Emotional Competency Development Guidelines
Self-awareness
Self-Awareness | Self-Management | Social Awareness | Relationship Management
This section provides detailed definitions of each of the 3 competencies of Self-Awareness. In addition, suggested development activities, books to read, and movies to watch have been provided to aid you in your personal competency development plan.
Self-Awareness Competencies
Developmental Tips
- Is aware of own feelings
- Knows why feelings occur
- Understands implications of own emotions
This is the ability to recognize your own emotions and their effects. It is being able to recognize how you react to cues in the environment and how your emotions affect your performance.
The person who possesses the competency Emotional Self Awareness:
- Pay attention to the physical signs aroused in stressful situations (elevated blood pressure, sweaty palms, quick breathing).
- Keep a journal where you write down your behaviors and your feelings when facing stressful situations on a daily basis.
- Reading: The Celestine Vision: Living the New Spiritual Awareness, J. Redfield, 1997.
- Has a sense of humor about him- or herself
- Is aware of own strengths and limits
- Is open to feedback
This competency is about knowing your inner resources, abilities, and limits. It is being aware of your strengths and limitations. It is based on the desire to receive feedback and new perspectives about yourself, and to be motivated by continuous learning and self-development. It implies having the ability to target areas for personal change.
The person who possesses the competency Accurate Self-Assessment:
- When interacting with people you feel comfortable with, ask for feedback about your actions and behaviors.
- Make a list of your strengths and areas for development and compare it with other people's list.
- Reading: Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment and Accountability, D. M. Fetterman and S. J. Kaftarian, 1995.
- Presents him-/herself in an assured and unhesitating manner
- Has presence (stands out in a group)
- Believes he/she is among the most capable for a job
This is the belief in your capability to accomplish a task. This competency is acknowledging that you are the best for the job. It is also about conveying your ideas and opinions in an assured manner and having a positive impact on others.
The person who possesses the competency Self-Confidence:
- To learn how to develop Self-Confidence, you must adjust your thinking and behavior to match that of someone who has it. Once committed, rather than examining your every move, try to act decisively.
- Find someone you trust, for example, a mentor, to help you objectively analyze your ability.
- Search out a job for which you are qualified. Ask the help of a mentor to assess what you need to do to increase your qualifications.
- Reading: Self-Esteem at Work: Research, Theory, and Practice, J. Brockner, Lexington Books, 1988.
