Too many leaders think they are adept at everything. Self-aware leaders know that they can't possibly have the skills and knowledge to do it all. Instead, they are dynamic, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent. Here are three ways to build your own self-awareness:
Observe your own performance. Take note of the areas you excel in and those that need improvement. Share these observations with your team.
Know what you don't know. Accept that there are areas you have little expertise in. Seek out a team that can help you fill in the gaps.
Monitor your impact on others. Because so much of work is about relationships, knowing how you affect others is a critical leadership skill.
Manage your emotional responses and look for cues that you're building relationships, not destroying them.
As seen in 4/22/10 HBR Management Tip of the day. Adapted from "The Mark of a Great Leader" by Marshall Goldsmith.
