A520.1.2.RB - Self-Awareness Blog

     

Self-Awareness

     I struggled with the self awareness survey, I would read the question and think about what I should put down to get a better score.  I really had to think about what my reaction was to the question and analyze my thoughts versus what the I thought the right answer to the question was.  By doing this, I actually learned a lot!!!  I began to realize that my thoughts are not always what is expected or what I think is expected and that is okay.  I was very surprised when I analyzed my results.  My scores were all in the top and third quartiles.  Because I was surprised my results, I’m really not sure what to make of the results.... Self evaluation is something admittedly, I’m not very good at and really don’t like.  I would guess that a lot of individuals feel the same way I do.  Because it makes you uncomfortable to analyze your thoughts and feelings.  Because I have a B.S in Biology and a M.S. Aeronautical Science, I’m more apt to think analytically about a problem and ignore my thoughts and feelings.  I think this test has made me realize that I need to begin assessing my own thoughts and feelings.   Also, I believe I need to come out of my comfort zone... 

There were two questions that really made think about this is what I would do and what I really wish I had the self confidence to do.  Both questions were in the emotional intelligence section of the test.  

The first question was In a situation where a colleague takes credit in public for m work and ideas, I would probably...

• Let it slide and do nothing in order to avoid confrontation
• Later in private indicate that I would appreciate being given credit for my work and ideas
• Thank the person in public for referencing my work and ideas dnd then elaborate on my contributions.

I chose the first answer.  Because I tend to be very non confrontational and typically do not stand up for myself.  I really wish I able to pick either of the tow answers.  This pointed out to me, that I really need to work on my self confidence and that I do need to stand up for myself.

The second question asked What I approach another and try to strike up a conversation but the other person doesn’t respond, I...

• Try to cheer up the person by sharing a funny story
• Ask the person if he or she want to talk about what’s on his or her mind
• Leave the person alone and find someone else to talk to.

I chose leave them alone.  I chose this answer because I assumed the person would be a stranger and want to be left alone.  Part of me thinks I was the person, that an individual was starting a conversation with and I didn’t want to talk that I would just want them to go away.  But in really thinking about this, I need to become a better conversationalist. I’m terrible at making conversation.  I believe that a leader needs to have the confidence and skill to be able to hold a conversation with anyone.  I believe this survey pointed out some weaknesses that I really need work on to become a leader.