Unleashing the Superpower of Self Awareness: Transforming Teams Through Inside Out Leadership
Written by Alexa Stafford
Certified Integral Coach
5th July 2024
Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible power of self-awareness? It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changing superpower for high-performing teams. In today’s fast-paced, stressful working environment, taking time out to reflect is not a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity!
Picture this: a team I recently worked with took a pause to dive into how their behaviors influence their team dynamics and overall success.
Background: The team faces challenges typical of many teams: lack of and miscommunication, conflicting priorities, friction among team members on a daily basis, and increased workloads.
My brief: To encourage this team to talk about and address the challenges they face! This was a very tall order considering the very limited time I had with them (and seriously it was limited!). It was going to be almost impossible to address all of their concerns and issues in a meaningful way.
My approach: To provide them with the gift of reflecting and becoming self-aware of their contribution to the conflict they were finding themselves in. Their workplace included lots of conflict, gossiping, blaming each other when things go wrong, not taking accountability or responsibility for their work, disengaging and making a lot of excuses for non-delivery of their targets – not that different from many of the other teams I have worked with. This resulted in high levels of stress and anxiety with many team members only focusing on the problems they are encountering on a daily basis and literally fire-fighting their way through the day.
The outcome: A taste of what is possible! Team members gifting themselves with insights into their own behaviours and their contribution to what is happening; as well as a commitment to working towards team excellence.
It is remarkable what can happen when we turn our gaze inwards and realise that we actively play a role in creating the dynamics and conflict so many of us find ourselves in. With insight, choice, determination and commitment we can shift gears into a new way of showing up. When we find ourselves operating in conflict we are closed, defensive and committed to being right. However, when we choose to show up differently we are open, curious and committed to learning. We shift to focusing on our outcomes and finding creative and innovative ways of achieving them.
Reflection and self-awareness is like the secret ingredient that can improve a team from good to great. It’s that secret ingredient that helps us understand ourselves better, our interactions with others, and the impact we have on our environment. When we embrace inside out leadership – the practice of looking within to lead effectively externally – we unlock a whole new level of being and performance.
So, why is reflection so powerful?
- The valuable insights we gain from reflecting on our behaviours is the cornerstone of personal growth and effective leadership. By understanding ourselves better, we can navigate challenges more adeptly, communicate more authentically, and build stronger relationships with our team members.
- Imagine a team where each member takes responsibility for their actions and actively seeks to understand how they contribute to the group dynamic. That’s the essence of inside out leadership. By encouraging individual reflection and creating a culture of openness and feedback, teams can create trust, empathy and collaboration. When team members are willing to look within, they can address conflicts constructively, learn from each other’s strengths, and work towards shared goals with synergy and purpose.
- Success is not just about hitting targets; it’s also about personal and professional development. When team members commit to continuous self-improvement through reflection, they create a culture of excellence and innovation. By identifying areas for growth, setting ambitious yet achievable outcomes, and providing support to each other, teams can increase their performance and achieve remarkable results.
Reflection is not just a buzzword or a passing trend; it’s a fundamental practice that can increase your team’s performance and drive positive change. Whether you’re leading a team or simply working alongside others, taking the time to look within can work wonders.
My invitation: I invite you to pause for a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- Where are you spending the majority of your time and energy? Is it on those things that you can control and influence, or is your time spent on things you cannot control?
- How do you show up when faced with a challenge? Are you closed, defensive and committed to being right? Or do you remain curious, open and committed to learning?
Let’s make a commitment to embrace inside out leadership – to explore the magic that happens when we turn our gaze inwards. Together, we can create high-performing teams that not only achieve success but also thrive, evolve, and inspire others along the way.
In conclusion: Remember, reflection is not a luxury – it’s a superpower. So, let’s unleash it, harness it, and watch as our teams soar to new heights of collaboration, innovation, and success. Here’s to the transformative power of looking within and shining brighter together. Let’s make magic happen!
Are you ready to unlock the superpower of reflection and transform your team? The journey starts with you!