Too often overlooked in strategic leadership conversations, self-awareness remains one of the most powerful and necessary foundations for sustainable leadership. In her article published by Humance, Ève-Marie Poulin highlights how the ability to observe, adjust, and understand one’s impact is key to leading with alignment, clarity, and consistency.
A counter-intuitive reflex—but a critical one
In fast-paced environments, taking time to reflect on your own behaviour can feel like a luxury. And yet, it’s precisely in moments of pressure and urgency that self-awareness becomes a core tool for regulation and leadership presence.
Beware of the lucidity illusion: research shows that while 95% of people believe they know themselves well, only 10–15% demonstrate true self-awareness (Eurich, 2017). This gap can lead to critical blind spots in decision-making, communication, and team management.
A leadership style rooted in alignment
Authentic leadership is not about charisma or rhetoric—it’s about how your words, actions, and decisions align. The article offers examples of leaders who value relationships but fail to demonstrate it in practice, creating mixed signals. Awareness of this type of disconnect is the first step toward intentional adjustment and more coherent leadership.
How to develop self-awareness in practice
Developing self-awareness isn’t about sudden transformation—it’s about consistent, intentional habits, such as:
- Reflective observation: taking time daily to reflect on your interactions and emotions
- Structured feedback: using tools like a 360 assessment to uncover blind spots
- External support: engaging with a coach or mentor, or carrying out a psychometric assessment for deeper insight
A daily practice with long-term impact
Self-awareness is an ongoing practice. To build this muscle, the article suggests asking yourself simple but powerful questions:
What impact do I want to have?
Was my behaviour consistent with my intentions?
Ultimately, leading with self-awareness means starting from within—aligning your behaviour with your values and your role to foster trust, clarity, and long-term effectiveness.
Read the full article by Humance
👉 Self-awareness: an essential driver of leadership
Summary based on the article “Self-awareness: an essential driver of leadership” by Ève-Marie Poulin, published by Humance.