As we continue to shape our leadership, this week I want to remain on the path of self awareness. Have you ever had interactions with co-workers or your boss and you know for sure there is absolutely no self-awareness on their part? You know who I’m talking about right? That person who is so full of themselves, they are always right and it doesn’t matter what you say…or that co-worker who always makes excuses on why they just can’t get things done…it is always someone else’s fault. That other person who doesn’t take any responsibility or is completely passive aggressive! The kicker is when ‘those people’ say they are self aware and then blame someone else for why they act the way they do and then have the guts to tell you – that YOU should become more self aware like they are! Is it possible to ‘change’ them, to help them see the light in how they are perceived?
It is impossible to help others if they are not ready to go on this journey of self discovery. The best we can do is to continue in our own growth. The more self aware you become and the more visible you make yourself, the better the possibility of them becoming self aware. They will see in you who they want to be…someone who is self assured, confident and assertive, someone who is courteous to others and leads by example, someone who stands up for others and follows your own path. By being self aware you are more at peace with life and those around you. That shines through when you are working with others. You become more respectful and respected! The main reason for lack of self awareness is fear…fear of what others will think about us, fear of not knowing the answer, fear of … (fill in the blank). Let’s take the first step to self awareness…DO NOT JUDGE.
This is a big task isn’t it…we are judgmental people aren’t we? We talk about others faults all of the time…it is no wonder we are not willing to be open and free. This week take the time to ask yourself this one question… “Who Am I?” And then listen. Don’t be afraid…this is the first step in becoming more self aware. Our goal here is to be better tomorrow than we are today. Take that first step…
“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.” — Marie Curie
