A tool that can transform our professional and personal lives.
‘Man conquers the world by conquering himself.’ This quote from Zenon of Citium (334 B.C.) really makes you think. To conquer yourself, you’ve got to know you first, and that means discovering who you really are. We don’t like feeling vulnerable. It’s funny because, even though our inner reality is the most intrinsic thing we’ve got, we often avoid looking at it or digging deep. That’s probably why we tend to choose between two paths: either fooling ourselves into thinking we’re something we’re not, without really knowing ourselves, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, which can be rewarding but also tough sometimes.
For those who choose the path of self-discovery, it’s crucial to understand that you can’t be both judge and jury in this process. You need input from others, no matter how tough or uplifting their feedback might be. How others see us matters because it can highlight the gaps and overlaps between our self-perception and how the world sees us. That’s where the popular 360º assessment tools used in organizations come into play. They are very valuable for both the person being evaluated and the evaluator because:
- They help pinpoint areas for improvement and strengths in the person being evaluated, kickstarting a more targeted journey of self-discovery. For the evaluator, it encourages creating spaces for personal and professional growth.
- On an organizational level, it promotes transparency and communication, fostering a trust-based culture that strengthens interpersonal relationships.
- When it comes to strategy, it helps make better decisions about promotions, project assignments, succession planning, and more.
- It is a qualitative tool that fine-tunes individual development plans for leaders, making them more efficient and impactful.
So, if we want to conquer the world and its markets, let’s not forget the tools we have at our disposal. It is importante that we use them wisely and not just as another bureaucratic process, because they can make a profound impact on both individuals and the organization.
