Research suggests that more experienced or influential leaders are more likely to overestimate their self-awareness
The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership
In a recent study conducted by organisational psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich, it was revealed that self-awareness is a rare quality, with only 10%–15% of individuals meeting the criteria for true self-awareness. This percentage decreases even further among senior executives, with a mere 13% showing signs of self-awareness.
This lack of self-awareness can have detrimental effects on workplace productivity and team culture. As individuals climb the corporate ladder, they become less likely to receive and process honest feedback, leading to a sense of illusory superiority.
Solutions
To address this issue, there are several strategies that organisations can implement:
- Engage external support through professional profiling to identify behavioural patterns
- Promote healthy practices such as reflection, mentoring, and coaching
- Implement a 360 feedback process for senior leaders to foster open and honest conversations
Here are three questions that can spark conversations around self-awareness:
- When was the last time you considered the reasons behind a reaction, either your own or someone else’s?
- When was the last time you thought about how you present yourself to others?
- When was the last time you had a moment of self-awareness revelation?
A Live Example
Personal experiences can offer valuable insights into the benefits of self-awareness. For example, in a webinar, the author learned about different personality types and how they interact. This knowledge helped improve communication with their detail-oriented husband, leading to a more harmonious relationship.
Continuously working on self-awareness is essential, akin to exercising a muscle. It requires bravery and a willingness to seek feedback from others. By fostering a culture of openness and honesty, individuals can enhance their self-awareness and improve their leadership skills.
When was the last time you engaged in self-reflection and sought feedback from peers? Perhaps 2026 could be the year you prioritize self-awareness.
Sources
References:
Tasha Eurich, Insight: Why We’re Not as Self-Aware as We Think
Heidrick and Struggles, Wired and unaware: neuroscience behind leaders’ greatest liability
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