Use your journal for this exercise. Developing situational awareness as a leader requires deliberate practice, and intentional effort to improve specific skills over time. This exercise emphasizes the consistent use of leadership tools to heighten your awareness of your team’s dynamics, organizational needs, and external factors.
Tools to develop situational awareness
- Active Listening
Begin by refining your active listening skills. Dedicate time during team meetings and one-on-one conversations to truly hear what is being said and what is left unsaid. As part of your practice, avoid interrupting and instead focus on clarifying and summarizing key points. For example, you might say, “What I hear you saying is [paraphrase their point]. Is that correct?” This fosters understanding and uncovers deeper concerns that may not be immediately apparent. - Observation
Set aside time to observe your team in action without intervening. Notice body language, tone of voice, and interpersonal dynamics. For instance, who speaks up the most during meetings? Who seems disengaged or hesitant? Take notes on recurring patterns and subtle cues, as they can provide insights into underlying team dynamics and potential challenges. - Effective Questioning
Craft open-ended questions that encourage team members to share their perspectives. Questions such as “What challenges are you facing right now?” or “How can we better support your work?” invite honest feedback. Combine this with a curious mindset, aiming to learn rather than to confirm assumptions. - Empathy
Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes. When addressing team member concerns, ask yourself how they might feel in their situation. For example, if a team member is struggling with a project deadline, consider external pressures or personal factors they might be facing. Use this perspective to approach conversations with understanding and compassion. - Reflection and Feedback
Allocate time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your observations and interactions. Ask yourself questions like: “What went well? What could I have done differently? What insights did I gain today?” Additionally, seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors about your awareness and adaptability in specific scenarios. - Transparency and Communication
Share your observations with your team when appropriate. For example, if you notice a recurring communication gap, transparently address it in a meeting and propose solutions. This not only demonstrates your attentiveness but also builds trust.
Practice plan
Set measurable goals for each tool. For instance, aim to paraphrase key points during every conversation for a week, or observe team dynamics for 10 minutes each day. Over time, these deliberate actions will become second nature, enhancing your situational awareness and making you a more effective and adaptive leader.
