Can We Practice Awareness Even in our Workplace?
The awareness of situational dynamics and how we conduct ourselves can significantly impact how we experience our work life. We witness our colleagues and our behaviors in a different light – the light of objective awareness.
Self and situational awareness are complementary skill sets. When we learn to meld our emotional intelligence and situational awareness, we can create positive, meaningful outcomes for ourselves, our peers, and our organizations.
Defining Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a key aspect of emotional intelligence; introspect and look within ourselves. We can broadly define self-awareness as being “aware” of who we are, how and why we react to people and situations the way we do, and how we operate as individuals. Self-awareness is the foundation of how we view ourselves. Understanding our behaviors and personal reactions can significantly control how situations unfold and influence their outcomes.
Defining Situational Awareness
Envision situational awareness as an exterior version of seeing oneself; it involves careful attention to what is happening with other people and situations. You slow down, carefully observe, and take the time to ask questions. You will find yourself assessing conditions differently and being proactive.
Self-awareness and situational awareness help us see the big picture and have a balanced perspective. As a result, we can make better decisions and effectively plan our next steps.
Let’s talk about some exercises you can begin to implement to develop these two different kinds of awareness.
Be internally aware
Internal self-awareness is being aware of how we operate as individuals. We examine how we view ourselves. You can make a habit of delving deep and attempting to objectively (and truthfully) understand what motivates your behavior and reactions.
Example: It can be helpful to examine your life patterns. Are your reactions to your colleague’s comments justified, or did they provoke a feeling you carry within you most of the time – whether at work or home? You can spot these tendencies as a certain tenderness inside, or some may see them as triggers. The feelings have their roots someplace remote from your work, but you can’t discern the actual cause without an inside view of yourself.
Be externally aware
On the other hand, external self-awareness is becoming aware of how you are to others. In other words, how others perceive you. You may be surprised to realize that there are two very different opinions about yourself: your self-awareness and other people’s awareness of you.
We all have blind spots – but our colleagues “see” us every day. So, not surprisingly, there can be quite a discrepancy in how others see our attitudes, behaviors, and conduct.
By understanding that our work colleagues do not always experience us as we see ourselves, we can start to make adjustments in how we show up. We begin to use our external awareness to help make choices about who we want to be.
Be aware of non-verbal cues
Discussions will often have layers of meaning and nuance. These nuances form non-verbal cues, including the facial expressions of the person speaking or other people in the room. The speaker’s tone is another key factor to observe. Is there enthusiasm or boredom in their voice? Do they seem concerned or optimistic? Allow these cues to guide your interpretation of the discussion and adjust your reaction or questions accordingly.
Similarly, this is how others perceive your presentation, comments, and opinions – which may explain a few unpleasant reactions.
Remember, not all listeners are “active listeners.” People pick and choose what they want to hear – and we likewise do the same to others.
Through conscious attention to active listening, we can better appreciate the intended meaning of another.
Be aware of your body language
It’s important to notice body language. Positive body language can show you are enthusiastic and committed. It can exude confidence, friendliness, and sincerity (i.e., you are a team player and will do all that you can to help yourself and your team be successful). Looking someone in the eye when they speak is positive body language. Smiling, seeming interested, and nodding in agreement are effective ways of showing positivity.
Negative body language does the opposite—in some cases, without you even realizing it. A negative body language sends strong signals and is evident to everyone. For example, you may not know how you signal to others that you don’t care about them or your job. People may observe that you are insecure about your abilities but interpret it as though you don’t care or are lazy.
When you see others roll their eyes or fold their arms and look somewhere else – note what that says to you, and remember if you are doing it, you are speaking with your mouth closed.
Be aware of how you pay attention
If you start listening to someone when you have an assumption of what they will say – you tend to hear what you want or expect to hear. You can miss a lot of what the other tried to communicate.
You can avoid this tendency by actively or consciously monitoring yourself. For example, are you striving to be objective with your views? Are you resisting the tendency to fill in certain gaps with your assumptions?
An effective way to counteract this behavior is to listen and engage with thoughtful questions. Show others you want to understand.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” – Stephen Covey – Rule 5 – From Highly Effective People
Be aware of your manners
Civil and respectful interactions between colleagues bring invaluable benefits to any organization. You will enjoy your job, and likewise, others will enjoy working with you.
Politeness and courteousness matter because they influence people and the entire work culture to create an inspiring, positive work environment.
Be aware of your empathy
Empathy is accurately sensing the state of others through nonverbal signals. When you are empathetic to others, you are receptive to their experiences and can better understand their exhibited behaviors.
People have different perspectives arising from their backgrounds and ideals. If you take the time and energy to create common ground, you will better understand how you can do and say things that positively or negatively affect someone.
Summary
You can make a significant difference in how you experience the world, and others experience you. Practicing self-awareness inevitably influences the dynamics of just about any situation in the workplace.
Through your conscious attention, you will notice how your behavior, thoughts, actions, speech, and respect for others can be the difference between productive workplace relationships or strained, ineffective ones.
