At its very core, leadership it's about understanding people, and it is best to start with yourself.  

Self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools a leader can cultivate. It keeps your ego in check, sharpens your emotional intelligence, and allows you to connect and lead with authenticity. But how should you lead when others around you lack it?

All leaders need a degree of confidence- you are not likely to last long in your position without it. But what is the marker of too much confidence? And what happens with confidence is masking a lack of competence?  

When confidence outpaces competence, the results can be quietly corrosive. An unchecked overconfidence in one’s own leaderships undermines the very culture and climate that education leaders are entrusted to nurture. 

Self-awareness underpins leadership. A truly transformative leader must be on an ongoing journey of developing their self-awareness. It incorporates self-evaluation and reflection, a willingness to receive and act on feedback, mindfulness practices, and continuous learning. It also involves embracing vulnerability, recognising one’s strengths and areas for growth, and adapting to changing contexts.  

Ever worked with an inauthentic leader? The physical reaction will tell you all you need to know about why discovering who you truly are and showing up as you could unlock so much potential in your organisation.