Be Aware of How Your Behavior Affects Others

#2, April 8, 2008

When leading a group of people, large or small, it is important to have a clear understanding of how your behavior is perceived by the people who report to you. Continually building your own self-awareness will increase your effectiveness as a leader, and the respect your team members have for you.

Take time out at the end of each day to think about how people have responded to you in the interactions you've had:

  • Were they listening to what you said?
  • Did anyone appear to be impatient with you?
  • Did they go silent on you or back off?
These behavioral cues tell you whether your leadership approach is working, or if it needs to be adapted. But to recognize these cues, you have to be looking for them.

It may not register for you immediately that someone has stopped listening to you or that they are getting impatient, because your mind is focused on your own agenda. That is why some reflection time at the end of each day is so valuable so you can learn from the interactions you've had that day.

You will know your self-awareness is increasing when you:

  • Hear yourself making comments about your own behavior, such as: "I think I may be talking too much..." or "I may have been a little abrupt with my response..."
  • Accept and acknowledge feedback about things you have said or done without reacting defensively or justifying your behavior
  • Are willing to apologize when you recognize your behavior has been inappropriate
  • Ask for feedback when you think your behavior is being perceived as inappropriate
Keep reading our Weekly Leadership Tips for ways you can create a work environment where all team members are engaged, committed to your organization, and passionate about doing a great job every time.

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© 2007 Keith Ayers. All rights reserved.

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