Part 1 in a Series on Essentials of Modern Leadership
Benjamin Franklin, one of the more extraordinarily versatile and prolific figures of our great country, wrote this for the 1750 publication of his Poor Richard鈥檚 Almanack: 鈥淭here are three Things extremely hard: Steel, a Diamond, and to know one鈥檚 self.鈥�
It鈥檚 undeniable that 鈥渢o know one鈥檚 self鈥� means different things to different people. I like to think self-awareness means honest, frequent assessment of the traits that define our character. I do know that more than 250 years after Franklin weighed in on knowing one鈥檚 self, it remains true that self-awareness is essential to good leadership.
It鈥檚 About Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Let鈥檚 assume that you鈥檝e attained a position of leadership through hard work, experience, and an elevated knowledge of your trade. As a result, you鈥檙e entrusted with the authority to positively motivate personnel and shape decisions.
Let鈥檚 further assume that you have a natural talent for organization but at heart are an introvert. Now let鈥檚 say isn鈥檛 your strong suit. As a result, you鈥檝e never realized you鈥檙e a natural when it comes to organization or that there鈥檚 a professional downside to you finding it a little intimidating to interact frequently with others.
If those final assumptions are fact, your path to management hasn鈥檛 included a conscientious analysis of your strengths, weaknesses, or actions.
You probably have a pretty good idea of where you excel and the qualities that make you a confident manager. You should know that failure to identify and face limitations can produce feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
Bottom line: However awkward it may be, a comprehensive evaluation of and increases self-awareness and, ultimately, serves you well.
Maximize Your Strengths; Minimize Your Weaknesses
Essentially, there are two ways to undertake a leadership role:
- Concentrate on your strengths and maximize them so you can fulfill your managerial responsibilities.
- Or address and correct any self-evident weaknesses that keep you from executing your tasks more effectively.
Self-Awareness Is a Study in Success
Benjamin Franklin was right. Self-knowledge isn鈥檛 an easy proposition. And it鈥檚 not just an esoteric concept spouted by philosophers; it鈥檚 a life-enriching pursuit.
Here鈥檚 my three-part takeaway on how Poor Richard鈥檚 Almanack is relevant to your career:
- Achievements that are worthwhile will always require some hard work. (鈥淣o gains without pains,鈥� Poor Richard鈥檚 Almanack, 1745)
- When we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses, we can navigate our professional environment more effectively.
- Our ability to relate to and connect with others is rooted in how we understand and value ourselves.
Self-Awareness and Continuing Education Are Driving Forces
Regardless of style, good managers take their strengths and weaknesses into account when assessing their successes and failures, and continuing education is a vital part of maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses.
The 91社区 knows that advancing your management skills means building on your strengths and addressing your weaknesses. The university鈥檚 professional development programs help push the self-awareness Franklin was so keen on.
To learn more about USF鈥檚 dedication to interacting with professionals and advancing careers, explore the university鈥檚 Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education or contact us.