This article was based on the interview with Kelsey Bishop of Candor by Greg Kihlström for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Self-awareness is a key component of high performance and personal growth. In the podcast transcript, the importance of self-awareness for high performance is discussed, highlighting its benefits for both individuals and teams.
The podcast begins by emphasizing the significance of self-awareness for high growth and high-performance individuals. It is stated that self-awareness is essential for individuals to understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and set goals to achieve their desired outcomes. By being self-aware, individuals can leverage their strengths and seek support from their teammates to reach their goals.
Moreover, the podcast emphasizes that a culture of self-awareness within a team can lead to several benefits. When individuals take ownership of their personal growth journey, it reduces the need for managers to spend excessive time coaching and managing performance. This shared accountability for growth creates a collaborative environment where everyone is working together to improve. Peer feedback becomes an integral part of the growth process, and there is a sense of openness and trust within the team. This shared accountability and motivation from peers can be more effective in driving performance than top-down management.
However, the podcast also acknowledges that the adoption of self-awareness and growth mindset can vary among individuals and teams. It can be influenced by personality traits and the team’s current culture. Some individuals may naturally gravitate towards self-awareness, while others may require a safe and supportive environment to embrace it fully. Therefore, creating a culture that values and encourages self-awareness is crucial for its widespread adoption within a team.
The podcast suggests that leaders play a vital role in fostering a culture of self-awareness. While leaders may initially prioritize product performance and growth, they should also prioritize creating a good culture. This requires intentional efforts, such as conducting values exercises with the team to define and align on shared values. When everyone agrees on a set of values, it becomes easier to recognize and address behaviors that align or deviate from those values. This shared understanding of values empowers everyone in the team to hold each other accountable and contribute to a positive work environment.
The podcast highlights the importance of self-awareness for high performance and growth. It emphasizes that self-awareness enables individuals to understand their strengths and weaknesses, seek growth opportunities, and work towards continuous improvement. Additionally, a culture of self-awareness within a team fosters accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Leaders play a crucial role in creating this culture by prioritizing values exercises and intentionally focusing on building a positive work environment. Ultimately, a culture of self-awareness and growth leads to increased job satisfaction, engagement, and high performance within teams.
