Dr Shivani Khetan : “Enhancing Leadership Skills through Deeper Self-Awareness”
Our team spoke to Dr Shivani Khetan (Clinical Hypnotherapist and Leadership Trainer) recently. Here are the excerpts from the interview:-
- Can you provide an overview of your book, “Enhancing Leadership Skills Through Deeper Self Awareness,” and what inspired you to write it?
Dr Shivani : “Enhancing Leadership through Deeper Self-Awareness” is more than just a book; it’s an interactive roadmap to personal growth and leadership development. Inspired by my clients and their transformative journeys, this guide empowers readers to actively engage in their own self-discovery process.
Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, readers are encouraged to pause, reflect, and delve into their present realities. These reflective exercises are not passive observations but daily practices aimed at fostering a habit of introspection and growth.
The book provides structured tools to navigate challenges and overcome limiting beliefs. By integrating these exercises into their routines, readers can gradually shift their energy towards a more positive and growth-oriented mindset. The emphasis is on practical application, ensuring that insights gained from the book translate into actionable steps towards personal transformation.
“Enhancing Leadership through Deeper Self-Awareness” serves as a dynamic companion for individuals seeking not only knowledge but tangible practices to enhance their self-awareness and leadership skills. By bridging theory with hands-on exercises, it offers a holistic and immersive experience, guiding readers towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential for leadership.
2. How do you define self-awareness in the context of leadership, and why is it crucial for effective leadership?
Dr Shivani : Self-awareness in the context of leadership refers to a leader’s ability to understand their own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motives. It involves having a clear perception of one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, as well as their impact on others and the overall organisation.
In today’s world, where leadership is evolving rapidly, self-awareness is like having a superpower for effective leadership. Let me break it down:
Being Real: Imagine you’re leading a team. People want to follow someone who’s real, not a robot. Self-awareness means knowing yourself inside out — your strengths, weaknesses, what makes you tick, and what ticks you off. When you’re true to yourself, your team trusts you more, and you can lead with authenticity.
Emotional Smarts: Have you ever been in a situation where you just lost your cool? It happens to everyone. But self-aware leaders have something called emotional intelligence. It’s like having a secret weapon to handle emotions like anger or frustration. When you understand your own emotions, you can control them better and connect with your team on a deeper level.
Flexibility: Think of self-awareness as being a bit like a chameleon — you can adapt to different situations and people. Self-aware leaders know when to step up and take charge, and when to step back and let others shine. This flexibility makes you a leader that people want to follow because you meet them where they are.
Smart Choices: Ever had to make a tough decision? Self-aware leaders have an edge here. They know their own biases and blind spots, so they can make more balanced decisions. It’s like having a built-in truth detector. You’re less likely to be influenced by personal feelings or outside pressure, making smarter choices for your team.
Handling Drama: Conflict happens, right? But self-aware leaders are like mediators in a superhero cape. They can understand where conflicts come from and help resolve them peacefully. By listening and communicating openly, they turn conflicts into opportunities for growth, keeping the team focused and productive.
Growing Stronger: Self-awareness isn’t just about knowing yourself; it’s also about growing yourself. Leaders who reflect on their experiences and seek feedback are like plants soaking up sunlight — they thrive and grow stronger. By constantly learning and improving, you become a leader who’s ready for whatever challenges come your way.
So, think of self-awareness as your secret weapon for leadership success in today’s fast-paced world. When you know yourself, you can lead others with authenticity, empathy, and strength.
3. What are some practical strategies or exercises from your book that leaders can implement to enhance their self-awareness and consequently their leadership skills ?
Dr Shivani : Some practical strategies that will supercharge your self-awareness and leadership skills. These tips aren’t just theories; they’re actionable steps you can start implementing today to unleash your full potential. So, grab your superhero cape, because it’s time to transform ‘I can’t’ into ‘I am’!”
Flip the Script on Negative Self-Talk:
Start by catching those negative thoughts and flipping them around. Instead of saying “I can’t,” try “I’m learning” or “I’m working on it.” It’s like hitting the reset button on your mindset.
Break It Down:
Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Every small win counts, so celebrate those milestones along the way. It’s all about building confidence, one step at a time.
Embrace Challenges:
Shift your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can learn from this.” Challenges are opportunities to grow, so lean into them with curiosity and determination.
Power of Affirmations:
Start your day with positive affirmations. Tell yourself “I am capable” or “I am resilient.” It’s like giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror, setting the tone for a confident day ahead.
Picture Your Success:
Visualise yourself crushing your goals. See it, believe it, achieve it. Visualising success creates a roadmap in your mind, guiding you towards your desired outcomes.
Build Your Support System:
Surround yourself with cheerleaders who lift you up. Share your goals and challenges with friends, family, or mentors who’ve got your back. Together, you’ll conquer mountains.
