Self-awareness is the ability to recognise and understand your own emotions, values, beliefs, behaviours, passions, and purpose. When we better understand ourselves, we better understand others which, in turn, allows us to cultivate an environment of inclusion and acceptance that fosters a deeper level of respect and honesty.
Employees who know that their individuality, well-being and mental health are supported tend to have higher job satisfaction, therefore increasing the likelihood of retaining that employee. In fact, 89% of workers at companies that support well-being initiatives are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work, according to the APA.
Self-Awareness allows us to identify and own our own superpowers and support others to do the same. We also become much more aware of our own areas of development and possible bias. In short, we just become more honest, connected, and balanced human beings.
Self-Awareness also builds emotional literacy, which is the skill to, not only recognise but manage our own emotions.
This is vitally important in leadership because it allows us to respond and react more effectively to inevitable difficult situations, change, disruption, and conflict.