The managers I work with best are (or strive to be) serious about self-awareness

What does this mean? And more from Brené Brown's latest research...

One of the greatest privileges of my work is sitting across from Managers and Leaders who want to develop themselves, knowing it's the best chance they have at helping those around them grow too.

They carry a lot, juggle constantly, and understand that they also need people and spaces that can hold them in return.

I've recently finished Brené Brown’s latest book, Strong Ground, and I want to share a few research-backed insights from it that affirm what I see in the coaching space. (Note: If you haven’t read it yet, add it to your NZ summer reading list.)

One of Brene’s central findings is that, for workplace culture and leadership to thrive, individuals must stay rooted in their own strong ground — a sense of clarity about who they are, what they value, and how they want to lead.

Brene describes this as the ability to remain aligned with your integrity, identity, and values while navigating complexity and pressure. In New Zealand, I often compare this to being connected to your Tūrangawaewae — the place you stand from, your foundations.

It may sound simple when phrased this way, but nothing about this work is easy.

When identifying what most enables this connection to self, Brene challenges leaders to double down on strengthening their core — particularly self-awareness, emotional literacy, and emotional regulation.

She names the two things every self-aware leader needs:

1. Curiosity

2. Outside support (like a coach or counsellor)

   
   

I often explain it this way: Curiosity is the difference between self-knowledge (knowing facts about yourself) and self-awareness (paying attention to yourself, in the present moment). The gap between these two is life-changing.

And I’m grateful for the way Brene calls bullshit (pardon the language) on anyone who trivialises what this kind of work actually takes. If someone promises to guide you through self-awareness with a single quick fix, - run.

Real coaching is a long-game conversation — often a two-year (or more) journey of understanding yourself, noticing where you stay connected, and exploring the places you disconnect.

You simply can’t do it alone.

So, if you’re a new or seasoned Leader or Manager who is serious about self-awareness, and you don’t yet have a coach or counsellor lined up for 2026, I’d genuinely love to chat.

I recommend 6-weekly, 1-hour coaching conversations. My 2026 Leaders and Managers Coaching Package includes 6 sessions for $2000  (+the cost of your CliftonStrengths report if you don't yet have it) — a meaningful investment in your leadership, wellbeing, and relationships with the people you lead.

I have spaces available from February 2026, and I’m excited by what I’m seeing with my current cohort. In my 2025 Managers & Leaders programme, 90% are choosing to continue into 2026. These leaders are experiencing the impact of carving out intentional space — in packed schedules — to pause, reflect, and grow their self awareness.

In short:

• Self-aware leaders stay grounded in identity, integrity, and values — their strong ground (Tūrangawaewae).

• The biggest enablers of this are self-awareness, emotional literacy, and regulation.

• Serious self-awareness requires two things: curiosity + outside support (likely a coach or counsellor).

---

Lacey Blass CliftonStrengths coach

About the author Hi I'm Lacey, a CliftonStrengths coach based in New Zealand. I'm passionate about helping managers and teams thrive, not just survive.

I'm also a creative introvert, wife, mum and an avid fan of both exercise and doughnuts! If you're keen to begin or continue your CliftonStrengths journey, drop me a line or book a free chat