Learn from Setbacks:
When things don’t go as planned, don’t beat yourself up. Take a step back, assess what went wrong, and see it as a lesson learned. Every setback is a stepping stone to success.
Celebrate Every Win:
Whether it’s a big achievement or a small victory, celebrate it. Acknowledging progress fuels your momentum and keeps you motivated for the journey ahead.
Stay Present with Mindfulness:
Take a moment to breathe and be present. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded amidst the chaos. And remember to be kind to yourself along the way.
Get Professional Guidance:
Sometimes, we all need a little extra help. Consider seeking guidance from a coach, therapist, or mentor who can provide personalised strategies for your growth journey.
And if you’re up for a game-changer, check out Life Rewrite Regression (LRR). It’s like hitting the reset button on your past, rewriting your story for a brighter future. It’s all about embracing change and becoming the best version of yourself.
4. In your research or personal experience, what obstacles do leaders commonly face when trying to develop deeper self-awareness, and how can they overcome them?
Dr Shivani : Let’s break down some common challenges that leaders face in understanding themselves better and improving their leadership skills. Here are simpler versions of those obstacles and ways to overcome them:
Phone Addiction: Many leaders spend too much time on their phones, getting distracted by social media and messages. This stops them from focusing on themselves and their goals.
Overcoming: Take breaks from your phone and set limits on how much time you spend on it. Try mindfulness exercises to stay focused on what’s important.
Comparing Yourself to Others: Seeing everyone’s highlight reel on social media can make you feel bad about yourself. It’s like comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.
Overcoming: Remind yourself that social media isn’t the full picture. Focus on your own progress and what makes you unique. Follow accounts that inspire and uplift you.
Working from Home Challenges: With remote work becoming more common, it’s harder to stay connected with your team and take time for yourself.
Overcoming: Schedule regular check-ins with your team and set boundaries between work and personal time. Make sure to take breaks and recharge, even if you’re working from home.
Stress and Burnout: Life can be overwhelming, especially with everything going on in the world. Stress and burnout can make it hard to focus on yourself and your growth.
Overcoming: Prioritise self-care and talk openly about your mental health. Take breaks when you need them and ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Understanding Different People: Everyone has their own experiences and perspectives. It can be hard to understand where others are coming from, especially if they’re different from you.
Overcoming: Listen to others with an open mind and learn from their experiences. Celebrate diversity and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included.
By tackling these simpler versions of common obstacles, leaders can improve their self-awareness and lead more effectively in today’s world.
5. How does your book address the relationship between self-awareness and other essential leadership qualities such as empathy, resilience, and adaptability?
Dr Shivani : Here are how the strategies outlined in the book address the relationship between self-awareness and other essential leadership qualities such as empathy, resilience, and adaptability:
Challenge Negative Self-Talk: By recognising and challenging negative self-talk, leaders cultivate resilience and a positive mindset. This practice encourages self-compassion and strengthens the ability to bounce back from setbacks, essential qualities for effective leadership.
Set Realistic Goals: Breaking down goals into achievable steps fosters adaptability and flexibility. Leaders learn to adjust their plans based on changing circumstances while maintaining focus on their long-term objectives.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth enhances resilience and adaptability. Leaders with a growth mindset are more open to feedback and willing to learn from failures, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within their teams.
Use Positive Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines promotes self-compassion and empathy. Leaders who cultivate a positive self-perception are better equipped to understand and empathise with the experiences of others.
Visualise Success: Visualising success helps leaders develop resilience by building confidence in their abilities. This practice also fosters empathy as leaders imagine themselves achieving their goals and consider the impact of their actions on others.
Seek Support: Surrounding oneself with a supportive network enhances resilience and adaptability. Leaders who seek support from friends, family, or mentors develop stronger interpersonal relationships and a deeper understanding of their own emotions and motivations.
Learn from Setbacks: Viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth fosters resilience and adaptability. Leaders who analyze setbacks with a growth mindset gain valuable insights that inform their future actions and decision-making processes.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements reinforces positive transformation and builds momentum for further growth. Leaders who celebrate progress cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages self-awareness and empathy among team members.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion: Integrating mindfulness practices enhances self-awareness and empathy. Leaders who practice mindfulness develop greater emotional intelligence and empathy, enabling them to understand and respond effectively to the needs of their team members.
Seek Professional Guidance: Seeking support from coaches, therapists, or mentors provides leaders with tailored strategies for personal development. Professional guidance helps leaders navigate challenges, build resilience, and cultivate essential leadership qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and self-awareness.
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Brief Profile
Dr Shivani has been one of the pioneers of clinical hypnotherapy and expressive arts therapy in India. The book provokes thought as well as shares insights with practical tips for leaders.
