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Self-awareness is often referred to as the foundation of emotional intelligence, and its a requirement for exceptional leadership. When leaders understand their emotions, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and hone their decision-making and communication skills, they build trust and foster better collaboration within their teams. This leads to better performance all around. But here’s the catch: Developing self-awareness isn’t a onetime achievement. It’s a continuous, evolving process that requires intention and reflection. Leaders who actively cultivate this skill dont just improve their own effectiveness, they also create a healthier, more productive organizational culture. In fact, research from the Corporate Executive Board (now part of Gartner), reveals that leaders with high self-awareness are 10% more effective in their roles than those who rank lower. It’s a simple truth: Self-awareness isn’t just a personal assetits essential for any leader looking to drive success. Defining Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviorsand to see how they influence your decisions, relationships, and leadership style. It involves identifying what drives you, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and being honest with yourself about areas for improvement. Self-aware leaders do more than just understand themselves. They also recognize how their actions are perceived by others, which is essential for cultivating trust within a team. Its a skill that evolves over time, meaning leaders must regularly pause and reflect on their actions and their impact. The Role of Feedback in Self-Awareness Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for cultivating self-awareness. However, many leaders shy away from it due to fear, pride, discomfort, or uncertainty about its reliability. Avoiding feedback, though, can significantly hinder both personal and professional growth. Often the best feedback comes from those who report to you. For instance, one experience that was a turning point for me was when one of my direct reports pointed out one of my unconscious biases. Eight years ago, I was preparing to head home after a long day at work when I heard a knock on my office door. It was Katherine, one of my team members. She asked if she could give me some feedback about that morning’s team meeting. Katherine shared something that left me stunned: Are you aware that you tend to listen more to the people who are the most vocal, and that they tend to be men? I had always thought I was an inclusive leader, so I was shocked to hear this. I responded honestly, I had no idea. Katherine explained that this was something she had wanted to bring up for a while but didnt feel comfortable doing so until now. I immediately apologized, thanked her for sharing this with me, and asked for specific examples. She provided them, and I made sure to listen attentively. This interaction caused me to change how I lead. I decided to ask myself before every meeting what biases I need to check myself on. I also talked with the people on my team who were less vocal and asked if it would be okay for me to call on them during meetings to help them share more of their ideas. Katherines feedback offered valuable insights into how my behavior affects others, uncovering a blind spot that might have otherwise remained hidden. So make sure you solicit feedback regularlywhether its from a childhood friend, trusted colleague, mentor, or direct report. Once youve identified someone you trust, clarify the type of feedback youre seeking. For example, you could ask for input on your biases, or a recent project, an interaction with a colleague, or how others perceive your leadership style. Mindfulness as a Self-Awareness Tool Mindfulness is a powerful tool for developing self-awareness. It involves staying fully present in the moment, which helps leaders become more attuned to their emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Simple mindfulness exercises, such as focused breathing or short reflection breaks during the day, can greatly improve emotional awareness. In my work with clients and the workshops I facilitate, I guide participants through breathing exercises. Many share that integrating mindfulness into their daily routines has helped them be more fully present. For example, some clients now begin their team meetings with breathing exercises to help themselves and their teams stay focused and engaged during discussions. These practices support clearer decision-making and improved emotional regulation. I also use these exercises myself to ensure Im fully present before coaching a client or facilitating a workshop. They help me stay grounded and attentive. In addition to breathing exercises, I recommend a few other strategies to help leaders remain present. One is to put cellphones away during meetings. This reduces the temptation to check your phone, which can signal to others that you arent fully engaged or listening. I also suggest creating a 10-minute buffer between meetings. This allows leaders time to reflect on the meeting they just attended and prepare for the next one. Without this space, leaders often rush from one meeting to the next, missing the opportunity to reflect and be fully present. Leveraging Self-Assessments Self-assessments can also play a crucial role in developing self-awareness. One tool I frequently use with my coaching clients and the teams I work with is the CliftonStrengths finder from Gallup. This assessment, grounded in positive psychology, has been around for more than 20 years. It was developed based on research that asked, “What would happen if we studied what was right with people, rather than focusing on whats wrong?” The result is an assessment that identifies a leader’s strengths, allowing them to build on what they do well, rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses. It also highlights how each strength, when pushed to an extreme, can hinder success. For instance, a leader with the strength of being an “achiever” works hard and possesses a great deal of stamina. They take immense satisfaction in being busy and productive. However, when taken too far, this strength can lead to burnout or cause frustration among those being led, potentially resulting in high turnover if team members feel overwhelmed. Developing a Growth Mindset Self-awareness is closely linked to a growth mindset, or a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through effort and learning. Leaders who embody this mindset inspire their teams to continually improve, fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability. This mindset not only benefits leaders but also empowers teams to take risks, learn from mistakes, and grw. The key to fostering a growth mindset is to view feedback as an opportunity for self-improvement, as I mentioned earlier. When receiving feedback, ask questions such as: “How can I improve?” or “What specific actions can I take to do better?” This approach transforms feedback into a valuable tool for personal and professional growthand makes it more likely that people will approach you with this feedback in the first place. Developing your leadership Self-awareness is not a destination, but an ongoing journey that requires dedication and intentionality. For leaders, cultivating self-awareness is crucial to becoming more effective, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent. By consistently reflecting on your behavior, seeking feedback, practicing mindfulness, and leveraging self-assessments, you will improve your leadership skills and create a positive environment for your team.
