A520.1.6.RB_FogartyShawn

The author’s discuss self awareness as being “essential to one’s productive personal and interpersonal functioning, and in understanding and empathizing with other people.” (Whetten & Camerson, 2011). It is reasonable to assume that before you can effectively lead and engage others as their leader you have to know where you stand. Otherwise, it would be like trying to lead a horse to water blindfolded in the dessert.

After the initial self-assessment and completing the chapter my knowledge of self-awareness has grown immensely. The old saying, "You don't know what you don't know" certainly applied in my case. I think I have a much better understanding of my own self-awareness. I'm looking forward to mapping out a plan to improve on areas that require growth and reinforcing positive principles I already apply. Additionally, I have a few "problem children" within my organization and now I will be able to characterize and understand them better while attempting some new approaches. Overall, I now have a better understanding of the five core aspects of self-awareness: Emotional Intelligence, Core Self-Evaluation, Values, Cognitive Style, and Attitudes Toward Change.

             My understanding of Emotional Intelligence has more than doubled as I now understand it refers to the ability to diagnose, understand, and manage emotional cues (Whetten & Camerson, 2011). As stated in my initial blog, I generally keep emotions out of the work environment. Whether someone or I is having a “bad day” has no place when it comes down to business. However, I think developing this skill will allow me to more effectively lead, coach, and mentor individuals in the future.
            Another major facet I found interesting is within understanding and appreciating individual differences. I’m guilty when it comes to focusing on differences not distinction. It is all too common within my organization to focus more on distinction rather than differences. If someone has yet to attain a particular qualification or status whether it be flight hours, pilot in command, advance ratings or fancy training they are discounted. Lastly, I will incorporate this within my plan to improve self-awareness as one major revelation came from reading from the text,

If you were to apply distinctions that belittled someone in another group, for example, that action plants a seed of mistrust in the minds of people who are present regarding what distinctions you may be privately using to discount them. (Whetten & Camerson, 2011)

Whetten, D. A., Camerson, K.S. (2011). Developing Management Skills (8th Ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.