Before you ask someone else to communicate clearly, take ownership or listen more carefully, consider the example you set. People notice how you respond when something goes wrong. They notice whether you keep your commitments, make room for other views and acknowledge your mistakes. Those everyday moments shape what people expect from you—and what they feel comfortable doing around you. You may encourage questions, but if you become impatient when someone asks one, that response carries weight. You may ask for honesty, but if you dismiss feedback, people may become more cautious about what they share. Your behaviour gives people information about how to work with you. This applies whatever your role. You influence others when you share information, handle a disagreement, support a colleague or follow through on a promise. Start by noticing Self-awareness means being willing to examine your behaviour honestly, including the moments when you are rushed, frustrated or under pressure. Ask yourself: • What do people regularly experience when they work with me? • How do I respond when someone disagrees with me? • Do I demonstrate the behaviours I ask of others? • What changes in my behaviour when I feel under pressure? You don’t need perfect answers. You need enough honesty to identify something worth working on. The question to take away: What am I teaching people to expect through the way I behave?