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E-Commerce
The Little Engine That Could wasnt the most powerful train, but she believed in herself. The story goes that, as she set off to climb a steep mountain, she repeated: I think I can, I think I can. That simple phrase from a childrens story still holds a lesson for todays business worldespecially when it comes to artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a distant promise out of science fiction. Its here and already beginning to transform industries. But despite the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on developing AI models and platforms, adoption remains slow for many employees, with a recent Pew Research Center survey finding that 63% of U.S. workers use AI minimally or not at all in their jobs. The reason? It can often come down to what researchers call technological self-efficacy, or, put simply, a persons belief in their ability to use technology effectively. In my research on this topic, I found that many people who avoid using new technology arent truly against itinstead, they just dont feel equipped to use it in their specific jobs. So rather than risk getting it wrong, they choose to keep their distance. And thats where many organizations derail. They focus on building the engine, but dont fully fuel the confidence that workers need to get it moving. What self-efficacy has to do with AI Albert Bandura, the psychologist who developed the theory of self-efficacy, noted that skill alone doesnt determine peoples behavior. What matters more is a persons belief in their ability to use that skill effectively. In my study of teachers in one-to-one technology environmentsclassrooms where each student is equipped with a digital device like a laptop or tabletthis was clear. I found that even teachers with access to powerful digital tools dont always feel confident using them. And when they lack confidence, they may avoid the technology or use it in limited, superficial ways. The same holds true in todays AI-equipped workplace. Leaders may be quick to roll out new tools and want fast results. But employees may hesitate, wondering how it applies to their roles, whether theyll use it correctly, or if theyll appear less competentor even unethicalfor relying on it. Beneath that hesitation may also be the all-too-familiar fear of one day being replaced by technology. Going back to train analogies, think of John Henry, the 19th-century folk hero. As the story goes, Henry was a railroad worker who was famous for his strength [as a steel driver]. When a steam-powered machine threatened to replace him, he [competed against] itand won. But the victory came at a cost: He collapsed and died shortly afterward. Henrys story is a lesson in how resisting new technology through sheer willpower can be self-defeating. Rather than leaving some employees feeling like they have to outmuscle or outperform AI, organizations should invest in helping them understand how to work with itso they dont feel like they need to work against it. Relevant and role-specific training Many organizations do offer training related to using AI. But these programs are often too broad, covering topics like how to log in to different programs, what the interfaces look like, or what AI generally can do. In 2025, with the number of AI tools at our disposalranging from conversational chatbots and content creation platforms to advanced data analytics and workflow automation programsthats not enough. In my study, participants consistently said they benefited most from training that was district-specific, meaning tailored to the devices, software, and situations they faced daily with their specific subject areas and grade levels. Translation for the corporate world? Training needs to be job-specific and user-centerednot one-size-fits-all. The generational divide Its not exactly shocking: Younger workers tend to feel more confident using technology than older ones. Gen Z and millennials are digital nativestheyve grown up with digital technologies as part of their daily lives. Gen X and boomers, on the other hand, often had to adapt to using digital technologies mid-career. As a result, they may feel less capable and be more likely to dismiss AI and its possibilities. And if their few forays into AI are frustrating or lead to mistakes, that first impression is likely to stick. When generative AI tools were first launched commercially, they were more likely to hallucinate and confidently spit out incorrect information. Remember when Google demoed its Bard AI tool in 2023, and its factual error led to its parent company losing $100 billion in market value? Or when an attorney made headlines for citing fabricated cases courtesy of ChatGPT? Moments like those likely reinforced skepticismespecially among workers already unsure about AIs reliability. But the technology has already come a long way in a relatively short period of time. The solution to getting those who may be slower to embrace AI isnt to push them harder, but to coach them and consider their backgrounds. What effective AI training looks like Bandura identified four key sources that shape a persons belief in their ability to succeed: Mastery experiences, or personal success Vicarious experiences, or seeing others in similar positions succeed Verbal persuasion, or positive feedback Physiological and emotional states, or someones mood, energy, anxiety, and so forth In my research on educators, I saw how these concepts made a difference, and the same approach can apply to AI in the corporate worldor in virtually any environment in which a person needs to build self-efficacy. In the workplace, this could be accomplished with cohort-based trainings that include feedback loopsregular communication between leaders and employees about growth, improvement, and morealong with content that can be customized to employees needs and roles. Organizations can also experiment with engaging formats like PricewaterhouseCoopers prompting parties, which provide low-stakes opportunities for employees to build confidence and try new AI