Chapter 1
Chapter 1 – Developing Self-Awareness
Week 3 – January 29, 2013
Self-Awareness * Self-awareness lies at the heart of the ability to master oneself, but it is not sufficient * We can not improve ourselves or develop new capabilities unless and until we know what level of capability we currently possess * Seeking knowledge of the self seems to be an enigma * it is a prerequisite for and motivator for growth and improvement, but it may also inhibit growth and improvement. It may lead to a stagnation because of fear of knowing more * The sensitive line: refers to the point at which individuals become defensive or protective when encountering information about themselves that is inconsistent with their self-concept or when encountering pressure to alter their behaviour * The more discrepant the information or the more serious its implications for your self concept, the closer it would approach your sensitive line, and you would feel a need to defend yourself against it * Threat-rigidity response: when individuals are threatened, when they encounter uncomfortable information, or when uncertainty is created, they tend to become rigid and risk averse * In the light of this defensiveness, how can increased self-knowledge and personal change ever occur * 1. Information that is verifiable, predictable, and controllable is less likely to cross the sensitive line than information without characteristics * 2. A second answer to the problem of overcoming resistance to self-examination lies in the role other people can play in helping insight to occur * It is almost impossible to increase skill in self-awareness unless we interact with and disclose ourselves to others * Self-disclosure: therefore, is a key to improvement in self awareness * A lack of self-disclosure not only inhibits self-awareness but also may affect adversely other aspects of managerial skill development * Self-knowledge will help you
Week 3 – January 29, 2013
Self-Awareness * Self-awareness lies at the heart of the ability to master oneself, but it is not sufficient * We can not improve ourselves or develop new capabilities unless and until we know what level of capability we currently possess * Seeking knowledge of the self seems to be an enigma * it is a prerequisite for and motivator for growth and improvement, but it may also inhibit growth and improvement. It may lead to a stagnation because of fear of knowing more * The sensitive line: refers to the point at which individuals become defensive or protective when encountering information about themselves that is inconsistent with their self-concept or when encountering pressure to alter their behaviour * The more discrepant the information or the more serious its implications for your self concept, the closer it would approach your sensitive line, and you would feel a need to defend yourself against it * Threat-rigidity response: when individuals are threatened, when they encounter uncomfortable information, or when uncertainty is created, they tend to become rigid and risk averse * In the light of this defensiveness, how can increased self-knowledge and personal change ever occur * 1. Information that is verifiable, predictable, and controllable is less likely to cross the sensitive line than information without characteristics * 2. A second answer to the problem of overcoming resistance to self-examination lies in the role other people can play in helping insight to occur * It is almost impossible to increase skill in self-awareness unless we interact with and disclose ourselves to others * Self-disclosure: therefore, is a key to improvement in self awareness * A lack of self-disclosure not only inhibits self-awareness but also may affect adversely other aspects of managerial skill development * Self-knowledge will help you