Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness Knowing others is intelligence; Knowing yourself is true wisdom; Mastering others is strength; Mastering yourself is true power ~ Chinese proverb Probably one of the least discussed leadership competencies, ' self - awareness' is possibly one of the most valuable in Modern times. The leaders who actively work towards understanding themselves, not only become more effective, but also more emotionally intelligent; a skill considered essential for success. Self-awareness is the key to tap into your power to influence others and relate to them in the best way. In Leadership lessons by Mark Zuckerberg recently, he emphasised on the importance of 'making your own development a priority' for better leadership. He mentioned how he hired a coach to improve his leadership skills. Self - awareness, even though intangible, is a step by step gradual process to know the 'self' and requires self reflection, and genuin