Self-awareness for executives

 

Being an executive is incredibly challenging and demanding. It is a difficult line of work that comes with many responsibilities, not only towards the company, employees, and clients; but also towards yourself. With that in mind, it is crucial to work on your self-awareness.

The key aspect of self-awareness is to question yourself, reflect on your persona, and improve through behavior transformation. Here are some of the key points to consider:

Are you asking yourself the right questions?

Every executive needs to make sure that they are the best version of themselves. So, it is vital to ask yourself the right questions and find out the truth.

What are your values and are you standing up for them?

As an executive, you need to be a prime example for everyone around to know how you stand up for your values.

What is your natural style of leading?

Are you functioning as a manager or a true leader? Do you adapt your leadership style based on the situation and behavioral style of those around you? Every situation is unique and there can be no general approach. At the same time, you need to be aware of your natural leadership style and leverage it to build cross-functional relationships and presenting your point of view.

Are you giving enough recognition to your team members?

A good executive needs to keep track of super performers. You need to give proper recognition when it's due and avoid claiming credit that you don't deserve. Moreover, do not withhold information from others to gain an undue advantage.

Are you mindful when passing judgment?

One of the common pitfalls is to fail to know when, why, and how to pass judgment. Rating others and imposing your standards too often is a double-edged sword. While you need to be a firm and righteous leader, you also need to know when to step back and let some things go. Else, you will put too much pressure on your employees.

Are you using negative qualifiers and making destructive comments?

We often use negative qualifiers and destructive comments in conversations without realizing it. Overusing words like ‘no’, ‘but’, or ‘however’ may send a wrong message, showing you as a person who proves everyone wrong all the time. Also, it would be best to refrain from using needless sarcasm or cutting remarks. People often use them as a way to sound witty, funny, or showing how smart you are compared to them.

Are you taking responsibility for your actions?

Playing the blame game, making excuses, and the inability to express regret for your own shortcomings are all signs of an ineffective executive. Deflecting the blame from yourself or punishing those who want to help will cause mistrust and lower the overall opinion that employees have of you.

Are you standing behind your employees in their initiatives and projects?

A true leader supports their employees for all of their short and long-term projects like forming new partnerships, employee management, relocation, and many others. For instance, the process of commercial relocations is complicated and it’s vital that you guide your employees with a steady hand.

How are you addressing conflicts?

It’s vital to nurture teamwork and help people align. You need to take appropriate steps to prevent conflicts or address conflicts promptly when they occur. An executive needs to know who the bullies in their team are and make them accountable for their actions and behaviors.

Are you a problem-solver or a risk-taker?

Every company has its ups and downs. An executive needs to be a problem-solver and a risk-taker at the same time. The key is in the balance between addressing critical issues and taking calculated risks.

Are you listening to other people’s point-of-view?

While it is important that all executives delegate tasks effectively and drive their team to achieve goals, they must listen to other peoples' points of view before giving theirs.

How are others perceiving you?

Every executive needs to be confident and assertive. It’s important to look at yourself through their eyes and notice how they think about your leadership value and impact.

Are you removing the hidden biases?

Executives need to reflect on their behavior and question themselves. As an effective executive you need to get rid of your biases as they could cause a pitfall.

Are you improving yourself through forces that inspire and motivate you?

The only way to progress and stay on top of the game as an executive is to seek excellence in your domain. Know who are the top professionals in your domain or industry and learn from them. Welcome diversity of thought and collaborate with those around you. Achieving objectives is important, but it is even more critical to build dignified relations in your community.

Moreover, learn to know the difference between reality and hype. Do not let short-term objectives and recent success cloud your judgment. You need to actively seek solutions to overcome challenges.

Learn from your past, focus on the present, and lead into the future!