06/15/2021
One of the biggest buzz words in the professional realms these days is “self awareness” – but what does it mean, and why is it such a hot topic amongst professionals and individuals interested in growing themselves and others? The basic definition according to the Oxford Dictionary is simply, “knowledge and understanding of your own character”. It becomes more complex as we try to relate it to today’s fast-paced and competitive world.
We need personal reflection and perception in all aspects of our lives. From having conversations with family members, to every-day interactions with strangers such as the barista making our coffee or even the internet customer service representative on the other end of the phone, to interactions with co-workers and clients.
Self-awareness is a big deal in the workplace. According to research, those with high self-awareness have more confidence and creativity. These skills result in:
- Better decision-making
- Productive communication
- Higher integrity
- Ability to build relationships and professional networks
The positive impacts result in effectiveness in leadership, work-life satisfaction, and overall company-wide profitability.
However, research also suggests that there’s a large gap in perception vs. reality. About 95% of us believe we are self-aware, but only about 10-15% of us actually are. That’s a scary thought! So, what can we do to minimize that gap and make sure we’re not falling in that category?
Self-awareness is a big deal in the workplace – according to research, those with high self-awareness have more confidence and creativity.