Being self-awareCommunicating EffectivelyCreating connection

Unlocking the power of social awareness

Unlocking the power of social awareness

8 minutes

It’s amazing how sometimes we can tell what other people are thinking or feeling, even when they may not express them explicitly or they are saying otherwise. Thanks to nonverbal cues like facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice, we can understand a person’s inner state, sometimes more accurately than their verbal communication. 

 

Our ability to interpret these nonverbal cues is a key aspect of social awareness. Having the ability to understand and empathise with others’ emotions, perspectives, and situations, is not just a soft skill—it’s a cornerstone of effective communication and relationship building, both in personal and professional realms.

Understanding social awareness

Social awareness is the ability to understand and empathise with others, acknowledge diverse perspectives and cultures, and accurately interpret social cues. With empathy, appreciation for diversity, and respect, you can create positive relationships and navigate social interactions with sensitivity, understanding, and inclusivity.

 

Social awareness is essential in leadership. When a leader is emotionally sensitive to others and their perspectives, they can tailor their communication and decision-making process to address different needs and concerns. It promotes a supportive working environment, allowing leaders to anticipate and address different needs.

 

 

How to improve your social awareness

There are several practical ways to cultivate and refine your social awareness. Check out our step-by-step guide below. 

1
Pay attention.
When you actively focus your attention on the people around you, you can better understand their emotions, perspectives, and needs. This involves being fully present in conversations, listening attentively to others, and observing nonverbal cues such as body language and tone of voice.

By paying attention to the subtle signals and cues in your social interactions, you can see what’s happening beyond the surface.
2
Listen actively.
Make a conscious effort to listen attentively to your team members. Focus on what they're saying without interrupting, paraphrasing their points to demonstrate understanding, and asking clarifying questions to delve deeper into their perspectives.
3
Observe the environment.
You can be socially aware even without interacting with other people. By observing your surroundings, you can pick up on cues and context that inform your understanding of social dynamics. This includes paying attention to the mood and atmosphere of a room, noticing how people interact with each other, and being aware of any cultural or social norms that may influence behaviour.
4
Notice body language.
Nonverbal cues such as gestures, posture, and eye contact often convey a wealth of information about a person's thoughts, feelings, and intentions. They give you insight into how others are truly feeling, even when they may not explicitly express it verbally.

For example, crossed arms might indicate discomfort or defensiveness, while open gestures and a relaxed posture can signal engagement and receptiveness.
5
Learn to read facial expressions.
Our faces often provide visible clues about emotions, allowing others to understand how they are feeling even before they speak. To improve your ability to read facial expressions, consider practicing with trusted friends or family members. Observe their facial expressions during different conversations and activities, and ask them to provide feedback on your interpretations.
6
Know how to differentiate tones of voice.
The tone in which someone speaks will give you an idea about how they really feel inside. A cheerful and upbeat tone often indicates happiness, enthusiasm, or optimism while an anxious or nervous tone may sound shaky, hesitant, or tense. Practice active listening during conversations and pay close attention to the subtle variations in pitch, volume, and rhythm.

Consider asking clarifying questions or reflecting back on what you've heard to ensure you've accurately interpreted the speaker's intended message.
7
Understand when someone is just being polite.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell when someone is either being genuine or simply being polite. Some common signs include minimal conversation or brief, polite responses, use of formal language or courteous phrases, noncommittal responses or vague answers, limited eye contact, and reserved body language.
8
Consider other people's perspectives.
Remember that not all people feel or think like you. By putting yourself in their shoes, you can understand where they are coming from. It is also important to remember that an employee's mindset often differs from that of a leader.
9
Trust your instincts.
Relying on your gut feelings or intuition can provide valuable insights into social situations and interactions, even when you may not have concrete evidence to support your perceptions. For example, if something seems off in a conversation or interaction, your instincts may alert you to potential underlying issues or tensions.
10
Always choose to be kind.
Whatever the situation is, choosing kindness fosters empathy, understanding, and connection. Consider the impact of your words and actions on those around you, be mindful of others' feelings and perspectives, and approach every interaction with empathy and goodwill.
Recognising low social awareness

How do you know if you have low social awareness? Recognising its signs is the first step toward improving it, so here are some indicators that you should be aware of:

Difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Difficulty understanding or empathising with others' emotions, perspectives, or experiences, resulting in insensitive or dismissive behaviour.
Unawareness or indifference to the needs, feelings, or boundaries of those around you, making it difficult to establish or maintain meaningful connections with others.
Unintentionally offending or hurting others with your words or actions.
Feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed in social settings.
Limited understanding of cultural differences or lack of exposure to diverse perspectives.
Struggling to navigate conflict or disagreements effectively.

Engaging in this exercise will aid you and your team in fostering a collective understanding and pinpointing your current positions on the Change Curve.
You can employ this exercise on a regular basis throughout the entire change process.

by
Hellomonday