Can Self-Awareness Make You a Better Collaborator and Entrepreneur?

Can Self-Awareness Make You a Better Collaborator and Entrepreneur?

From impostor syndrome to empowerment

As a young girl, I witnessed a lot of dysfunctional relationships between women. Pettiness, backstabbing, and shaming seemed to be the norm. It felt like a constant battle for approval, a struggle to be seen and heard. But deep down, I yearned for something different – genuine connections where I could be myself, learn, and grow without the drama.

My journey towards self-awareness began unexpectedly during my graduate program. I was always a high-achiever, driven to succeed, but I also had a tendency to be a bit… intense. Let's just say I wasn't always aware of how my words and actions impacted others.

After a particularly difficult conflict with my peers, one of the development managers, let's call him Mark, took me aside. Mark was known for his empathy and insightful leadership. He gently, but firmly, pointed out some of my destructive patterns. He shared how my behavior was perceived by others and challenged me to seek help.

Honestly, I was mortified. Facing those truths about myself was like staring into a mirror and seeing a stranger – a stranger I didn't particularly like. All my insecurities bubbled to the surface. Was I really that difficult? Was I destined to repeat the same toxic patterns I had witnessed growing up?

But that conversation with Mark was a gift. It was a wake-up call that set me on a path of self-discovery, though it wasn't easy. It required courage to delve into the depths of my own psyche, to confront the uncomfortable truths about myself. There were tears, shame, and a whole lot of "aha" moments that shook me to my core.

Therapy became my sanctuary, a space where I could safely explore my past, my triggers, and the deep-rooted insecurities that fueled my behavior. I learned about the impact of my sheltered upbringing, how my preconceived notions about the world were clashing with the realities of the workplace.

Aïcha Dandjouma

Conclusion

Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. It's an ongoing process of learning, growing, and evolving. But the rewards are immeasurable. By cultivating self-awareness, we can unlock our potential, build stronger relationships, and create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

And remember this: "Rise together, shine brighter!"

Now, it's your turn, sister!

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey of self-awareness. Grab a journal or your favorite notebook and answer these questions:

➥ What are some of your biggest "aha" moments on your self-awareness journey?

➥ How has increased self-awareness impacted your relationships and career?

➥ What are some areas where you're still working on developing self-awareness?

➥ What are your values and principles? How do they guide your decisions and actions?

By taking the time to write down your thoughts, you'll gain deeper insights into yourself and uncover hidden strengths you can leverage on your journey.

"Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination."

The entrepreneurial edge

As an entrepreneur, self-awareness is everything. It's about knowing when to stand firm in your vision and when to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. It's about recognizing your own limitations and investing in external expertise when needed. It's about being honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

When I launched IMAKHOU, I was filled with passion and confidence. I was determined to create a business that would empower women and help them achieve their dreams. But as I navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, I realized something wasn't quite right.

While I loved supporting my clients and seeing them thrive, the constant pressure to sell and grow my business was draining me. The more I chased after external validation, the more disconnected I felt from my true purpose.

Thanks to the self-awareness I had been cultivating, I was able to ask myself the tough questions. Was I truly passionate about this business model? Was it aligned with my values? Was it sustainable for my well-being?

I listened to my intuition and the feedback from my mentor. I realized that my true purpose wasn't just about helping women succeed in business; it was about creating a community, a sisterhood, where we could support each other on a deeper level.

That's when IMAKHOU evolved into what it is today – a platform where sisters can connect, learn, and grow together. It's a space where we embrace vulnerability, celebrate our wins, and lift each other up. It's a testament to the power of self-awareness and the transformative journey it can ignite.

Actionable tips for cultivating self-awareness

➥ Map out your values and principles — What truly matters to you? For me, it's peace, authenticity, health, spirituality, and inner harmony. These values are my compass, guiding my decisions and actions.

➥ Check in with yourself regularly — Do your actions align with your values? Are you showing up as the person you want to be? Take time for self-reflection, whether it's through journaling, meditation, or simply quiet moments of contemplation.

➥ Seek feedback — Don't be afraid to ask others for their perspectives. It can be illuminating to see yourself through the eyes of others. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.

➥ Practice mindfulness — Cultivate present moment awareness. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This can help you become more attuned to your inner state and make more conscious choices.

➥ Embrace your imperfections — Self-awareness isn't about being perfect; it's about acknowledging your flaws and striving to be better. Be kind to yourself, embrace your imperfections, and celebrate your progress

"It's about being honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses, and motivations."

The workplace wake-up call

Stepping into the corporate world, I was armed with my education and ambition, but I quickly learned that technical skills were only part of the equation. My reactions, my attitude, and my awareness of my impact on others mattered just as much, if not more.

Self-awareness became my secret weapon. It allowed me to identify my strengths – my drive, my analytical mind, my passion for problem-solving. But it also illuminated my weaknesses – my impatience, my tendency to be overly critical, my fear of vulnerability.

I became intentional about cultivating positive patterns and addressing the not-so-great ones. I practiced active listening, sought feedback instead of becoming defensive, and learned to express my needs in a more constructive way. This shift made a huge difference in my interactions with colleagues, managers, and even my family.

"Therapy became my sanctuary, a space where I could safely explore my past, my triggers, and the deep-rooted insecurities that fueled my behavior."

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