In an era marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and complex challenges, the ability to tap into one’s best version as a leader is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This journey toward becoming a more effective leader starts with self-awareness. Self-aware leaders can manage themselves better, make sounder decisions, and build stronger, more cohesive teams.
In this article, I observe 3 key reasons why self-awareness is fundamental for leaders to tap into their better version and how it enhances their overall effectiveness.
- Better Decision-Making Through Emotional Regulation
Self-awareness allows leaders to regulate their emotions and make more informed, objective decisions. When leaders are in touch with their own emotions, they can distinguish between instinctive, emotionally charged reactions and rational, considered responses. According to a 2017 study by TalentSmart, emotional intelligence accounts for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, with self-awareness being the foundation of emotional intelligence. Leaders who can pause, reflect, and manage their emotions are less likely to make impulsive decisions that can derail progress.
Furthermore, a 2020 Korn Ferry report found that self-aware leaders are 79% more effective at making decisions during high-stress situations. This ability to remain composed under pressure not only improves decision-making but also boosts overall team morale, as leaders set the tone for how their teams handle challenges.
To share an example, consider a senior executive who often faced backlash for making snap decisions in board meetings. After working with an executive coach to enhance self-awareness, the leader began practicing mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, resulting in more thoughtful decision-making and improved outcomes. To add, in my work with senior leaders, I have often seen the transformation that comes when they develop self-awareness.
- Building Authentic Relationships and Fostering Trust
Self-awareness enhances leaders’ ability to build authentic relationships and foster trust within their teams. Leaders who understand their strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles can relate more effectively to others, leading to stronger, more transparent relationships. Research from Harvard Business Review (2018) indicates that 82% of employees say they would trust their leader more if they were more self-aware. Trust, in turn, is the cornerstone of effective teams and high-performing organisations.
Self-aware leaders are also more likely to own up to mistakes and show vulnerability—both of which are essential for building psychological safety. When team members feel safe to voice their opinions and take risks without fear of judgment, innovation flourishes. As Google’s Project Aristotle revealed in 2019, psychological safety was the most important factor in building effective teams.
Data Insight: A 2021 LinkedIn Learning Report highlighted that 75% of professionals believe leadership should embrace vulnerability and self-awareness to foster more productive workplace cultures.
To share an instance that I have been privy to (without disclosing details) , a CEO of a growing tech company was struggling with high turnover rates. Through self-awareness training, the CEO realised that a lack of open communication and feedback from the leadership team was creating a distrustful work environment. By actively listening and fostering a culture of transparency, the CEO turned the situation around, leading to increased retention and team engagement.
- Enhancing Leadership Agility and Adaptability
Self-awareness enables leaders to become more agile and adaptable in the face of change, which is essential in today’s fast-paced business environment. Leaders who know their strengths and limitations are more open to feedback, learning, and growth. This adaptability allows them to pivot more effectively when market dynamics shift, or unexpected challenges arise. A 2022 report by Deloitte emphasised that 94% of executives consider leadership agility critical for long-term success, but only 10% of leaders feel they are highly adaptable.
Moreover, leaders who practice self-awareness are more likely to engage in continuous learning and personal development, which prepares them for future challenges. By understanding how they react to different situations, they can adapt their leadership style to meet the needs of their team and organisation.
Data Insight: According to a McKinsey & Company report from 2021, organisations with agile leaders are 1.5 times more likely to outperform their competitors.
I recall, during the pandemic, a COO friend of mine, recognised that his micromanagement tendencies were hindering his team’s ability to pivot quickly and respond to market changes. Through increased self-awareness, he adopted a more hands-off approach, empowering his team to make faster decisions, which ultimately led to better business outcomes during a challenging time.
To conclude, I see the Self-Aware Leader as the Foundation for Growth as self-awareness is not just an added benefit for leaders—it is a crucial component of leadership success in today’s complex and fast-evolving business world. By fostering emotional regulation, building authentic relationships, and enhancing adaptability, leaders can tap into their best version, driving both personal and organisational growth. For C-suite executives, the journey toward greater self-awareness is a pathway to more effective, agile, and resilient leadership that will not only benefit them but also their teams and the wider organisation.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
Extending beyond academia; Ankoor has been honoured with the "CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE 2024" award by Passion Vista and recognized as the "MAN OF EXCELLENCE, 2024" by the prestigious Indian Achievers' Award. Additionally, he received the "LEADER 2.0 AWARD, 2023" from adgully and was named a "DIGITAL KAIZEN LEADER by DigiAdCon 2024”, Dr. Dasguupta's contributions to the field of marketing are widely acclaimed, marking him as an inspiring thought leader in his domain. Ankoor is also a member of IMA India’s CMO Forum.
Most recently Dr. Dasguupta has been selected and felicitated with the national level award -Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Inspiration Award 2024 in the category Youth Icon of the Year.
Dr. Dasguupta is a key member of the esteemed International CMO Council and keeps delivering lectures at top Business Schools and also colleges at University of Delhi. As an industry expert, Ankoor has also been a member of the interview panel at MICA for their PGP Group Exercise & Personal Interview PI process for PGDM-C/PGDM selection for two consecutive years. Dr. Dasguupta is also on the Advisory Board of the Marketing Department at ISBR Business School, Bangalore. Recognized by DMA Asia as a marketing Ace, Dr. Dasguupta is a LinkedIn Top Voice, advocate of social impact, driven by kaizen, Ankoor believes in the power of Energy and Energize
Dr. Ankoor is practicing his PCC (Level 2) coaching from the gold standard International Coaching Federation [ICF]. He is a people's person and has worked across functions in senior leadership positions in marketing, advertising, media & communication with a pedigree of 24 years and ongoing exciting journey. Trained from Dale Carnegie in Mentoring to Develop Talent, Ankoor is a marketing practitioner, a coach, a knowledge manager, a team builder, a thought-leader, an avid writer with close to 100 published articles / interviews and is a Thought Leader. Dr.Ankoor wears the hat of a CMO as well. His leisure pursuits are reading, effective listening and percussion. Follow Dr. Ankoor Dasguupta on LinkedIn| https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankoordasguupta/
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