programs. In Pokemon Go!, its possible to level up by stacking lots of small, low-stakes wins and gaining experience points along the way. Workplaces could approach AI training the same way, giving employees frequent, simple opportunities tied to their actual work to steadily build confidence and skill. The curriculum doesnt have to be revolutionary. It just needs to follow these principles and not fall victim to death by PowerPoint, or end up being generic training that isnt applicable to specific roles in the workplace. As organizations continue to invest heavily in developing and accessing AI technologies, its also essential that they invest in the people who will use them. AI might change what the workforce looks like, but theres still going to be a workforce. And when people are well trained, AI can make both them and the outfits they work for significantly more effective. Greg Edwards is an adjunct lecturer at Missouri University of Science and Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here. Ive been curious lately: How might AI help my former studentsand so many others looking for new jobsin a challenging and complicated market? My conclusion: AI tools can serve as patient assistants. They can help you organize your search, reflect on career goals, and convey your strengths persuasively. Whether you’re pivoting careers or moving up in your field, here’s how to leverage AI to stand out and land a great opportunity. 1. Explore career directions Recommended tool: Googles Career Dreamer What it is: A career visualization tool. See a map of professional fields related to your interests. (See video demo below.) How to use it: Start by typing in a current or previous role, or a type of job that interests you, using up to five words. Then optionally add the name of an organization or industry. The free service then confirms job activities of interest and shows you a variety of related career paths. Pick one at a time to explore. You can then browse current job openings, refining the search based on location, company size, or other factors you care about. Example: Im not job hunting, but I tested out the service by typing in journalist, writer, and educator as roles and then journalism and education as my industries of interest. See my quick video demo below to see the result. Why its useful: I appreciate that Career Dreamer not only suggests a range of relevant fields, but also summarizes what a typical day in those jobs might be like. It also suggests skills youll develop and other jobs that might follow on that career path. Next step: After exploring potential career paths and looking at available jobs, you can jump into GeminiGoogles equivalent of ChatGPTfor further career planning. Career Dreamer helpfully enables you to copy your career interests and skillsas a summary prompt to your clipboard. You can then jump to Gemini to paste that into a chat about your career plans. 2. Clarify your career priorities Recommended tool: Gemini GemCareer Guide What it is: Gemini Gems are customized AI assistants. They are AI models tailored to be helpful in a specific context. One of the template Gems that Google created is a career guide. You can copy the Career Guide gem and edit it with your own professional interests. How to use it: Start by conducting a thorough “soul-searching” reverse interview with Gemini. Rather than Gemini answering your questions, task it to ask you the questions. Have it consistently nudge you to dig deeper into your own preferences, attitudes, objectives, and needs. Then have it summarize what youve said. Youll get better at understanding and articulating your own career perspectives. Try this career self-interview prompt: Give this prompt to Gemini or another AI tool of your choice to conduct a reverse interview. As Geminior another AI assistantinterviews you, youll develop a richer understanding of your own job preferences. Next steps: Use your Gemini Gem AI assistant throughout your job search to help clarify your own objectives and strengths, and to support you in developing your job search strategy. 3. Research target companies Recommended tool: ChatGPT Deep Research What its useful for: Unlike typical AI chat queries, Deep Research requests enable an AI model to autonomously develop an exhaustive report after searching the Web, examining hundreds of sites and other research resources, and completing a detailed, multistep analysis. You can use these personalized reports to learn more about industries of interest and specific aspects of companies that intrigue you. How to use it: Toggle on the Deep Research button in the ChatGPT box. Type a detailed query with your specific interests, skills, and the types of organizations you’re curious about. Request a comprehensive table of relevant companies with detailed information about culture, growth trajectories, or whatever else. Benefits: Learn valuable context about companies you may apply toand discover new organizations you werent aware of. Use this research to tailor your applications and to prepare for interviews by understanding industry trends. Pricing note: You get five free Deep Research queries a month on ChatGPTs free plan, as of May 2025, or more on a paid plan. Gemini offers a good free Deep Research alternative. Perplexity also offers free Deep Research reports, though theyre not as thorough. Alternative tools: Exas Websets is a powerfuland priceynew pro AI search tool that organizes results into a detailed table. It can draw on datasets like these, helping you identify great companies to target based on your own criteria. 