Decision Making and Self-awareness

In today’s ever changing economy and fast paced lifestyles it might seem difficult to find time to think about who we are as individuals. This includes what our strengths and weaknesses, our drives and personalities, and our habits and values are. This is because many individuals are just not inclined to spend large amounts of time on self-reflection. Even when personal feedback is presented to us, we are not always open to it, because honest feedback is not always flattering. Consequently, many individuals have a considerably low level of self-awareness concerning one’s self. This is unfortunate due to the fact that self-awareness is an essential first step toward maximizing management skills. Self-awareness can improve one’s judgment and help them to identify opportunities for professional development. Self-awareness involves developing an understanding of many dimensions of the individuality of an individual. Self-knowledge provides an essential foundation for general personal mastery as well as other personal management skills such as setting goals and priorities, and managing time and stress. Philosophers have long since recognized that knowing thyself may involve distinguishing between what you are thought to be versus what you actually are. This observation suggests that the perceived self-concepts of an individual may be either positively or negatively biased, from their actual self-concept. However, once self-concepts are formed, individuals tend to avoid new knowledge that does not fit within their self-view. This is typically achieved through feedback from family, friends, and coworkers. Fear, shame, or other emotions may prevent an individual’s ability to develop an honest and accurate awareness of who they are as a person (Williams, 2003). Human beings are complex and diverse creatures and therefore, to become more self-aware, every individual person should develop an understanding of themselves in many areas. There are five major key areas for

Cited: Jeanne Segal, P. a. (2013, January). HelpGuide.org. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Emotional Intelligence: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/eq5_raising_emotional_intelligence.htm Ross, A. (2011, April 12). Leadership Coaching - Five Areas of Self-Awareness. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from Keys to Growth When Revenue Matters: http://www.keystogrowth.com/thoughts/2011/4/12/leadership-coaching-5-keys-areas-of-self-awareness.html Williams, b. D. (2003, December 11). Self Awareness and Personal Development. Retrieved February 10, 2013, from LeaderLetter: http://www.wright.edu/~scott.williams/LeaderLetter/selfawareness.htm#top