Building Professional Relationships
Part III – Self-Awareness

This month, we are continuing to focus on skills needed to build professional relationships. Professional networks are an important component of career readiness and success, and forming relationships is the mainstay of professional networks. The past two newsletters have focused on Trust and Respect. This month, we focus on Self-Awareness.

The Collaboration for Academic and Social Emotional Learning defines self-awareness as “The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.” (https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/#self-awareness).

Why Self-Awareness Matters

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) lists eight competencies for career readiness – career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology. Because these competencies are not as “concrete” as hard skills such as knowing how to write an email or use a particular tool, knowing whether one has these skills requires self-awareness.

A story of Self-Awareness in Action

Early in her teaching career, Maria was assigned to teach chemistry, a subject requiring math skills that made some students anxious. After her first math-heavy lesson, Maria noticed that some students were talking among themselves. At first, she asked them to focus quietly on their work. But she soon realized the stronger math students were helping their classmates. Recognizing her initial reaction was a mistake, Maria encouraged this peer-to-peer learning, benefiting the whole class. Her self-awareness allowed her to see how her actions affected students’ learning experiences.

Self-Awareness and Professional Relationships

Self-awareness helps us understand our impact in the workplace and build meaningful connections. By recognizing our behavior and adjusting it, we can create an environment where others feel supported and valued.

What’s on our mind?

In a recent TEDx Manitou Springs talk, Daniel Hallak shared how he once felt uncomfortable with networking, seeing it as “using” other people (https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_hallak_networking_doesn_t_have_to_feel_gross?subtitle=en).. But over time, he learned that networking can be a meaningful, two-way street, focused on genuine connections rather than transactions.

Hallak explains that while your education is your “on-ramp” to a good career, networking is the “highway to opportunity.” This shift begins by moving from a transactional mindset—focused only on personal gain—to a relational mindset, which values authentic connection and caring about others.

Hallak encourages a shift in focus. Instead of asking, “What can I get?” think, “What can I give?” For instance, if you’re a high school student looking for a job, focus on the value you bring to an employer. Consider these questions:

How can you make your role a win-win? Think about how your skills and strengths can positively impact the company.
What can you contribute? Show up ready to support the team and make the workplace better.

By approaching relationships with self-awareness—understanding your strengths and how they benefit others—you’ll find networking can lead to lasting, meaningful connections.

Networking doesn’t have to feel “gross” when you’re focused on creating mutual value and making a positive impact. Embrace this approach, and you’ll find yourself building a professional network that opens doors and enriches both your career and your life.

Stay on Track for Success this Holiday Season …

The excitement of the upcoming holiday season may derail some high school students from making progress on their post-secondary school plans.

For seniors, in particular, this is the time to decide whether they will pursue a full-time job, join a branch of the military, or further education.

Students: Set Your Goals and Take Action!

Considering Further Education?

Now is the time to apply! Whether you’re looking at two- or four-year colleges, or technical programs, reach out to trusted adults for help. Ask a teacher, counselor, or current employer for a recommendation letter or tips on financial aid. They might even know about scholarships within their own companies!

Planning to Work Right After Graduation?

Explore companies that offer on-the-job training for high school grads. If you’re currently working, talk to your employer about full-time opportunities or seek a recommendation letter to strengthen your next job application.

Employers: Invest in Your High School Employees

Do you have high school employees or volunteers? Help set them up for success by offering guidance:
Write a Letter of Reference to support their applications for college or job training

• Write a Letter of Reference to support their applications for college or job training
• Share Job Opportunities they may not know about whether within your company or through your network
• Inform Them of Scholarships that may be available to help them with educational expenses.

By working together, we can help our seniors stay focused and confident in their career journeys after high school. Let’s make this holiday season a launchpad to their future success.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

We would appreciate your thoughts on our initiative and welcome opportunities to collaborate. You can reach us at info@youthworkconnect.org and we look forward to staying connected.