The inscription, "Know Thyself," on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was written more than two millennia ago, but it's as relevant today as it was then.
“Know thyself.” It’s one of those ancient phrases that’s been around for centuries, yet it feels just as relevant now as it did in ancient Greece. While the original context may have been philosophical, self-awareness is something modern leaders can’t afford to overlook. In fact, it’s the foundation of effective leadership.
But why is knowing yourself so crucial? After all, shouldn’t leadership be about focusing on your team, your goals and your organisation? Well, yes—those things matter. But if you don’t have a solid understanding of who you are, what drives you, and where your blind spots lie, you’re going to struggle with everything else. Let’s break down why this ancient wisdom is still key to leading effectively in today’s world.
The Core of Leadership: Self-Awareness
At its heart, leadership is about influence. You can’t effectively influence others if you don’t understand your own motives, values and behaviours. Self-awareness isn’t just a buzzword thrown around in leadership books; it’s a critical skill that separates good leaders from great ones. Leaders who know themselves—really know themselves—are able to make decisions with confidence, handle pressure better and build stronger relationships with their teams.
So, what does self-awareness look like in practice? It’s not just about introspection or taking a personality test. It’s about understanding how you come across to others, recognising your emotional triggers and knowing what drives your actions. Leaders who are self-aware can assess their strengths and weaknesses with honesty and are more likely to create environments where others feel empowered to do the same.
Why Ancient Wisdom Still Holds
The phrase “Know thyself” wasn’t just some abstract ideal thrown around by philosophers in ancient times. It was practical advice for living a balanced, examined life. In today’s leadership context, this advice translates to an emphasis on emotional intelligence, mindfulness and personal growth.
In an age where data, metrics and performance indicators dominate business decisions, it’s easy to forget that leadership is still, fundamentally, about people. But people are emotional, unpredictable and complex—including yourself. The more you understand your own inner workings, the better equipped you’ll be to lead others effectively.
Ancient wisdom calls for reflection. How often do we stop and actually reflect on our behaviours and decisions? In the fast-paced world of modern leadership, we’re often more focused on getting things done than on understanding the "why" behind our actions. Yet, knowing the "why" is what allows leaders to grow, adapt and stay grounded in their values.
Emotional Intelligence Starts with You
We hear a lot about emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership these days, and rightly so. Leaders with high EQ are better at managing relationships, handling stress and leading teams through difficult times. But EQ starts with knowing yourself. If you’re not in touch with your own emotions, how can you expect to effectively manage the emotions of others?
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. It allows you to recognise how your mood, attitudes and actions affect those around you. It helps you understand why certain situations trigger specific reactions in you, and—most importantly—how to regulate those reactions so that they don’t derail your leadership.
For example, if you’re the type of leader who gets frustrated when things don’t go according to plan, recognising your frustration early can help you avoid taking it out on your team. Instead, you can channel that emotion into problem-solving rather than finger-pointing.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that it seems to require constant strength and infallibility. The truth is, the best leaders are the ones who are comfortable being vulnerable. That doesn’t mean airing all your personal problems to your team, but it does mean being open about your limitations, your mistakes and your learning process.
Knowing yourself means knowing your limits and being okay with them. It’s about recognising that you don’t have all the answers, and that’s perfectly fine. In fact, being honest about your gaps can strengthen your leadership, as it creates space for collaboration and growth.
When leaders are vulnerable, it builds trust. Your team will respect you more if they see you as a human being who is constantly learning, just like them, rather than an untouchable figure who never makes mistakes.
Continuous Growth: The Lifelong Journey
The idea of “knowing thyself” isn’t something you check off a to-do list. It’s an ongoing process. Leaders who are committed to personal growth don’t stop at just identifying their strengths and weaknesses—they actively work to improve. They seek feedback, reflect on their experiences, and adapt their leadership style over time.
In fact, self-awareness doesn’t just make you a better leader; it makes you a better learner. Leaders who are aware of their limitations are more likely to seek out new knowledge, surround themselves with people who complement their weaknesses, and stay humble in the face of success.
But self-awareness also means accepting that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process of reflection, learning and adjustment. In leadership, as in life, you never truly "arrive." The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
Bringing It All Together
So, why does ancient wisdom still matter for leaders today? Because leadership is, at its core, about people. And leading people starts with understanding yourself—your strengths, your limitations and your impact on those around you. Ancient philosophers may not have known much about modern business, but they certainly understood human nature.
Self-awareness isn’t just a personal virtue; it’s a leadership necessity. In a world that’s constantly changing, the ability to reflect, adapt and grow will set you apart. The more you understand yourself, the better you’ll be able to guide others with authenticity, humility and confidence.
How well do you really know yourself, and how are you using that knowledge to lead?
What’s Your Next Move?
Leadership is about action, not just reflection. So, how will you apply today’s insight? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation—your next breakthrough might be closer than you think.
Bernard Kates is a Transformational Leadership Coach and Mentor
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