Why Self-Awareness Isn’t Doing More to Help Women’s Careers

Self-awareness is the foundational leadership skill of the 21st century. Leaders who know who they are, and how they’re seen by others, are more effective, confident, respected, and promotable. Research has shown that women possess a slight self-awareness advantage over men. One study found women’s self-ratings of self-awareness were slightly (though not dramatically) higher than men’s. Other research has shown that women are rated slightly higher in self-awareness by direct reports, as well as managers and peers. Women are also better able to recognize the importance of self-awareness for their career success and advancement.

Despite these advantages, women continue to be underrepresented in senior leadership roles and are paid less than men. While gender inequity has wide-ranging causes, focusing on the role that self-awareness plays can give women, and those who champion them, tools to address some of these disparities. Three lessons from the self-awareness literature might help: 1) women underestimate themselves, but not in the way most people believe; 2) women aren’t getting good feedback; 3) women tend to take feedback to heart.