Self-Understanding Key to Building Trust, Clarity, and Credibility in Leadership
A growing body of research suggests that self-understanding is a critical component of effective leadership, with the ability to manage oneself being a precursor to successfully managing others. According to Margaret C. Andrews, author of "Manage Yourself to Lead Others," leaders who prioritize self-awareness are more likely to build trust, clarity, and credibility within their organizations.
Andrews' book challenges the conventional wisdom that leadership begins with managing others, instead arguing that it starts with managing oneself. Through her work as an executive educator and coach, Andrews has observed how blind spots, emotional habits, and misaligned intentions can quietly shape leadership outcomes. "Self-indulgence is the opposite of self-understanding," she notes. "While self-indulgence is about excessive focus on gratification of our own appetites or desires, self-understanding is about clarity regarding who we are and what we want, as well as understanding how our behaviors affect others."
Andrews' research suggests that leaders who prioritize self-understanding tend to outperform their peers in terms of leadership effectiveness. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that leaders who demonstrated high levels of emotional intelligence were more likely to achieve their goals and build strong relationships with their teams.
The economic impact of effective leadership cannot be overstated. According to a report by the Harvard Business Review, companies with highly effective leaders tend to outperform those with less effective leaders in terms of stock price growth and employee engagement. "When leaders understand themselves, they are better equipped to make informed decisions that drive business results," says Andrews.
Andrews' approach to leadership development emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection. She encourages leaders to engage in regular self-assessment, seeking feedback from others and using it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. "Self-understanding is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment," she notes.
While Andrews' approach may seem counterintuitive to some, her research suggests that it is a critical component of effective leadership. As the business landscape continues to evolve, leaders who prioritize self-understanding are likely to be better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.
Background
The concept of self-understanding in leadership has been gaining traction in recent years, with many organizations recognizing its importance in driving business results. According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 75% of HR professionals believe that self-awareness is essential for effective leadership.
Additional Perspectives
While Andrews' approach may be seen as radical by some, others argue that it is long overdue. "For too long, we've been focusing on developing leaders who can manage others, rather than those who can manage themselves," says John Maxwell, author of "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." "Andrews' book is a much-needed wake-up call for leaders who are looking to build trust, clarity, and credibility within their organizations."
Current Status and Next Developments
As the business landscape continues to evolve, Andrews' approach to leadership development is likely to gain even more traction. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, leaders will need to be more self-aware than ever in order to navigate the challenges ahead. As Andrews notes, "Self-understanding is not a luxury, but a necessity for effective leadership in today's fast-paced business environment."
*Reporting by Forbes.*
