By Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE
Years ago, the movie Clueless became a sensation, featuring a very appealing cast and a charming storyline. For a couple of hours, we were all whisked away to the high school scene in Beverly Hills!
While Clueless serves as a fitting title for a movie and aptly describes certain individuals, it is not a term that should be embraced by any transportation professional. We are never clueless about our work; instead, we are knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to our profession.
In order to do an outstanding job in our industry and profession, you must have confidence, knowledge and self-awareness. Each day, you engage with various stakeholders, including district administration, site administrators, your team, external regulators, students, and parents; thus, you are consistently in the public eye.
Your demeanor, your words and the way you conduct business speak volumes about your character and your work. Cultivating self-awareness enables you to better understand yourself, your leadership style, and how you manage your business interactions.
Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership. It begins with personal accountability, where we take responsibility for our actions and understand our roles. Additionally, it involves recognizing how we communicate and lead.
Keys to being a self-aware leader:
• We observe our actions and behaviors, striving to remain professional, empathetic, and focused.
• By understanding ourselves, we commit to continuously developing into the best leader we can be.
In our current society, self-awareness seems to be lacking. I observe far more individuals who are oblivious than those who possess genuine self-awareness. Somehow, whether on social media or in person, many people have forgotten what it means to be courteous and self-aware. They do not care how their words or behaviors will impact others and may even feel entitled to their actions!
A few days ago, I was discussing a membership concern with one of our members. I was truly impressed by their composure and approach to the situation. A check had not been issued on their part, resulting in a lapsed membership. Instead of expressing anger or assigning blame, this gracious individual focused on finding a resolution and moving ahead. They acknowledged it as a minor inconvenience and aimed to rectify it. It was a delight collaborating with them to find a solution!
Self-awareness allows us to recognize our assets and to address our liabilities. Knowing what we excel at and what we need help with is crucial in leadership. No one does it right 100% of the time. If you are brave enough, ask your colleagues or your supervisors for feedback and use their insights to improve your leadership IQ.
2026 like all years, will be challenging and successful! Life is always a combination of the two! How successful you will be depends on your self-awareness and insights. Your ability to address challenges is a public demonstration of your leadership abilities!
Truly exceptional leaders are committed to continuous learning, growth, and evolution. This dedication is what sets them apart! Strive to be outstanding!