To maximize your effectiveness in practically any situation—
as a parent, employee, team member, friend, spouse, partner,
leader, etc.—it is vital that you have a clear, conscious
understanding of your personal values and goals along with
your emotional strengths and development opportunities.
Many people manage to “get by” without a great deal of selfawareness,
and some even manage to achieve a significant
level of success—but whatever degree of achievement you
are currently experiencing, developing greater self-awareness
of your emotional strengths and growth opportunities can
take your accomplishments to the next level.
Values are your compass
If you haven’t clearly defined the core values that are most
important in your life, and if you haven’t set unambiguous,
specific goals (that are in line with your values), you may
work hard and get a lot of things done but never feel truly
fulfilled. You may one day look back at years of hard work
and achievement, only to ask yourself “What was it all for?”
Emotions are your fuel
If you’re not consciously aware of your emotional reactions,
especially under difficult circumstances, you may find that
your words and actions become disruptive and
unproductive. Your emotions, rather than serving you, may
continually sabotage your efforts in very subtle ways that are
recognizable to others, but not to you.
