1.05 Social Awareness on individual & Families/ Counseling & MH

1.05 Social Awareness on Individual & Families/ Counseling & MH

By Tony James

​Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

​Being socially aware means that you understand how you react to different social situations, and effectively modify your interactions with other people so that you achieve the best results. The net result of social awareness is the ongoing development of social skills.

​What is a socially aware person?

• ​Identifying social cues (verbal, physical) to determine how others feel.

• Taking others' perspectives.

• Demonstrating empathy and compassion.

• Showing concern for the feelings of others.

• Understanding and expressing gratitude.

• Recognizing strengths in others.

Skills that develop social awareness include:

1. ​Understand what it means to listen. ...

2. Repeat what was said. ...

3. Pay attention to tone of voice. ...

4. Watch facial expressions and body language. ...

5. Keep a finger on the pulse of the office. ...

6. Notice the details. ...

7. Avoid the drive-by. ...

8. Stop taking notes.

​8 social awareness tactics that will make you a better leader

​. Understand what it means to listen

Most of us think we’re good listeners. Unfortunately, the truth is that we’re usually too busy thinking of our next response to really hear what others are saying.

Good listeners don’t assume they know or understand a situation before hearing someone out. They listen, look for the facts of the situation and then analyze the emotions surrounding it.

When you slow down and really start listening, you may be surprised by what you learn about your employees and organization – and how you can help things run more efficiently with the new information at hand.

Understand what it means to listen

You say you’re listening. But can you prove it?

The best way to ensure you understand what’s been said is to repeat back what you heard in your own words and ask for more information, if appropriate. This helps to show that you understand what was said, and it conveys to the other person that their opinion is valued and heard.

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Repeat what was said

​Ask any actor and they’ll tell you – the way you say something can be the difference between night and day.

For example, if an employee enthusiastically shrills with excitement while saying, “No problem!” it’s quite a bit different than an ambivalent mutter of the same words.

Notice the energy behind what your employees say to get a sense of how they’re feeling. This is especially critical during virtual meetings when you do not have visual cues. A person’s tone of voice can help you get a read on how they’re feeling, and give you a better opportunity to choose the most appropriate response or course of action. The best leaders are in tune with others’ feelings.

Pay attention to tone of voice