Recently, I was delivering a program on Emotional Intelligence for the leaders of a financial institution

One of the sessions was on Self-awareness, which is one of the foundations of being a high EQ header

We did a few experiential activities during the session and there was a lot of engagement from the participants

Most of them came into the session with a pre-conceived notion that they are highly self-aware

And that’s the first challenge….

Self-awareness is almost a buzzword nowadays

Most leaders BELIEVE that they are highly self-aware

Which is a great first step for sure, but what does it truly mean for them is not often clear

And that’s the second challenge….

Most of us have a limited understanding of self-awareness

The typical response I get is – “I am aware of strengths and weaknesses”

And that’s just a myopic view

Self-awareness means a lot more and goes much deeper….

..Your values and your beliefs

..Your limiting beliefs

..Your fears and your self-doubts

..Your intention as a leader

..Your emotions and your feelings

..The impact of your thoughts and actions on others

There’s so much more to it

And you can believe that you are aware of this, which would be a great place to be

But the biggest challenge with self-awareness is that most leaders stop at that

The truth is…

Self-awareness alone is NOT enough

Why ?

If self-awareness DOES NOT lead you to..

..Managing and regulating yourself better

..Making different choices

..Taking different set of actions

Then..

Self-awareness is NOT helping you

Nothing really changes for you