Our success in business depends on understanding who we are and how we come across to our bosses, clients, customers, employees, and peers.

Self-acceptance (also called self-compassion by some researchers) means understanding our objective reality and choosing to like ourselves anyway.

If you have trouble with this (as I do sometimes), try treating yourself like you'd treat a friend.

Leaders often believe they must provide all the answers to gain trust and appear competent. However, this mindset can erode trust, especially in uncertain times.

Instead, effective leaders should embrace the power of asking questions.

To be a high performing team: Create opportunities for genuine, authentic relationships to develop.

1) Talk to your people more often, and not always about work!
2) Strategic meetings (ask, could this be an email?)
3) Give and receive appreciation freely.

'When the winds of change rage, some build shelters while others build windmills.' -Chinese Proverb

In a world of constant change, stability can be hard to come by. Yet when change inevitably comes, rather than view it as a threat, we can choose to harness it as an opportunity.

Understanding our passions is key to making choices that line up with what we love to do. Here are questions to help you get started:

- What kind of day would make you leap out of bed in the morning?
- What types of projects or activities do you never seem to get sick of?

Is the feedback we receive true and accurate? Here's a practical rule of thumb to find out:

Feedback from one person is perspective; feedback from two people is a pattern; but feedback from three or more people is likely to be as close to a fact as you can get.

What to do with workplace problems?

Here are 3 actionable tips I've found from leadership coach Dina Denham Smith:

- Confront fear by understanding the risks of silence.
- Monitor reactions and encourage open communication.
- Reflect inwardly as a team, regularly.

Self-awareness is the foundation of resilience and wisdom. It's not about being perfect, but about being aware of our imperfections and striving to better understand ourselves and others.

What will you choose?

'It sounds simple and obvious, but being a good listener is a superpower of leadership. You may not agree with them, you might go a different direction at the end of the day, but if people feel like they're listened to, they're going to feel respected.' -Adam Bryant

Francis Bacon once said that “a prudent question is one-half of wisdom.”

As an executive coach—I am a lifelong fan of prudent questions. They can provoke insights that are both unexpected and illuminating. Good questions are like grease in the gears of self-awareness.

The saying “feedback is a gift” is such a cliché that we often forget how true it is. We need this gift for one simple reason: other people generally see us more objectively than we see ourselves.

How do we develop and foster self-aware teams?

1. Make a total commitment to your team’s self-awareness, as well as your own.
2. Know and communicate your team values.
3. Ask for feedback & encourage your team to surface problems—and then really listen to what they have to say.

Don't underestimate the power of small breaks throughout the day to manage energy levels, prevent burnout, and enhance productivity.

Here’s a trick to ease your workload without sacrificing your success: The One Less Thing Principle. For each task that comes across your desk, ask:

1. Can I delegate this to someone who can do it just as well, or better?
2. Can I simplify this so it takes less time to complete?

When reflecting on feedback it helps to avoid jumping in right away. Take time to ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Do I understand this feedback?
2. How will this affect my long-term success and well-being?
3. Do I want to act on this feedback, and if so, how?

The path to self-awareness starts with a curious mind and an open heart.

Gain self-insight by stepping back and observing your thoughts without judgment. Embrace introspection, seek feedback, and reflect on your experiences.

Perfectionism robs others of really knowing us, and most people want connection more than perfection anyway.

Vulnerability, while uncomfortable, is the way to lead in fast-paced worplaces.

'It’s hard for many leaders to use vulnerability and uncertainty to their advantage. Although this leadership style works better than dominance, that doesn’t mean it feels good.' - Dan Cable