Ever been on a team where things just click? Everyone’s in sync, ideas are flowing, and you’re getting stuff done. It feels amazing, right? But those moments don’t just happen. Behind the scenes, there’s usually a strong foundation of self-awareness and great communication holding it all together.

Let’s break down why these two things are so important—and how they can help any team (yes, yours!) thrive.

What’s the Big Deal About Self-Awareness?

Self-awareness is a fancy way of saying: “I get myself.” It’s about knowing what you’re good at, what you struggle with, and how your personality comes across to others. For example, are you the person who thrives under pressure, or do you need a little more structure to feel on top of things? Understanding that is huge.

Here’s the magic. When you know yourself, you show up more intentionally. You’re clearer about your strengths, you’re better at managing your reactions, and you can work with others without accidentally stepping on toes. And when leaders are self-aware? That’s a game-changer for the whole team because their behavior sets the tone.

The MVP of Teamwork

You’ve probably heard it a million times: communication is key. Say it again for the people in the back.

But let’s get real—good communication isn’t just about talking more. It’s about saying what matters and listening with purpose.

Here’s where a lot of teams struggle, though. We tend to communicate the way we like to be communicated with. For example, if you love data, you might overwhelm someone with a giant spreadsheet when they just wanted a quick summary. Or, if you’re super detail-focused, you might feel frustrated when someone throws out a big idea without a clear plan. That’s why understanding each other’s styles is such a big deal. It helps you meet people where they are and get further faster.

Add a Dash of Empathy and Safety

When self-awareness and communication come together, something really cool happens—empathy is born. Teams that “get” each other are better at handling differences and challenges. They create psychological safety. This is an environment where people feel like they can share ideas, raise concerns, or even make mistakes without fear of judgment.

And let me tell you, the best teams I’ve seen all have this. Google even did a study on the difference between high-performing teams and low-performing ones and found that the key ingredient was psychological safety. 

When people feel safe, they show up as their best selves. They take risks, solve problems, and trust each other more.

How to Build It on Your Team

If you’re thinking, “Okay, this sounds great, but how do we actually do it?” don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start small:

• Reflect: Take time to think about your own communication style. What’s working? What’s not? Tools like personality assessments can help, but even just asking yourself or your team questions like “What’s it like to work with me?” can spark insights.

• Talk About It: Have open conversations about how your team works together. What’s going well? What feels hard? The goal isn’t to criticize. We want to understand and improve.

• Focus on Safety: Make sure everyone on your team feels heard and respected. If someone shares an idea, thank them—even if it’s not perfect. It’s the little things that build trust over time.

Self-awareness and communication aren’t just “nice-to-haves” for teams. They’re the foundation of how to make work easier, more enjoyable, and way more productive. And let’s be honest, when you actually enjoy working with your team, you’re more efficient and can help drive results..

So here’s my challenge to you—what’s one thing you could do this week to improve how you show up at work or how your team connects? It might be a small step, but trust me, those steps add up.

Want to dive deeper? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts.