What do you do if your self-awareness is lacking as an airport manager?

1 Assess Honestly

Start by conducting an honest self-assessment. Reflect on your recent decisions and interactions with colleagues. Consider the outcomes—were they effective, or did they fall short of expectations? This introspection can be challenging, but it's critical for recognizing areas where your self-perception may not align with reality. Acknowledge your strengths but pay particular attention to your weaknesses. Understanding these can guide you towards the areas that require the most attention and improvement.

2 Seek Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for increasing self-awareness. Engage with your team and ask for their honest opinions about your management style. This should be a structured process, perhaps through anonymous surveys or one-on-one meetings, to ensure candid responses. Listen actively and resist the urge to become defensive. Remember, the goal is to gain insights into how others perceive your actions and decisions, which may differ from your own perspective.

3 Set Goals

Based on the insights gained from self-assessment and feedback, set clear and achievable goals for personal development. These goals might include improving communication skills, becoming more empathetic to your team's needs, or learning to manage stress more effectively. Make sure these goals are SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to track your progress effectively.

4 Learn Continuously

Continuous learning is vital in airport management, and it applies to self-awareness too. Take advantage of professional development opportunities, such as workshops or courses focused on emotional intelligence and leadership. These can provide you with new strategies for self-reflection and tools to understand your emotions, triggers, and the impact of your behavior on others.

5 Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can greatly enhance self-awareness. Simple techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even taking a moment to reflect before reacting can help you become more attuned to your emotional state and thought patterns. Over time, these practices can help you develop a more balanced approach to management, enabling you to respond to stress and challenges with greater clarity and calm.

6 Adapt and Evolve

Lastly, be prepared to adapt and evolve your management style based on what you learn about yourself. Self-awareness isn't static; it grows as you do. Implement changes gradually and monitor how they affect both your performance and your team's dynamics. Remember that improvement is a continuous journey, not a destination, and being open to change is a sign of strong leadership.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?