The Inner Selfie: How Aware Are We?

Socrates said it most succinctly, “Know thyself.”

Tao Te Ching stated, “Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom.”

In Hamlet, William Shakespeare wrote, “This above all, to thyne own self be true”.

Carl Gustav Jung wrote, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”

Brene Brown says, “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.”

You get my point?!

The Importance of Self-Awareness.

Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It involves recognising how your actions, emotions, and thoughts align with your values and how they impact others.

For lawyers, this means understanding your strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging your emotional triggers, and being mindful of how your behaviour influences your team and clients.

When you are aware of your thought processes and emotional responses, you can better assess situations and choose the most effective course of action.

Whether you are communicating with clients, colleagues, or opposing counsel, self-aware leaders understand their communication style and how it is perceived by others.

This awareness helps you tailor your message to different audiences, ensuring clarity and fostering trust.

Building strong, trusting relationships is essential for any legal professional.

(Repeat this! Write it on a post-it and stick it to your laptop!)

Being self aware will help you understand and manage your interpersonal dynamics.

Do you get angry when a junior wants to work from home often? Is their work of a lesser standard? Have they missed deadlines? Or is it that you prefer the office?

When you are aware of your own emotions and triggers, you can respond more empathetically to others. This emotional intelligence is key to resolving conflicts, mentoring juniors, and maintaining positive client relationships.

To say the legal profession is demanding and often stressful is a huge understatement.

When you know your triggers you are able to handle stress and bounce back from setbacks. By understanding what triggers you and why, you can adopt coping strategies that work and maintain your emotional well-being.

For lawyers, self-awareness is not just an asset; it's a necessity.

By developing this skill, you can improve your decision-making, communication, relationships, resilience, and overall growth.

In a profession where the stakes are high, and the demands are relentless, cultivating self-awareness can set you apart as someone who inspires and empowers others.