95% of people believe they're self-aware. The actual figure? Closer to 10–15%.
That's Tasha Eurich's research. Your self-awareness gap could be costing you more than you realise.
The Signal
The gap doesn't show up as arrogance. It shows up as friction. Conversations that feel slightly off. Feedback that stops coming. A team that's quietly managing around you before you've noticed anything is wrong.
The Cost
When a leader doesn't know themselves, the team figures it out first. Research by Tasha Eurich estimates unaware leaders reduce team success rates by 50%.
Your team spends energy managing you rather than doing the work. Risk appetite shrinks. Honest conversations disappear. Discretionary effort drops before you notice the performance drop.
What Intentional Looks Like
Self-awareness isn't a personality trait. It's a practice. Three steps, in a never-ending cycle.
Reflect. Look inward, deliberately. Know the foundations that make you who you are; the light and dark sides. Understand your triggers, your pressure behaviours, what drains you of energy. If you can't name it, you can't operate with intention.
Apply. Take what you've found and use it. Build your day and work to be at your best. Share it with your team. Tell them how you operate under pressure, what you need to do your best work, where you need them to be straight with you.
Seek. Actively seek feedback from others. Openly listen with positive intent. Capture self-feedback after relevant moments, that one-on-one when you tried a different approach, or that critical board meeting. Make time each week to pause and recommence "Reflect".
Start Here
The tool I use for this is my Personal Blueprint. One page. Seven dimensions. It maps who you are at your core, what you bring, what you need and what you expect of those around you.
When a leader completes it honestly and shares it, it invites others into your journey as a leader. The team understands you deeper. And you start hearing truths you didn't have access to before.
Next Go Here
Don't stop at you. Get your team to complete the Personal Blueprint too and share with you 1:1 and eventually as a team. Use this rich knowledge to be a better leader for your people. This will help you generate greater performance and trust.
Take the lead on closing your self-awareness gap. Download the Personal Blueprint template for free from my website www.growtogreat.com.au
