When you possess self-awareness you’re able to practice effective communication because you’re cognizant of how you come across to people. Leaders who don’t understand their own behavior, and how they’re perceived by others, create communication glitches like misunderstandings or hurt feelings. Here are some examples of the connection between self-awareness and effective communication:
- Self-awareness means that you know how your thoughts, emotions and behaviors affect others and you’re able to manage yourself so that the other person is an important part of the conversation.
- Self-awareness helps you be more comfortable with yourself so you can relate to others with genuine confidence and kindness.
- Self-awareness allows you to get out of the way and let people tell you what’s important to them without letting your stuff complicate the interaction.
- Self-awareness gives you the ability to shift from always having to talk (the result of ego) to listening to people instead.
- Self-awareness helps you communicate with others on a deeper level because you make them feel valued and important.
- Self-awareness helps you understand how others see you and how you can adapt to make more meaningful connections and build stronger relationships.
- Self-awareness helps you collaborate with others.
Many leaders burst into the room and start talking when all they really need to do is relax a bit and listen. Effective communication means that you understand how not to get in the way of meaningful conversations. Self-aware leaders understand that there’s more than one person in the room and that everyone’s input matters. How will you use self-awareness to practice effective communication?
Cheers,
Guy