Emotional Awareness
Emotional awareness is a skill I try to bring into everything I do—whether I’m working with students, collaborating with a team, or just managing my own energy throughout the day.
It’s about noticing how people feel, not just what they say or do. And it’s about being honest with myself when I’m stressed, tired, frustrated, or off balance.
Reading the Room
I try to stay tuned into the emotional tone of the space I’m in:
- Are people feeling motivated, or overwhelmed?
- Is someone unusually quiet or defensive?
- Does the energy feel focused or scattered?
Even small changes in tone, posture, or engagement can say a lot. Being aware of those things helps me respond more thoughtfully, adjust my approach, or simply ask if someone’s okay.
Internal Awareness
It’s just as important to pay attention to my own emotional state. If I’m not focused, impatient, or tired, it affects how I work—and how I treat the people around me.
Sometimes I’ll pause before reacting, take a break, or shift to a task that fits my current headspace better. I’ve learned that managing my energy is often more important than managing my time.
Why It Matters
Emotional awareness helps me:
- Support people better—especially when they’re struggling but not saying it
- Avoid unnecessary conflict by noticing tension early
- Create environments where people feel heard, respected, and safe to speak up
It doesn’t mean being overly sensitive or trying to fix everyone’s mood. It just means being aware, empathetic, and willing to adjust when needed.
At the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel—just as much as what you said or built together.