Do You Pass the Mirror Test?

Psychologists love tests. In their world there are four primary tests: the clinical interview, personality assessment, behavioral assessment, and, of course the classic IQ test.

Each is a fundamental of the psychology profession that helps form an understanding of a person’s current mental state and can provide reasons for current behavior. They are, however, snapshots, and they can change as circumstances change. There literally are dozens of more tests, but these are the biggies.

One smaller and somewhat controversial test is the mirror test, which sometimes is called the mirror self-recognition test. Psychologist Gordon Gallup, in an attempt to measure self-awareness in animals, used a mirror to see if these animals could recognize their own reflection.

Very few species actually have passed the mirror test. These species — us humans, apes, dolphins, orcas, the Eurasian magpie, rhesus macaques, some ants, and a single elephant — all took a hard look in the mirror and came away with a sense of self.

Parenthetically, it’s also the ability to view oneself truly that defines a great leader.

Research in the business world indicates that building or creating self-awareness is an important step to becoming a successful leader. In fact, most effective executives have a realistic view of their own abilities, which includes knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses, the effect they have on others, and the areas of their personality that need attention to grow.

In the book Heart, Smarts, Guts, and Luck, authors and business gurus Anthony Tjan, Richard Harrington, and Tsun-Yan Hsieh opine that self-awareness is the most important trait a business leader can possess, even trumping the four attributes named in the title of their own book.

Self-aware people have a good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and are able to use their strengths effectively during day-to-day business, but seek out help to conquer their weaknesses. Knowing where your weaknesses lie can help you build a better team, especially at the executive level.

Self-aware leaders also know how their actions, words, and even their body language affect those around them. As a leader, all of your communication, including the nonverbal, can have repercussions including productivity loss and high workforce turnover rates.

No matter the type of business you run — big, small, corporate, or family — if you can’t identify your strengths and weaknesses, it’s probably time for some reflection.

About the Author
Canadian Metalworking

Joe Thompson

Editor

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Toronto, M1R 0A1 Canada

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Joe Thompson has been covering the Canadian manufacturing sector for nearly two decades. He is responsible for the day-to-day editorial direction of the magazine, providing a uniquely Canadian look at the world of metal manufacturing.

An award-winning writer and graduate of the Sheridan College journalism program, he has published articles worldwide in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical, infrastructure, and entertainment.