Self-awareness gets plenty of attention, yet many leaders only skim the surface. We tick a box in a 360 review, take a personality test, and move on. Deep, honest introspection is rare. It’s also what separates leaders who get by from those who lead with clarity and consistency.
Who you are shapes everything you do. That understanding begins by looking in the mirror with intention. It’s more than asking, “How am I performing?” It’s asking, “Why do I react this way? What’s driving me right now? Am I willing to see my blind spots before pointing out someone else’s?”
Picture an iceberg. Above the waterline is what the world sees: your title, your results, the polished version of you. Below the waterline is what matters most, including your fears, assumptions, intentions, and the wounds you haven’t faced. This is the territory where deeper change begins to form.
My biggest leadership missteps didn’t come from lacking answers. They happened when I ran on autopilot, let bias go unchecked, or failed to pause and examine my motives. As Scott Peck wrote in The Road Less Traveled, “The journey of spiritual growth is a lonely one.” It’s not a warning. It’s an invitation to do the work.
Start small. Set aside time to check in with yourself. Ask for feedback from people who will tell you the truth, not just those who agree with you. Use tools like StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs, or Working Genius if they help. But don’t avoid the harder questions only you can answer. Am I showing up the way I intend? What am I avoiding? Healthy leaders stay curious about their own inner life.
If you want to understand others and build a sustainable culture, begin with the disciplined, humble work of knowing yourself first.
For the people,
Leland
Powerful food for thought. Also can be a very difficult but fulfilling growth opportunity.