Beyond Ego: How Self-Awareness Drives Better Decision-Making & Stronger Teams
In leadership, there are very few things that are more powerful and more underrated than self-awareness. When you're tuned in to your values, potential biases, and emotional responses, you're better equipped to lead with intention. And in today’s fast-moving world, that kind of clarity is gold. Simply put, self-awareness in leadership isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a must.
Greek philosopher Socrates said it best: “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” For leaders thousands of years later, knowing yourself is also the basis for better decisions, stronger relationships, and a team that trusts and follows your lead. And - here’s a challenge: according to recent research cited by the Harvard Business Review, only 15% of people are sufficiently self-aware. So, how can you become part of the 15% who are? Read on!
Why Self-Awareness Matters (More Than Ever)
Leadership isn’t easy. When you’re the person that everyone looks up to, you’re the one who's having to make the tough calls, weigh all of the options (good and bad), and navigate conflicting priorities. When you’re grounded in your values and your non-negotiables, it gives you something solid to stand on. And that firm foundation is something we’re all looking for, right?
You will still face difficult choices (let’s face it - that’s life in the corporate world), but they become clearer when you are aligned with what truly matters to you. When your decisions are aligned and consistent, your team sees that. And that consistency builds credibility, one of the key ingredients for genuine engagement and trust. Check out more about the significance of self-awareness right here.
It Starts With YOU
Self-awareness isn’t just about being reflective. Self-awareness is also about listening to your body. When you’re facing a big decision, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:
Do I feel calm, or am I starting to feel anxious about this situation?
Is my energy settled or unsettled?
What’s at the root of that energy - what’s driving it?
Is my decision being driven by fear or ego? Or am I aligning with my values and sticking to who I truly am?
Your internal signals are worth paying attention to. The more you pause to attune and pay attention to your wise self, the more confident and grounded you become in your choices.
Connect Your Values and Your Decisions
Leaders whose values are clear demonstrate confidence. They can be counted on to make sound decisions, even when the pressure is on. Knowing what’s important to you can serve as a compass - your true north - when things seem complicated. Each year, we revisit our corporate values and, regularly, validate that our work and our time are aligned with our Nova values. If you’ve not yet taken the time to get clear on your values, we encourage you to take a quick peek at this Values-Based Decision Making resource from UC Davis.
The Ripple Effect on Your Team
When you have a good sense of what’s going on for you, it becomes easier to notice what others might be feeling too. Being self-aware helps you pick up on how someone else may be responding to the situation. Sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Self-aware leaders tend to show more empathy, which helps them support their team, be able to tell when someone’s not okay, and create space for honest conversations. And that’s what outstanding leadership is all about! When your team knows they can count on you to show up with consistency, clarity, and understanding, that’s when trust starts to grow.
Speaking of clarity, in a world that often feels like chaos, your presence can be the anchor. That’s why we encourage leaders to explore Clarity in the Chaos, our resource to help you pause, reflect, and realign. Because sometimes, the best way to move fast is to slow down first.
Key Takeaways: Beyond Ego
Self-awareness is your leadership superpower. When you understand your thoughts, values, and emotional responses, you make decisions with intention rather than reaction.
Listen to your internal compass. Before major decisions, pause and check in with yourself. Ask: Am I acting from fear or ego, or am I aligned with my true values? Your body is a powerful guide.
Know your values. Clarity on what’s most important and what your true non-negotiables can serve as a powerful foundation when things get shaky.
Self-awareness creates a ripple effect. When you understand yourself, you become better at reading and supporting your team, leading to stronger empathy and trust.
Consistency builds credibility. Teams follow leaders who show up with clarity and alignment between their values and actions.
Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about making thoughtful choices, staying grounded in your values, and being someone your team can rely on.
A Smarter Way to Lead
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. No one will ever have all the answers - and that’s 100% OK. Meaningful leadership is about making thoughtful choices, staying grounded in your values, and being someone your team can rely on. And that all starts with self-awareness. If you’re serious about improving team decision-making, developing your self-awareness is one of the smartest places to begin.
Our goal at Nova Leadership is to help our clients live their lives and lead with intention. We know that values, purpose, and integrity impact the business world: we help people find a way to integrate. Reach out today to get started!