Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - December 2025

14 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 Keiser University – Flagship Campus A s we know, self-awareness is a critical competency in developing emotional intelligence (EQ). While, as leaders, we believe we are more self-aware than we actually are, often, we have “blind spots” that only friends and those close to us will point out constructively. Neurologist John Noseworthy, who served as president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic, said, “People who don’t have insight into their behavior are very difficult to change. People who have humility are generally sensitive to how they interact with others. So, we select for it, and we also train for it, through feedback and coaching. We need people with self-awareness and humility who are open to Mastering Your Self-Awareness - By Bob Fashano - criticism and guidance. If they lack that openness, they won’t be very successful in leadership”. Frankly, I couldn’t agree more with Dr. Noseworthy. There clearly is a connection between self-awareness and effective leadership. One example is staying humble and curious for answers. When we acknowledge we don’t have all the answers, we listen to self and others. Are you trying to be the smartest person in the room and be heard more than listening and learning? When you interact with people, do they find you talking too much, or talking down (condescending) to them, or at times too aggressive? I have formed the habit of asking myself and others I coach and work with a powerful question. “What is it like to be on the other side of me?” If you are truly a secure leader in your own skin, you will want to know how people are experiencing you, because the reality is, they are. As a leader, we are either gainers or drainers, we are either a plus or a minus. Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder for all of us to form the habit of being conscious of how people are receiving our words, actions, and behaviors. Let’s become more self-aware of living out our values. We may have a Value Statement in a plaque on the wall for all to see. However, our effective leadership manifests itself when we live out the values. We all know the logic in this - we need to become more self-aware of living the values we believe strongly in. We must become more self-aware about recognition and giving credit versus accepting credit. I love former President Ronald Reagan’s quote, “There is no limit to what a person can do or where they may go if he/she doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” My intention here was to stimulate your thinking and ask yourself the question — “WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ME?”. Bob Fashano is the founder of Lead One Consulting, LLC, an executive Coaching and Leadership Development Company located in Palm Beach Gardens. Bob Is a certified Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching and a member of the International Coaching Federation. He is the author of a recently released book, "Make Today Your Masterpiece" and a new book to be released in the second quarter of 2025. He serves on the Keiser Flagship Advisory Counsel.