I often tell my clients: The relationship you have with others begins with the relationship you have with yourself.
At Triple Axel, we call this our YOUniversity — the personal mastery that comes from knowing yourself deeply.
Try this exercise:
Choose one day to observe yourself in different interactions. Pay attention during moments such as:
- Ordering coffee from a barista
- Scheduling an appointment with a live person
- Asking for directions from someone, not AI
- Briefly chatting with another in an elevator
- Meeting with a medical professional
- Talking with a colleague, a direct report
- Checking in with a senior leader
After each interaction, jot down in your leadership journal:
- What sensations did I notice in my body?
- Was the encounter pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral?
- How did I feel at the start, middle, and end of the interaction?
- Did I sense attentive or distracted behavior?
- How did my body signal those feelings?
- Did my energy shift during the exchange?
- What am I taking away about myself and the other person?
At the end of the day, review your notes. Look for patterns, surprises, and moments of comfort or discomfort. Connect them to your experiences in meetings, presentations, and one-to-one conversations.
Over time, developing self-awareness will help you identify both your relationship strengths and your growth areas, giving you a clearer path toward building the trust and influence great leadership requires.