According to a Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council survey, self-awareness is the most critical attribute for leaders to develop.
A 2016 survey by the Harvard Business Review found that while 95% of leaders believed they were self-aware, only 10-15% of their employees agreed.
There are many reasons for the disparity between the self-perception of leaders and how their employees perceive their level of self-awareness, but the following are the 5 main culprits:
Blind spots: Leaders may have blind spots and be unaware of how their behaviors and actions impact their employees.
Lack of feedback: Employees may not provide candid feedback to their leaders due to fear of retribution or lack of opportunity.
Power distance: The power dynamic between leaders and employees can create a barrier to honest communication, making it difficult for leaders to receive accurate feedback.
Confirmation bias: Leaders may have a confirmation bias, seeking feedback that confirms their beliefs about themselves rather than seeking feedback that challenges their assumptions.
Perception of vulnerability: Leaders may perceive being vulnerable or admitting weaknesses as a sign of weakness, making it difficult for them to acknowledge areas where they need to improve.
So, how can leaders narrow this gap, receive feedback as a gift, and increase their self-awareness?
Create good intent: Remember that the feedback giver doesn’t intend to hurt you. Instead, approach the feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Acknowledge your actions: Take responsibility for your behavior and create a plan to improve. Being intentional can help you recognize the impact of your activities on others and take steps to change.
Break down emotions: Identify the feelings involved in the feedback and associate a behavior with the emotion. For example, “I feel frustrated when you interrupt me during meetings.”
Ask “what else” and say “thank you”: Encourage more feedback by asking for additional insights and expressing gratitude for the feedback you receive.
By implementing these strategies and monitoring key areas, franchise owners can increase their self-awareness and become better leaders, positively impacting their teams and organization.
Remember, self-awareness is a journey that requires practice and effort to develop.
Franchise owners take their leadership to a new level with regular 360 checks, and incorporating the feedback into your dashboard helps you create trust and engagement with your staff, clients, and peers.
