What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It)

Self-Awareness Isn’t What You Think—It’s Deeper, Rarer, and More Essential Than Ever

“The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.” – Thales

In a leadership landscape filled with buzzwords, self-awareness gets mentioned often—but truly practiced rarely. We assume it’s simply about knowing our strengths and weaknesses or understanding how we show up at work. But according to Harvard Business Review’s compelling deep-dive by organizational psychologist Tasha Eurich, self-awareness is far more complex—and far more powerful—than most of us realize.

This article challenges popular assumptions and introduces a scientifically grounded framework for understanding self-awareness. Drawing from years of research and data collected from thousands of people, Eurich reveals why only 10–15% of people are truly self-aware, and what separates the “self-deluded” from those with genuine insight.

Two Types of Self-Awareness

One of the most important insights from the article is the distinction between:

• Internal self-awareness – how clearly we see our own values, passions, aspirations, reactions, and impact on others.

• External self-awareness – how well we understand how others view us in those same areas.

Eurich’s research shows that these two types of self-awareness are independent and not always connected. Someone can be deeply introspective yet blind to how others perceive them—and vice versa.

Why It Matters for Leaders and Professionals

• Leaders with high self-awareness are more confident, better decision-makers, and more respected by their teams.

• Poor self-awareness leads to blind spots, repeated mistakes, and stalled careers.

• Cultivating self-awareness isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s a lifelong practice.

The article also explores common self-awareness myths, including the misleading belief that constant introspection always leads to clarity. Eurich’s work suggests that rumination—asking “why” we feel something—can actually backfire. Instead, she recommends shifting to “what” questions like:

• “What triggered that reaction?”

• “What can I do differently next time?”

• “What is this situation telling me about my values?”

Practical Strategies to Cultivate True Self-Awareness

• Seek Honest Feedback – But not from just anyone. Trusted colleagues, mentors, and coaches are key.

• Practice Self-Reflection (the right way) – Focus on learning, not judging. Ask “what,” not “why.”

• Build Daily Awareness Habits – Journaling, mindfulness, and periodic feedback loops can build your internal clarity over time.

A Wake-Up Call for Leaders

If you’re a CEO, executive, or team manager, this article is a must-read. The biggest leadership blind spots are often invisible to the person in the mirror. But building real self-awareness isn’t just about growth—it’s about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow.

The Bottom Line

In a world that rewards emotional intelligence, authenticity, and adaptability, self-awareness is no longer a luxury — it’s a leadership imperative. Eurich’s research-backed insights give us a roadmap to not only understand ourselves better but to lead with greater impact, clarity, and humility.