Self-Awareness: Know thyself to improve decision-making

In our fast-paced world, decision-making plays a crucial role in shaping our personal and professional lives. However, making effective decisions requires more than just logical reasoning or a sharp intellect. It demands a profound understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This is where self-awareness and external self-awareness come into play. In this blog, we will explore the importance of these two forms of awareness in decision-making and provide practical strategies to enhance them.

What is the difference between self-awareness, self-conscious and self-knowledge?

According to Carden et al. (2022):

Self-awareness refers to how much we are consciously aware of our internal states and our interactions with others. It involves being attuned to our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, as well as recognizing how we interacts with others. Self-awareness focuses on understanding ourselves and gaining insight into our own experiences and actions. Or simply, it is “the ability to see ourselves clearly – to understand who we are, how others see us, and how we fit into the world around us” (Eurich. 2017).

Self-awareness is necessary for us to represent ourselves in social interaction and lays the foundation for the recognition of our social emotions such as embarrassment, pride and shame, which are triggered by how we evaluate ourselves in the presence of others (Meltzoff & Prinz. 2002). 

Self-consciousness is one component of self-awareness. It refers to the awareness of ourselves as an object that others can observe or evaluate. It involves being conscious of how we are perceived by others and being concerned about our image or reputation. Self-consciousness often arises in social situations and can impact our behaviour and self-presentation.

Self-knowledge is perceived as an output of self-awareness. It refers to having a deeper understanding of ourselves, including our values, beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Self-knowledge is gained through self-reflection, self-assessment, and introspection. It involves knowing ourselves on a more profound level and having insight into our own identity and characteristics.

External Self-Awareness is understanding how others perceive us and our actions. This is something that can derail your career if you don’t get it right. As you climb higher up the corporate ladder, less people will have the courage to tell you the truth for fear of their own downfall.  

The importance of Self-Awareness and External Self-Awareness in Decision-Making

1. Self-Awareness

   Self-awareness is the foundation of effective decision-making. When we understand our own emotions, values, strengths, and weaknesses, we gain clarity about what truly matters to us. This self-insight empowers us to align our decisions with our authentic selves, leading to greater satisfaction and fulfilment.

2. Identification of patterns and triggers

   Paying attention to internal experiences helps us identify patterns in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. We can recognize recurring patterns that may be hindering our personal or professional growth. Additionally, being attuned to external relationships allows us to identify triggers or situations that impact our reactions, behaviours, strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs, leading to a better understanding of ourselves and our motivations. 

3. Empathy and perspective-taking

   Developing self-awareness involves understanding how our actions and words affect others. By being attuned to external relationships (external self-awareness), we can gauge how our actions are being perceived by others which helps to empathise with others, consider different perspectives, and recognise the impact of our behaviour on others. This fosters better interpersonal relationships and effective communication.

Practical Strategies to Enhance Self-Awareness and Other-Awareness

Self-Awareness Strategies

• Reflection and introspection

  Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Engage in activities like journaling or meditation to deepen your self-understanding.

• Seek feedback

  Ask trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues for honest feedback about your strengths and areas for growth. This person must be a loving critic, someone who will be honest with you while still having your best interest at heart, someone who has substantial experience with the behaviour in question and a precise understanding of what constitutes success (Eurich, 2017). This external perspective can provide valuable insights into your blind spots.

• Emotional intelligence development

  Develop your emotional intelligence by recognising and managing your emotions effectively to enhance your self-awareness and improve your decision-making skills:

• Practice techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in activities that help you calm down and regain control during moments of heightened emotions. By managing your own emotions, you can make decisions with a clear and rational mindset.

• Cultivate empathy by actively listening and trying to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Seek to understand their perspectives, experiences, and emotions. This empathy allows you to consider different viewpoints and make decisions that take into account the needs and feelings of others.

• Develop your social awareness by paying attention to nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. This awareness helps you understand the emotions and dynamics of those around you. It enables you to respond appropriately and build stronger relationships based on empathy and understanding.

• Practice expressing your emotions clearly and assertively while also being receptive to the emotions of others. Develop active listening skills to fully understand the emotions and messages being conveyed.

External Self-Awareness Strategies

• Active listening

  Practice active listening by paying attention to others' perspectives and emotions. Show empathy and seek to understand their needs and concerns.

• Seek diverse viewpoints

  Surround yourself with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Engaging in meaningful conversations and seeking differing opinions can broaden your external awareness.

• Stay informed

• Stay updated on current events, industry trends, and social issues. This knowledge will equip you with a broader understanding of the external factors influencing your decisions.

