The ability to know and monitor yourself is one of the most important traits you can have as a leader.  What is the most important characteristic of a leader? Some might say it’s integrity. Others may say that it’s being a good motivator. But American psychologist and author Sherrie Campbell believes that self-awareness — the ability to monitor one’s own emotions and reactions — is the key factor in leadership success. Learning to be aware of yourself isn’t always easy, but mastering this skill can help you become a much more effective leader. Here are tips for improving self-awareness for college goers. Keep an open mind When you have the ability to regulate your own emotional world, you can be attuned to the emotions of others. To be a successful leader, you have to be curious about new people and all they have to offer. This shows that you can be a team player, and don’t need to be number one. The more open you are to others, the more creative you will become. Know your strength/weakness Self-aware individuals know their own strengths and weaknesses and are able to work from that space. Being mindful of this means that you know when to reach out for assistance, and when you are good on your own. Stay focused Making connections with those around you is important as a leader. But you can’t make those connections if you’re distracted. Train yourself to focus for long periods of time without getting sucked into small distractions. Set boundaries Be warm toward others, but say no when you need to say no. Be serious about your work and your passions, and keep your boundaries firm to maintain the integrity of your goals and the work you put into them. Know your emotional triggers Self-aware individuals are able to identify their emotions as they are happening. Don’t repress your emotions or deny their causes; instead, be able to bend and flex with them, and fully process them before communicating with others. Embrace your intuition Successful people trust their gut instincts and take the risks associated with them. Your instincts are based on the survival of the fittest and the need to succeed. Learn to trust these and use them. Practise self-discipline Discipline is a character trait that provides good leaders with the enduring focus necessary for strong leadership. So, practise it.