You are the most interesting and important subject in the world. And, you will always be the center of your world.
We would argue that one of the most exciting and often intimidating experiences of living is to gain a fuller understanding of one's self.
Some of the hurdles of self-understanding include: a negative past experience; a need to be right; fear of change; avoidance, or simply not taking the time, to name a few. Self-knowledge comes when you are curious or confident enough to question your default behaviors. Simply speaking, default behaviors are those behaviors that we routinely resort to, particularly under stress.
As you mature or have aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder, the more important self-understanding becomes. Your span of responsibilities will increase, you will face bigger challenges, there will be a broader range of personalities to deal with as the ramifications of poor decisions increase. You will want to not only be self-aware but 'other aware' to avoid crisis. In the long run, self-knowledge will save you both time and energy.
You recognize the only person you can change is yourself. You want to know how to deal well with others. You wish to become more aware of the impact of your default personality tendencies on others and what behaviors on your part would be most helpful in communicating with them.
A good place to start to understand your strengths and abilities is to get to know yourself better. We recommend taking a few personality self-assessments. By understanding your behavioral tendencies, you will gain the ability to adapt your behavior to the other person's meaning making processes. We all need to be aware of and control our personal hot buttons.
Whether you desire limited direction, freedom to make decisions or relatively little structure--the more insight you have into yourself will help you influence and negotiate what you need.
Knowing what behaviors others find appealing and those which undermine your leadership capabilities will be invaluable to you. Leaders cannot lead without people who are willing to follow. Your personal success will be in direct proportion to your ability to influence others.
Source: When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women (ebook at $.99, Paperback Workbook at $13.41)
Can't Get Enough Leadership (ebook at $.99, Paperback at $27.40)
Women, Know Thyself: The most important knowledge is self-knowledge. (ebook for $.99 or paperback edition for $7.99)
Develop Leadership Skills: A Mobile Reference Guide (ebook at $.99)