Self-Awareness
For as long as I can remember, I have been a very self-aware individual. It was not until my early twenties when I focused on self-improvement. Often, I would find myself at libraries and bookstores wandering the 'Self-Improvement' sections looking for, and reading texts that seemed appropriate for me. Over the years, as I found myself in positions of greater responsibility, I never really thought about the new concepts and competencies that had improved me as a person, I simply behaved with a sense of morality and integrity. I felt if I was a fair, motivating, and patient person, my values, beliefs and integrity would naturally inject themselves. It was not until after such roles were played out that self-reflection took on a greater value.
Over the years, I have been a gymnastics coach to all ages, a certified personal trainer, the captain to my collegiate varsity gymnastics team, and an enlisted leader in the U.S. Navy. Through all these experiences, over the span of 35 years, I have learned that my single greatest competency was empathy, given my integrity was in tact. So, using self-awareness as a launching platform to self-improvement, I was led to discovering what aspects of myself were valuable, and which ones required adjustment for the sake of myself as an individual, as well as a member of a team. Sometimes, it's acceptable to be who you are when you are alone, but not so in the sense of team work and productivity when part of a team.
As a highly self-aware individual with an aim to grow as a spiritual leader, I strive to find ways and opportunities to apply a referent, servant leadership style, using empathy as the bridge to connecting with employees, as well as peers, and business colleagues alike. Connecting with others with a transparent line of communication, will provide a door for others to buy into the organizations vision. The other aspect, is my ability to passionately "sell" a vision that reflects my values and beliefs. In connecting with others on a personal level, I can motivate others through a sincere expression of what I am passionate about; coupled with a strong sense of confidence and an open mindedness to hear all sides, a valuable discussion can be had, giving way to mutual respect.
Ultimately, all ventures, personal and professional, are grown through relationships with others. When the self is improved with the aim to be a better person, a better leader, for people, you provide them the opportunity to join you in your quest. There is a lot to say about loyalty, trust, confidence and passion when it comes to relationships. But if we can not connect with others on an emotional level, we will never truly connect with another. Therefore, it is not only necessary to develop an emotional intelligence (learn about and controls the self's emotions), but also a social intelligence (ability to read, connect and influence another's emotions) (Yukle, 2013).
Yukl, G. A. (2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
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