100 Ducere Est Servire: THE LEADERSHIP JOURNAL OF DALLAS BAPTIST UNIVERSITY speak frankly regarding one’s self. Self-awareness is the defining characteristic of human beings and is a critical element in the research around successful leadership.8 The consequences of living without self-awareness are akin to living without ever looking at oneself in a full-length mirror. The reflection of the mirror helps the viewer observe hidden attributes, as a life without self-awareness often leaves one with unknown blemishes. Selfdiscovery toward self-awareness is a Biblical exhortation the author James pointed out: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:22-24). The current study will demonstrate the importance and overlap of leadership and self-awareness with particular attention to their relationship with levels of high performance. Relevant studies on gaining self-awareness will be presented, culminating in an argument for a general theory of self-awareness. The conclusion expected is derived from the illustration of the mirror, revealing how blemishes are discoverable with self-awareness, which is a skill that can be achieved with at least three factors. THE VALUE OF SELF-AWARENESS IN LEADERSHIP Self-awareness pervades leadership literature, positioning itself as a central component.9 Self-awareness is a rightfully growing field because of the value it adds to the leader. Ashley and Reiter-Palmon argued, “The relevance of self-awareness cannot be overstated.”10 Inner and outer world congruence is critical to the success of a leader,11 as there appears to be a direct relationship between congruence in these worlds and leader improvement, related explicitly to self-awareness.12 Self-awareness is essential in boundary issues,13 group decisions,14 ideals and values,15 follower satisfaction,16 employee morale, productivity, and bottom-line profitability.17 Self-awareness increases utility in one’s personal life, but it is foundational to effectiveness in one’s professional experience, especially for the leader.18 Showry and Manasa discovered successful leadership is more often achieved with a self-aware leader who can understand the driving forces of personal experience and
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx