Practice selfreflection and self-awareness from "summary" of The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
One of the most powerful tools you can use as a leader or coach is self-reflection and self-awareness. It's all about taking the time to pause and look inward, to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This practice allows you to see yourself more clearly, to recognize your biases and blind spots, and to make better decisions as a result. When you practice self-reflection and self-awareness, you become more attuned to your own patterns of behavior. You start to notice when you're reacting out of habit or when you're letting your emotions cloud your judgment. This awareness gives you the opportunity to pause and consider your actions more thoughtfully, rather than simply reacting impulsively. Self-reflection also helps you to understand your values and beliefs more deeply. It allows you to align your actions with your core principles, ensuring that you are living and leading with integrity. By regularly checking in with yourself and asking tough questions, you can ensure that you are staying true to who you are and what you stand for. Moreover, self-awareness allows you to see how your actions impact others. When you take the time to reflect on your interactions with colleagues, friends, and family members, you can gain insights into how your behavior is perceived and how it affects those around you. This awareness can help you to build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and lead with empathy and compassion.- Practicing self-reflection and self-awareness is an ongoing journey of discovery and growth. It requires humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about yourself. But the rewards are immense - better decision-making, stronger relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. So take the time to look inward, to listen to yourself, and to learn from what you discover. Your leadership and coaching will be all the more impactful as a result.
