Self-Awareness: The Game-Changer That Separates Good Managers from Great Leaders
If you had only one tool to succeed as a leader, this would be it!
Many aspiring leaders and seasoned managers alike wonder what it takes to move from being a good manager to becoming a truly great leader. They may seek strategies to improve communication, build rapport, or foster innovation within their teams. But behind all these essential qualities lies a foundational trait that drives success across every leadership facet: self-awareness.
Self-awareness is the ability to objectively understand your strengths, weaknesses, motivations, triggers, and how your actions affect others. It’s a game-changer because it enables leaders to be authentic, adaptable, and credible. Unfortunately, many people walk through life without fully recognising—or being honest about—themselves. In this blog, we'll unpack why self-awareness is critical, how it manifests in the workplace, and what you can do to cultivate it.
For a deeper dive into strategies that can help you develop as a leader, check out my free e-book, The 5 Strategies to Unlock Your Leadership Potential. It’s packed with insights that will guide you on the journey from good to great leadership.
Why Self-Awareness is the Cornerstone of Great Leadership
Leadership is about more than directing tasks and hitting targets. It’s about fostering trust, respect, and a sense of shared purpose among team members. A self-aware leader achieves this by genuinely understanding themselves and, by extension, those they lead.
In contrast, a manager lacking self-awareness might come across as rigid, dismissive of others' ideas, or even unapproachable. They might not see the impact of their words or actions, leading to misunderstandings and resentment within the team. A great leader, however, is willing to admit, “I don’t have all the answers.” They seek out others' perspectives, navigate conversations respectfully, and use feedback—whether positive or critical—to refine their approach.
Consider this: self-awareness creates a foundation of authenticity. When leaders are honest about their strengths and vulnerabilities, they encourage team members to do the same. It builds a culture of trust where people feel safe to contribute ideas and make mistakes, leading to more innovative and collaborative work environments.
What Self-Awareness Looks Like in Practice
So, how does a self-aware leader stand out? Here are some key behaviours that define self-aware leadership:
Admitting When They Don’t Have All the Answers Self-aware leaders recognise the power of saying, “I don’t know.” Rather than feeling pressured to have all the answers, they see value in gathering insights from their team and outside perspectives. This humility promotes a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Listening Before Speaking Leaders who are self-aware make a point to “read the room.” They are attentive to the needs, concerns, and emotions of those around them. This level of active listening not only aids in conflict resolution but also strengthens relationships within the team.
Owning Mistakes and Using Them as Learning Opportunities Rather than deflecting blame, self-aware leaders acknowledge when they’ve made a misstep and look for ways to improve. This accountability not only reinforces their credibility but also encourages a growth mindset among their team members.
Understanding Triggers and Managing Reactions Everyone has triggers—situations or behaviors that spark frustration or anxiety. Self-aware leaders know their triggers and proactively manage their responses. They take a step back, breathe, and approach the situation with clarity, rather than reacting impulsively.
Being Consistent and Transparent Self-aware leaders embody authenticity. They don’t try to be someone they’re not, nor do they expect perfection from themselves or others. By being transparent in their intentions and actions, they build trust with their team.
The Pitfalls of Poor Self-Awareness
On the flip side, managers who lack self-awareness can unintentionally create toxic work environments. They may micromanage, dismiss others’ input, or fail to recognise how their mood or actions affect the team’s morale. Often, these behaviours come from insecurity or a need to prove themselves, leading to a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude.
Without self-awareness, leaders may serve their own needs over the needs of the team, eroding trust and stifling growth. Employees under such management might feel overlooked, undervalued, or even reluctant to share their ideas.
Self-aware leaders understand that their success is intertwined with the success of their team. They shift from a mindset of control to one of support, which is where true leadership flourishes.
How to Develop Self-Awareness as a Leader
The good news is that self-awareness can be cultivated. Here are some practical steps to get started:
Seek Constructive Feedback Regularly – Ask your team and peers for honest input on your strengths and areas for improvement. Being open to feedback not only boosts self-awareness but also fosters respect from others.
Reflect on Your Reactions – After key interactions or meetings, take a moment to think about how you responded. Ask yourself, “Did I handle that well? How could I have approached it differently?” Over time, this habit will help you adjust your reactions in real-time.
Identify Your Triggers – Recognise situations or comments that make you uncomfortable or defensive. Understanding your triggers allows you to manage them better and maintain your composure in challenging moments. A great tool to identify your exact triggers is through the Why of You PRINT, a model Compose Consulting uses with all our coaching clients.
Practice Mindfulness – Mindfulness helps you stay present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. A few minutes each day can improve your focus and help you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Invest in Personal Growth – Reading, listening to podcasts such as Harvard Business Review’s HBR on Leadership, journaling and engaging with a leadership coach are all ways to deepen your self-awareness and continue evolving as a leader.
Ready to Unlock Your Leadership Potential?
Becoming a great leader starts with self-awareness. By investing in your own growth and understanding your impact on others, you can build stronger, more effective teams and foster an environment where everyone thrives.
For more strategies on developing yourself as a leader, download my free e-book, The 5 Strategies to Unlock Your Leadership Potential. These strategies are the cornerstone of great leadership.
With self-awareness as your foundation, you’re well on your way to inspiring confidence, respect, and loyalty among your team.