Even though self-awareness — knowing who we are and how we’re seen — is important for job performance, career success, and leadership effectiveness, it’s in remarkably short supply in today’s workplace. In our nearly five-year research program on the subject, we’ve discovered that although 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10 to 15% actually are.
Working with People Who Aren’t Self-Aware
They can cut a team’s chances of success in half.
October 19, 2018
Summary.
Even though self-awareness—knowing who we are and how we’re seen—is important for job performance, career success, and leadership effectiveness, it’s in remarkably short supply in today’s workplace. Researchers have found that although 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10 to 15% actually are. Un-self-aware colleagues aren’t just frustrating; they can cut a team’s chances of success in half and lead to increased stress, decreased motivation, and higher turnover. So how do we deal with these situations? Is it possible to help the unaware see themselves more clearly? And if we can’t, what can we do to minimize their damage on our success and happiness?
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New!
HBR Learning
Difficult Interactions Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Difficult Interactions. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.