4. Organize your search Recommended tool: ChatGPT Projects What it does: Lets you set up a dedicated AI folder for your career search. You can provide instructions and resource files so that every chat you have in this project takes into account the relevant context of your job search. How to use it: Provide detailed instructions for how youd like the AI assistant to help. Try having it guide you in building a realistic timeline for preparing applications, sending follow-ups, and reaching out for informational interviews. Ask it to assist you in designing a structured daily job search agenda. If youre applying to many different positions and have lots of tasks to juggle, it can help to organize your plans. Advanced tactic: You can upload examples of your past outreach messages or other writings as project resources. That will enable the AI assistant to help you draft new emails in your own style, whether youre letting people know youre open to new opportunities or reaching out to new contacts. Organize our job search tasks: ChatGPTs Scheduled Tasks” feature can help by sending you custom reminders. That could include an automated daily reminder of specific tasks to complete to maintain momentum. You can even ask it to periodically send encouraging messages to keep you inspired throughout what can be a lengthy, stressful process. Free alternative: ChatGPTs Projects require a paid plan, which starts at $20 per month. For a free alternative, create a Gemini Gem with similar functionality. 5. Polish your job application materials Recommended Tool: Claude Projects What it does: Gives you personalized AI assistance to help polish any materials youre creating. Give it specific instructions and upload background documents to ensure that it understands your preferences, strengths, and style. I have Claude Projects set up to assist with most of the things I work on, from new classes Im developing to volunteering projects. Heres why I recommend this. How to use it: Upload past cover letters, résumés, lists of accomplishments, awards, vision statements, or anything else youve created that you might want to build on for a new application. In your project instructions, guide the AI to maintain your authentic voice as represented in your prior writings. Ask for feedback on writing youre submitting, with prompts that specify the kinds of input that will be most usefulfrom grammar, spelling, and syntax suggestions to warnings about exaggerations, clichés, jargon, or redundancy. Request suggestions for additional information to include, based on the job descriptions you’re targeting. Using the personalized AI assistant for feedback allows you to highlight your unique human value, avoiding generic AI-generated content. Alternatives ChatGPTs Projects and Custom GPTs have similar functionality. You can add resource files and instructions to adjust how the AI assistants support you. Perplexity Spaces also allow you to organize prompt threads and add custom documents and instructions. Gemini Gems, noted above, offer a free alternative. I prefer the quality of Claudes responses and some of its features, like a custom editing style Ive trained it to use. 6. Practice for interviews Recommended tool: ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode How to use it: Brainstorm interview questions specific to your target role, industry, and even the particular company you’re applying to. Then practice answering these questions using voice mode for a realistic simulation. Build your confidence by practicing how youll answer various questions. Read more about seven ways to use Advanced Voice Mode. Ask for detailed feedback on your responses. Prompt your voice assistant to highlight strong points and suggest areas for improvement. Ask it to be as specific as possible and to help you practice strengthening your responses. Ask it to help you prepare for whatever interview context you expect to encounter, from technical questions and case studies to fact-based questions or casual, open-ended lunch conversations. Pricing: Full access to ChatGPTs Advanced Voice Mode requires a paid plan, but free users can access a daily preview of advanced voice mode powered by a model slightly less advanced than the top paid models. Alternatives Microsoft Copilot Voice is now completely free. Choose from eight voices. You can even adjust the voice speed. I like Wave, with his British-sounding accent, at 1.25 speed. Gemini Live from Google is also an excellent voice AI assistant. Like ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode, it can even use computer vision to comment on something you show it. Initiate a conversation while pointing your phone camera at a companys leadership org chart, for example, or public balance sheet, or a list of questions youve handwritten. Bonus tip: If your job search involves speaking or understanding multiple languages, you can use these voice models to practice speaking or listening in any number of tongues. Its a great way to practice live language skills. 7. Negotiate your salary Recommended tool: Deep Research (from Perplexity, Gemini, or ChatGPT) How to use it: Research average salaries for similar positions in your industry, accounting for variables like location, company size, and experience level. Generate comprehensive salary data in table format so youre ready to offer a data-backed rationale for your negotiating points. You can also research relevant benefits, company culture, and other factors. Im not actually looking for a job, but I generated these reports so you could compare real Deep Research results. Compare the Deep Research salary reports: Perplexity Report + original Perplexity thread ChatGPT Report Gemini Report Practice negotiating: Use the aforementioned voice AI tools to role-play negotiations or to prepare for difficult benefits conversations. Practice responding to everything from a surprise dream offer to one thats below your market value. More ways to use AI in your job search Put together a video reel: Eddie AI can streamline how you create a highlight reel where you need visuals showing how you stand out. Heres why I like it. Make a great deck: Gamma, Beautiful.ai, Pitch, and the brand-new Chronicle are great tools for turning talking points into polished slide presentations. Others Im learning about: Check out Aakash Guptas list of AI job search tools, including Poised (interview feedback). This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here.
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E-Commerce
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