Cultivating Your Self Awareness

In this episode of the Psych in Business podcast, your host, Dr. Ernest Wayde, delves into the critical importance of self-awareness in effective leadership. Dr. Wayde begins by emphasizing the foundational role of self-awareness in authentic leadership, drawing from the wisdom of Socrates, who famously stated, "know thyself."

He explores the multifaceted aspects of self-awareness, categorizing it into internal and external dimensions. Internal self-awareness involves understanding one's values, passions, and aspirations, while external self-awareness entails perceiving how others view and experience the leader.

Dr. Wayde shares compelling research findings indicating that individuals with high self-awareness exhibit increased confidence, creativity, and decision-making capabilities. They foster stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and contribute to the success of their organizations. On the contrary, leaders with low self-awareness often contribute to toxic work environments and engage in destructive leadership behaviors.

The episode further dissects the challenges associated with achieving self-awareness, emphasizing the rarity of full self-awareness, with only 10-15% of individuals meeting the criteria. Dr. Wayde navigates through the complexities of self-understanding and self-awareness, referencing the American Psychological Association's definitions.

He introduces the two levels of self-awareness: internal and external. Internal self-awareness involves a deep understanding of one's values, motivations, and behaviors, while external self-awareness involves perceiving how others perceive and experience the leader.

Practical strategies for enhancing self-awareness are explored, including introspection, seeking professional help, soliciting feedback, and keen observation of others' responses. Dr. Wayde encourages leaders to reflect on their actions, seek external perspectives, and build a comprehensive understanding of themselves to cultivate effective leadership.

As the episode concludes, listeners are prompted to assess their own self-awareness, pondering how well they comprehend their attitudes, motives, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. The importance of seeking external feedback and building external self-awareness is underscored as a key element in the journey toward becoming a more aware and impactful leader.

You can visit his business website at: https://www.waydeconsulting.com/