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1.  Knowing yourself as a leader is essential for genuine connection and  effective influence. From both my experience as a PLTW science teacher  and a medical dental assistant, I’ve learned that becoming mindful and  self-aware requires intentional reflection and active listening. In the  academic setting, I use regular self-reflection after lessons to assess  not only how I delivered content but also how I responded to students’  needs and emotions. This helps me become more attuned to their learning  styles and challenges, fostering a supportive environment. I also  practice empathy by putting myself in their shoes, which increases my  mindfulness toward their experiences. Professionally, my medical dental  assistant background taught me the importance of clear communication and  patience, especially in high-stress situations. I stay self-aware by  pausing before reacting and asking myself how my words or actions might  affect others. This mindfulness improves teamwork and patient care.  Personally, I practice mindfulness through journaling and meditation,  which help me stay grounded and recognize my emotional responses. This  awareness allows me to separate personal feelings from professional  responsibilities and make thoughtful decisions. Overall, I believe that  knowing yourself as a leader means continuously learning from your  experiences and being open to growth in all areas of life. 

2.  

Effective leadership begins with  self-knowledge. As Nanwani (2021) explains, leaders must engage in  continuous self-reflection to understand their strengths, values, and  areas of growth (pp. 25–27). Without this awareness, it isn't easy to  inspire others or lead with authenticity. For me, developing mindfulness  and self-awareness involves intentional practices that help me remain  grounded in both my personal values and professional responsibilities.

One approach I use is reflective journaling,  which allows me to pause, analyze, and make sense of my experiences.  Similar to the sample journal entries in Nanwani’s appendix (2021, pp.  131–142), my journaling often highlights themes of gratitude, lessons  learned, and growth opportunities. This practice not only strengthens my  self-awareness but also helps me track my development as a leader over  time.

Another approach I rely on is mindful listening.  In my role as a special education teacher working with students with  severe disabilities, it is essential to pay attention not only to what  is said but also to what is expressed through behavior, emotion, and  context. Practicing mindfulness in communication helps me become more  present with students, families, and colleagues, which enhances my  empathy and deepens relationships. This aligns with Appreciative Living,  which encourages leaders to focus on the positive core of others rather  than dwelling on deficits.

Finally, I intentionally seek feedback and collaboration  as part of my professional growth. By inviting colleagues and mentors  to share their perspectives, I become more aware of blind spots and  alternative approaches. This openness reflects Nanwani’s (2021) point  that leaders grow by continuously “unpacking and repacking” the  essential tools they carry on their leadership journey (pp. 26–27).

By combining journaling, mindful  listening, and feedback, I strengthen my ability to know myself as a  leader. These practices cultivate self-awareness and mindfulness in both  personal and professional contexts, enabling me to lead with  authenticity, adaptability, and appreciation for others.