This post was written by our Director of Behavioural Learning and Head of Perform Division, Roger Ayres.
Self-awareness is seen as the pillar of learning and development. It is fundamental to understanding ourselves and how we are experienced by others. It’s about what we do on a good day and what we do in less positive moments. Through conversation and contemplation, I have uncovered revealing insight from knowing how I come across to others and examining why I do certain things and how they link to my personal values.
We must not stop there though. We all operate as social beings, in families, friendships, and even in workplaces. It is equally imperative that as well as knowing ourselves, we take the time to know others. That way, we can treat people how they would prefer to be treated rather than how we would prefer to be treated.
Praising someone in the right way is a common example. I have witnessed countless occasions where somebody has done an excellent job. And in front of peers, wider teams, entire conference halls full of people, their name has been read out, and they have been asked to stand up and accept a round of applause. Some lap it up and appreciate the public recognition, while others want to crawl into a hole in the ground. If they were being treated with Emotional Intelligence, a quiet word of appreciation would have undoubtedly gone down better.
The Social Awareness of understanding others is crucial to working effectively, productively, and sensitively with our colleagues. And our self-awareness barometer will tell us whether we are still being authentic.
For more about Emotional Intelligence, you can contact me directly on LinkedIn or visit our Perform page.