Through building self-awareness we can have a clearer perception of our personality, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, emotions and beliefs. Learning and Personal Development stems from recognizing areas of strengths and identifying areas where we want to make improvements. Self awareness can be especially beneficial when working collaboratively. It can help you recognize and navigate varying communication, learning and conflict management styles.

Activities and readings:

  1. Explore how Carolyn Linton’s self-awareness about her emotional sensitivity channels into her career in Big girls do cry. Wonder: How can sensitivity and emotional intelligence support the introduction of new digital tools and practices in your team?

  2. Being self-aware is an ongoing practice. To start, understanding your own biases can help you learn more about yourself, your communities and organization. Read Sarah Margles’s guide how to begin exploring your biases as a Public Service employee in Public servant, face your biases.

  3. Self-awareness not only includes looking for ways to improve and apply constructive criticism to yourself – but also involves being compassionate and caring towards yourself. Paula Vital shares how they apply mindfulness practices in their leadership and within teams in Managers in the public service: what can only you do?

Quizzes/Activities:

Self-Assessment Tool: PLUM Profile

Fill out the PLUM Discovery Survey:

The PLUM Discovery Survey is a tool often used by job seekers but it’s a great way to find out what your Top Talents, Work Style and Work Preferences are. Think of it as a professional personality test related to your careers.

Wonder: How do your top talents and work style align with digital government?

Wonder: Where do your work preferences stem from? (e.g., past experiences, influences from social circle, relationship with management)

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