According to Juliette Han, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, the key to success in the workplace and even becoming a millionaire before retirement isn’t necessarily confidence, organization, or problem-solving prowess. Instead, the crucial skill is self-awareness.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, self-awareness is not merely about understanding one’s emotions and flaws. It also involves recognizing and leveraging one’s strengths in alignment with their goals. Research indicates that developing self-awareness has numerous benefits, including enhanced creativity, better decision-making, improved communication, and stronger relationships. Despite its significance, self-awareness remains an underrated skill that successful individuals employ to advance in their careers.
For those seeking to cultivate greater self-awareness and identify their strengths, here are three valuable tips:
Reflect on your interests and skills
Two crucial questions that you should constantly ask yourself at work, whether you are beginning a new job or experiencing burnout, are: “What are you skilled at?” and “What do you genuinely enjoy doing?” According to Juliette Han, answering these questions is essential.
For instance, consider whether you find joy in leading a team or diving into data analysis. By knowing the answers, you can pinpoint the tasks that you don’t mind repeating. Once you have a clear understanding of your strengths and the job responsibilities that bring you fulfillment, you can devise a plan to enhance your skills and concentrate on projects and tasks that genuinely excite you.
Ask for feedback from your manager and co-workers
During your next interaction with your boss or a colleague, try posing this question: “Can you recall a specific instance when I was instrumental in your work?” Juliette Han suggests that their response will offer valuable insights into your own qualities, the impact you have on your colleagues, and how you are perceived by others.
These conversations can be a valuable opportunity to identify areas for skill improvement as well. For instance, if a colleague highlights a time when your multitasking abilities played a crucial role in a significant project, and you don’t often utilize this skill, it may prompt you to consider practicing and honing that particular skill.
Juliette Han herself asked her close friends to describe her in three words, and she noticed that “funny” was a recurring theme in their responses. Realizing that her sense of humor not only made her a good friend but also contributed to being a more empathetic and approachable manager, she grasped the importance of recognizing her strengths through the eyes of others.
In summary, seeking feedback from others can reveal hidden strengths and provide valuable guidance on areas for improvement, leading to personal and professional growth.
Set goals and track your progress
Once you have identified the skills you wish to enhance or integrate into your work, the next step is to establish clear goals and monitor your progress. This approach not only keeps you motivated but also enhances your overall efficiency.
Juliette Han emphasizes that developing self-awareness is a gradual process, and the results may not be immediately apparent. However, the investment in this skill yields significant rewards.
As Han puts it, possessing exceptional technical abilities and charisma is not enough if you lack self-awareness. Being unaware of how you present yourself and interact with others can hinder your ability to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and foster the friendships necessary for genuine success in your career. Recognizing and honing your self-awareness, on the other hand, can lead to meaningful personal and professional growth.
Source: cnbc.com