Bshs/465 - Self-Awareness Video Analysis

Self-Awareness Video Analysis

BSHS/465

November 30, 2015

Self-Awareness Video Analysis

To understand more about the role of self-awareness in human services, emotional intelligence is an important thing that helps in guiding the profession. This paper will look at Daniel Goleman’s definition of emotional intelligence as well as his four domains; his meaning of self-awareness and how it relates to human services; how I can apply self-awareness in my work-life choices and what strategies I can use, and lastly, why a well-developed self-awareness is important to a human services professional and how this affects human services work.

Four Domains of Emotional Intelligence

        According to Goleman, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. He theorizes that there are four parts of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness (empathy), and relationship management (social skills). Self-awareness is the ability for an individual to recognize their own emotions and how they affect their behavior and thoughts, know their weaknesses and strengths, and have self-confidence (Concordia Online Education, 2015). Self-management is the ability to control impulsive behaviors and feelings, manage emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances (Concordia Online Education, 2015). Social-awareness is the ability to observe and understand others’ emotions, needs, and concerns; it is the ability to pick up on various emotional cues, feel socially comfortable, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization. Social awareness is also known as empathy (Concordia Online Education, 2015). Lastly, according to Concordia Online Education (2015), relationship management is the ability to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly to others, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. Relationship management emphasizes on having good social skills and being competent in relating to the emotions of others and remains connected.

Self-Awareness

        Goleman defines self-awareness as “knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses, one’s emotions, drives, values and goals and recognize their impact on others while using gut feelings to guide decisions” (Video, 2010). Goleman’s definition is relevant to human services in that it strives for human service professionals to be self-confident and have a realistic assessment of their thoughts, behaviors and themselves. According to National Organization for Human Services  (2011), "Human service professionals foster self-awareness and personal growth in themselves. They recognize that when professionals are aware of their own values, attitudes, cultural backgrounds, and personal needs, the process of helping others is less likely to be negatively impacted by those factors.” 

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