Knowing yourself: why self-awareness matters at work

Leaders who understand their own reactions make calmer decisions and give clearer direction. They can tell the difference between a real problem and a bad morning.

Self-awareness is a practice, not a personality trait. Small habits, like naming a feeling before a hard conversation, build it over time.

Three things to try

• Name what you are feeling before your next difficult conversation.
• Ask one trusted colleague what you do when you are stressed.
• End each week by writing down one moment you handled well and why.