self-awareness, can be counterproductive if not done correctly. Instead of asking “why,” leaders should ask “what” to gain actionable insights. This aligns with the reflective practices in Aware Leadership, which encourage leaders to explore their values and motivations through mindful questioning and journaling .
Practical Techniques for Self-Awareness
The Aware Leadership books provide practical techniques to enhance self-awareness, such as mindful breathing, journaling, and seeking feedback. These practices foster a deeper understanding of oneself and support the development of authentic leadership .
Building Authentic and Resilient Leaders
Both Eurich and Aware Leadership highlight the importance of self-awareness in building authentic and resilient leaders. By integrating self-awareness into daily practices, leaders can navigate challenges with greater clarity and empathy, creating a positive impact on their teams and organizations .
To delve deeper into Tasha Eurich’s perspectives, you can read her article on Harvard Business Review.
Explore more about Aware Leadership and practical techniques in our Aware Leadership section and learn how to integrate these insights into your leadership journey.