To be a better leader and a better person, know thyself and stay positive

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Thousands of years later that adage remains true.

For me, self-knowledge and a positive mindset are two of the most important learnings that have guided me in my career and in life. Studying how I think, communicate, and lead—and identifying blind spots—has deepened my understanding of who I am and how I conduct myself in the world. The pursuit of self-knowledge is valuable for all of us because gaining insights about ourselves can help us evolve personally and professionally.

In my case, I have used a variety of tools including the Myers-Briggs assessment, the Enneagram personality test, DiSC workplace assessment profile, and 360 reviews. These tools shouldn’t define you, but rather provide insights. For me, they helped put descriptors to what I already felt or thought. They also helped me acknowledge my own biases or tendencies and find ways to challenge them.

Perhaps most importantly, the insights I gained pushed me to seek out conversations and connections with those who are different from me or who might challenge me. Some of those less than comfortable conversations have been important contributors to my professional and personal development.

As manager of a team of 18 product and marketing professionals, I also believe self-knowledge makes me a better leader. By understanding myself, I can better understand others. Self-knowledge brings with it the awareness of our own shortcomings and sensitivities, ultimately making us more empathetic which is a hallmark of strong leadership.

The importance of cultivating a positive mindset is another valuable lesson learned. Mo Gawdat’s book “Solve for Happy” taught me that there are disappointments around every corner if you expect nothing will ever be difficult or go “wrong.” Life and work are innately challenging, but we can all be resilient and resourceful if we choose to be.

The point of a positive mindset is to focus on the many things that go “right.” For me, it helps to acknowledge these things in my “grateful list.” This includes small meaningful moments like a conversation that made me feel connected or the first warm spring day as well as big things like promotions, old friends, and trips to new countries. The practice of acknowledging all the moments that go “right” and securing them to memory and revisiting them helps me stay grounded in just how much good there is in my life.

For anyone seeking to grow, I suggest cultivating these two key habits: Deepen your understanding of yourself and always remember that your mindset matters. Do both, and see what blossoms in you.