Self-Awareness
A pivotal moment in my self-awareness journey came several years ago during a heated discussion with a coworker.
At the time, I was a Human Resources Manager attempting to point out to a colleague that she had misinterpreted the tuition reimbursement policy and that she wasn’t eligible to receive the funds she had requested. Needless to say, it wasn’t an easy conversation.
At one point during the conversation, this colleague said, “You know, Holly, for an HR professional, you’re not being very professional.”
Her words were like a slap. Regardless of the company’s policy and regardless of the final results of our conversation, I had a responsibility to treat her with respect and empathy, and in that moment, my colleague wasn’t receiving much of either.
I often use this example with my clients to illustrate our gaps in self-awareness. One element of self-awareness is understanding yourself: your preferred work and communication styles. The other element of self-awareness is understanding your impact on others. These elements of self-awareness serve as the foundation for all of my coaching engagements.
I want to share two of my favorite resources when it comes to understanding self-awareness.
Insight by Tasha Eurich
→ Use this book to gain a solid foundation of what self-awareness is and what an impact it can have in your life.
You According To Them by Sara Canaday
→ Use this book to understand your self-awareness blind spots and how to close the gap in where you are and where you want to be.
My favorite thing about both of these resources is that they include tools and self-guided exercises to translate information into action.
I will always remember this line from one of my favorite podcasts: Leaders never graduate from the school of self-awareness.
What are you doing to increase your self-awareness?
How can I help?
