Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2025 - 19

manage. Leaders start to show others
how focusing on things we can control,
like our behaviors, is a healthier choice
versus wasting energy on uncontrollable
factors. This reduces unnecessary
anxiety and stress, creating a more
comfortable environment.
Here are some specific strategies that
people can adopt to make improvements
in growing self-awareness:
* Complete a personal values analysis.
There is a great list of values included
in " Dare to Lead " by Brené Brown.
* Learn more about one's preferences
via a personality assessment such
as a Myers Briggs Type Indicator,
Discovery Insights or StrengthFinders.
* Journal about one's day and emotions
experienced for reflection.
* Make a list of personal triggers and
then ask a significant other or best
friend if they agree.
* Seek guidance from a colleague or
friend who has high self-awareness.
Studying leaders who are known
for their authentic styles is another
possibility for an organization or
individual seeking to grow selfawareness.
These include leaders
such as Satya Nadella, CEO of
Microsoft, and Marc Benioff, CEO
of Salesforce. Reading, sharing and
discussing case studies on selfawareness
and authentic leadership
are other options.
Leaders focused on making
meaningful connections in the
workplace can incorporate simple,
short icebreakers into their team
meetings. This will give everyone an
opportunity to learn about each other.
Free online tools such as polls or
surveys are useful in this effort. Team
building should be ongoing, not once
a year. Showing a genuine interest
and improving active listening skills
with teams are more ways to build
authentic relationships. When leaders
give their employees their undivided
attention, it goes a long way.
Adopting an
authentic
leadership
approach will not only attract
candidates seeking a new career
in a healthy environment, but it will
also ensure they stay, make impactful
contributions, and grow their careers
within an organization. For companies,
this leadership style with a focus
on self-awareness and meaningful
connections can serve as a competitive
advantage and differentiator leading
to success, recognition and a
desirable workplace.
Erica R. Contreras is the chief learning
officer at Endeavors, a nonprofit
focused on serving the most vulnerable
populations, such as those struggling
with homelessness and mental health
challenges.
She
loves learning,
traveling and dancing, and lives in
Houston with her mini golden doodle,
Dulce. Email Erica.
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Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2025

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