Real-Life Example of Incongruent Self-Awareness and External-Awareness

Let's consider the example of Sarah, a highly competent employee who believes she deserves a promotion due to her exceptional performance. However, Sarah fails to recognize that she hasn't effectively communicated her competencies to others, leading to a lack of external validation. This mismatch between her self-awareness and external-awareness can result in bitterness, disappointment, and even anger. It highlights the importance of aligning self-perception with external recognition for career growth and personal satisfaction.

Impact of Improved Awareness on Personal and Professional Relationships

• Enhanced empathy

  Increased self-awareness and external-awareness foster empathy, allowing us to understand and relate to others' experiences and emotions more effectively.

• Effective communication

  Awareness enables us to communicate our thoughts, needs, and boundaries clearly. It also helps us interpret others' nonverbal cues, leading to better communication and stronger relationships.

• Conflict resolution

  By understanding our own triggers and biases, as well as appreciating different perspectives, we can navigate conflicts with greater empathy and find mutually beneficial solutions.

Final thoughts…

Self-awareness and external-awareness are essential elements in elevating decision-making. By cultivating these forms of awareness, we can align our choices with our true selves, consider a wider range of perspectives, and build meaningful relationships. So, let's embark on this journey of awareness and unlock our potential for better decision-making.

References:

Carden, J., Jones, R.J., & Passmore, J. (2022). Defining Self-Awareness in the Context of Adult

Development: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Management Education. Vol. 46(1).

Eurich, T. (2017). Insight: The Surprising Truth About How Others See Us, How We See Ourselves, and Why the Answers Matter More Than We Think.

Meltzoff, A., & Prinz, W. (Eds.). (2002). The Imitative Mind: Development, Evolution and Brain Bases (Cambridge Studies in Cognitive and Perceptual Development). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

The Power of Intentions: Understanding the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Have you ever wondered why you make the decisions you do? Whether it's choosing what to eat, how to spend your money, or even what dreams to pursue - there's a psychological theory that can explain some of these behaviours. It's called the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and it explores the core components that shape our intentions and ensuing actions. In this blog, we'll have a look at this theory, discuss its relevance in decision-making, provide practical examples, and give you some strategies to leverage the power of intentions in your own life.

What is the Theory of Planned Behaviour?

The Theory of Planned Behaviour suggests that an individual's behavioural intentions are determined by three core components: attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. These factors work together to influence our choices and actions.

1. Attitude

   Shaping our beliefs and preferences attitude refers to our personal evaluation of a behaviour, reflecting whether we view it as positive or negative. It encompasses our beliefs, values, and emotions associated with a specific action. By understanding and aligning our attitudes, we can better shape our intentions and drive ourselves towards desired outcomes.

   As an example, let's say you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you develop a positive attitude towards exercise and healthy eating by focusing on the benefits they bring, such as increased energy and improved well-being, you're more likely to have the intention to engage in these behaviours. On the other hand, if you approach it as an obligation, as effortful and a sweaty mess then you’re most likely not going to keep at it.

2. Subjective Norms

   Subjective norms involve the influence of our social environment on our behavioural intentions. They form our perceptions of what others think we should do in certain situations and the importance we attach our actions to their opinions. Understanding subjective norms helps us navigate the social pressures and expectations that can impact our decision-making.

   For example, imagine you're considering starting your own business. If your family and friends express their support and belief in your abilities, it strengthens your subjective norms and boosts your intention to take the entrepreneurial leap.

3. Perceived Behavioural Control

   Empowering perceived behavioural control refers to our beliefs about the ease or difficulty of performing a particular behaviour. It takes into consideration the external factors and our confidence in our own abilities to overcome challenges or obstacles. By enhancing our sense of (perceived) control, we also increase our intentions to take action.

   For example, let's say you want to learn a musical instrument. If you believe that you have the necessary resources, time, and skills to practice consistently and overcome challenges along the way, you will feel that you have high control over your behaviour and actions, leading to stronger intentions to pursue your musical aspirations.

Practical Strategies for Leveraging the Theory of Planned Behaviour

• Clearly define your goals and intentions.

• Assess and align your attitudes by focusing on the positive aspects of the desired behaviour.

• Surround yourself with a supportive social network that encourages and reinforces your intentions.

• Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps to enhance perceived behavioural control.

• Seek out role models or mentors who embody the behaviours you aspire to adopt.

Final Thoughts…

Understanding the Theory of Planned Behaviour empowers us to make intentional choices and navigate the complex web of decision-making. By aligning our attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, we can shape our intentions and push ourselves towards personal and professional success as every intention moves us one step closer to taking action.

Take a moment to reflect on a behavioural or goal you want to achieve. Identify your attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control related to that behavioural, and commit to taking the necessary steps to align them. Remember, small changes can lead to remarkable transformations.

References:

• Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavioural. Organizational Behavioural and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179-211.

• Sheeran, P. (2002). Intention-behavioural relations: A conceptual and empirical review. European Review of Social Psychology, 12(1), 1-36.