Why Self-Awareness Is Your Leadership Superpower

Ever worked with a brilliant but emotionally clueless leader? Or been that person in a meeting who realises later they dominated the entire conversation?

The difference between mediocre and exceptional leadership often comes down to one skill: self-awareness

What do we mean by self-awareness?

Self awareness is about understanding how your throughts, emotions and behaviours affect others.

It means that you have both internal awareness (how you see yourself) and external awareness (how others see you).

It is the key for emotional intelligence, decision making and authenticity.

Why It's a Superpower - What are the benefits?

• Better decision making

  • Self aware leaders recognise biases, emotional triggers and blind spots

• Improved communication

  • Speaking with intention not reactivity

• Deeper Trust and Relationships

  • Teams are more likely to follow someone who knows their strengths and owns their own flaws

• Open to feedback

  • You can't grow what you can't see - feedback lands better when you are not defensive

Common Pitfalls

These are some things to look out for which can often be misconceptions around self-awareness.

• “I already know myself.” → Do you know how others experience you?

• “Self-awareness means self-doubt.” → Actually, it builds grounded confidence.

• “Leaders should be decisive, not reflective.” → The best leaders do both.

How can you develop your self awareness?

• Seek feedback regularly from peers and reports and normalise this with your team.

• Practice reflection (e.g. journaling, end-of-day check-ins).

• Use tools like the Johari Window, 360 reviews, or personality assessments.

• Work with a coach or mentor to challenge assumptions.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about having the awareness to ask the right questions of yourself first.

Want to strengthen your self-awareness and lead with clarity? Explore our Lift Leadership Programme today.