Want To Be A Great Leader? Know Thyself

One of the Delphic maxims (engraved on the sacred temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece), and probably the most well know is "Know Thyself". There are many interpretations, but you could say in a nutshell that it is about reflecting and developing a greater understanding/awareness of who you are, could be and/or who you ought to be, and in turn an awareness of others and your relationship towards them and they to you. Throughout her career, Dr Nia Thomas, has been interested in the working relationship: the dynamics between people and the impact both good and bad relationships have on individuals and their ability to effectively deliver their work. This led her to develop an interest in self-awareness, leader effectiveness and leadership at all levels which became the focus of her doctoral research. In this episode she discusses the experiences which led to her interest in self-awareness, leader effectiveness and leadership at all levels. She further talks about the 3 layers she sees as embodying self-awareness - reflection, recognition and regulation and touches on the difference between someone who just manages (the focus is on their technical skills) and others who manage but have self-awareness (whether it is inherent or one of the skills they have developed).

About Dr Nia D Thomas

Nia spent over 20 years working in the public sector across local government, the NHS and civil service, predominantly in Wales and in the last few years, moving to England. Her passion is for children and family support: ensuring that babies and children have the opportunity to thrive and flourish, supported by adults who care for, nurture and love them. She currently works as an Assistant Director in a children’s charity.

Throughout her career, Nia has been interested in the working relationship: the dynamics between people and the impact both good and bad relationships have on individuals and their ability to effectively deliver their work. This led her to develop an interest in self-awareness, leader effectiveness and leadership at all levels which became the focus of her doctoral research.

Her website (Knowing Self Knowing Others) was launched in 2018 and was accelerated by a need to keep the little grey cells active during the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 and the desire to share her research finding alongside her experience of the world of work, with others.

Nia launched her 'The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast' in September 2022 to take her research from academia to the office. It also establishes a body of exploration into self-aware leadership.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-d-thomas/

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-knowing-self-knowing-others-podcast/id1640336716

https://knowingselfknowingothers.co.uk