Describe Self-Awareness as Essential in Leadership
Answer 3 questions.
1 It is said that leaders do not fail from poor IQ, but from lack of self-awareness of their emotional intelligence. There have been many studies done trying to define successful leadership skills. But in this author's belief, he feels that successful leaders come from understanding themselves – their strength and weaknesses. Also what their past experiences have taught them so they will know how they will function and act in different situations. Do you see any validity in this description of leadership self awareness?
2 One of the newer tools for evaluations of managers and leaders involves a 360 degree evaluation. This uses a questionnaire type of tool that seeks to obtain feedback from all levels of people who work with the person. It includes peers, subordinates and superiors. Studies show that leaders, who use this tool, are really much more realistically aware of their leadership abilities – both strengths and weaknesses. They are thus more willing to work proactively to improve. Can you see how this 360 degree evaluation process can have both beneficial and negative effects?
3 Self-awareness can be one of the strongest predictors of overall success for an organizational leader. An effective leader is one who has a self-awareness of their own strengths and their weaknesses. Even more so, what makes them effective is that they are often better able to hire staff that can perform well in areas in which the leader lacks acumen. Also, then the leader is more likely to listen to ideas from others because he has employed to support him in his weaker areas. Is it wise for a leader to identify and let it be known he has weaker areas in his leadership skills?