Introduction

Self-awareness plays a crucial role in emotional intelligence. By recognising and understanding our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we can effectively navigate our interactions with others and enhance various soft skills such as communication, building trust, and maintaining strong relationships. In this article, we will explore the importance of self-awareness, its different types, and practical strategies to develop and improve it.

Understanding Self-Awareness

Self-awareness goes beyond consciousness. While consciousness refers to awareness of our body and environment, self-awareness involves recognising and acknowledging that consciousness. It is the ability to comprehend our own emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they influence our behaviour. Harvard Business Review defines self-awareness as “the ability to recognise and understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they influence behaviour.

Self-awareness can be categorised into two types: internal self-awareness and external self-awareness.

Internal Self-Awareness

Internal self-awareness refers to understanding our own thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how they impact our behaviour. This type of self-awareness enables us to identify patterns, motivations, and gain a better understanding of ourselves.

External Self-Awareness

On the other hand, external self-awareness involves comprehending how our behaviour and emotions are perceived by others. It allows us to understand the impact we have on people around us and consider that in our interactions. By being externally self-aware, we can improve our interpersonal skills and build stronger relationships.

Tools to Measure Self-Awareness

Numerous tools are available to measure our level of self-awareness. Two notable examples are the Johari Window and the Core Values Index (CVI).

The Johari Window, developed by Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, is a simple model that divides a person’s characteristics into four “panes”: open, hidden, unknown, and blind. The open pane represents what is known to both the individual and others, the hidden pane indicates what is known to the individual but not to others, the unknown pane represents things that are not known to the individual or others, and the blind pane signifies things that are known to others but not to the individual. This tool can be used as a group exercise or for one-to-one review to enhance self-awareness.

The Core Values Index (CVI) is another tool that helps individuals identify their core values and understand how those values influence their decisions and actions. By gaining insights into our values, we can align our behaviours and choices accordingly.

The Impact of Low Self-Awareness

Low levels of self-awareness can lead to various difficulties, including challenges in decision-making, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Individuals with low self-awareness may struggle to understand their own emotions and how they affect their performance. This lack of self-awareness can hinder personal growth and development.

Furthermore, focusing too much on either internal or external self-awareness can also be problematic. Overemphasis on internal self-awareness may lead to an unwarranted confidence that prevents individuals from accepting feedback and considering different perspectives. On the other hand, excessive external self-awareness can result in people prioritising others’ opinions over their own, neglecting their own needs and desires. Striking a balance between internal and external self-awareness is essential for effective leadership and personal growth.

Developing and Improving Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

Enhancing self-awareness and emotional intelligence requires conscious effort and continuous development. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Emotional Intelligence Training Courses

Attending emotional intelligence training courses can provide valuable insights into the essential elements of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness. These courses, led by knowledgeable trainers, can help individuals understand themselves better and improve their overall emotional intelligence.

2. Core Values Index (CVI)

The Core Values Index (CVI) assessment helps individuals identify their core values and how those values influence their decision-making and actions. By gaining a deeper understanding of our values, we can align our behaviours with our true selves.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness involves paying attention to our thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment. This can be achieved through meditation, yoga, or simply by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on our breathing. Mindfulness can enhance self-awareness by allowing us to observe our thoughts and emotions objectively.

4. Journaling

Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding. By writing down our thoughts and feelings, we can gain insights into our emotions, track our progress, and identify patterns in our behaviour.

5. Seek Feedback

Seeking feedback from trusted individuals such as friends, family, co-workers, or therapists can provide valuable insights into our behavior and how it affects others. Honest feedback allows us to gain a better understanding of ourselves and make necessary adjustments.

6. Personality Tests

Personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Insights Discovery can help individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. By gaining insights into our personality traits, we can better understand ourselves and improve our interactions with others.

7. Social Styles Assessment

The Social Styles Assessment helps individuals understand their social style and how they can adapt their communication and behaviour to better interact with their team. Understanding our own social style can enhance our self-awareness and improve our relationships with others.

The Continuous Journey of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is not a destination but a lifelong journey. It requires constant practice and a conscious choice to be self-aware in every moment. The more we practice self-awareness, the easier it becomes. Regularly checking in with our sensory experience and adjusting our behaviour accordingly, as suggested by research, can help us become more self-aware.

In conclusion, self-awareness is a fundamental component of emotional intelligence. By understanding our own emotions, thoughts, and values, we can navigate our interactions with others effectively, build stronger relationships, and make informed decisions. Developing self-awareness is a continuous journey that can be achieved through various strategies, such as emotional intelligence training, self-reflection, mindfulness, seeking feedback, and understanding our personality traits. By investing in self-awareness, we can become better leaders, improve our emotional intelligence, and lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Additional Resources:

For further reading on self-awareness and emotional intelligence, here are a few recommended books:

• “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
• “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
• “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
• “The Art of Possibility” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
• “The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer
• “The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey

Remember, self-awareness is an ongoing process, and with dedication and practice, we can continuously improve it to become the best version of ourselves.