One of the Key Elements in a Career Journey: Self-Awareness

Carl Jung once said, “Knowing yourself is the first step to understanding others.” I couldn’t agree more. Whether we realize it or not, the foundation of human relationships is often built on our relationship with ourselves.
We’ve all experienced times when understanding the people around us feels like an uphill battle. Unfortunately, during such moments, we often forget to look inward first. Yet, truly understanding others—or at the very least, not being negatively affected by misunderstandings—starts with embarking on a journey of self-awareness.
Self-awareness is a long-term process of confrontation with oneself. Discovering our strengths, sources of motivation, weaknesses, and fears in full clarity sometimes requires immense courage. (This is why we tend to avoid self-reflection, especially when we struggle to understand others.) However, heightened self-awareness during this process can create significant transformations in both personal and professional life.
As a coach and mentor, I frequently witness the transformative impact of self-awareness on individuals’ lives.

A Personal Reflection

Like anyone else, I have undergone this journey myself. In my younger years, when I was entrusted with new managerial responsibilities, I would feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. At the time, my awareness of the importance of knowing myself was minimal at best.
This lack of awareness created significant stress, especially when taking on roles where I didn’t know the team members I would manage. I used to think, “What if I have to work with people I can’t manage or who aren’t suited for me?” This uncertainty weighed heavily on me.
Over time, as I gained experience, I realized that my growing comfort wasn’t solely due to becoming more skilled in the tasks at hand. It was also because I had started to know myself better.
As I became more self-aware, I discovered that the personality of my team members mattered less. Managing them became easier because I knew my strengths, understood my areas for improvement, and made an effort to develop them.
This awareness significantly improved my ability to understand others and communicate effectively with them. The stress these assignments used to bring eventually turned into enjoyment. Of course, every new team had its own dynamics, requiring subtle adjustments in my management style. But I had come to understand that the cornerstone of effective leadership wasn’t knowing others; it was knowing myself.

As a Coach

I now share this insight with my mentees. When they face conflicts or uncertainties in their relationships, I encourage them to first look inward. Because a self-aware individual tends to take more confident and consistent steps, leading to greater success.
A Thought for You
I’d like to leave you with one question to reflect on:
Think about a person with whom you’re currently struggling in a relationship. What aspects of this relationship force you to confront yourself the most?
I leave the reflections to you.
How much do you think your level of self-awareness impacts your ability to empathize?
• A lot
• Moderately
• Not at all
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!