How regular reflection helps technical leaders develop self-awareness

• The importance of reflection and self-awareness for technical leaders

• How peer-to-peer feedback can help technical leaders develop self-awareness

• The importance of remaining calm and composed in challenging situations

Regular reflection can help technical leaders develop their self-awareness and lead more effectively, says Soleen Al-Zou'bi, Women’s Technical Director at the Football Association of Malaysia and FIFA Technical Leadership Expert.

“One of the most effective tools for developing my self-awareness has been regular reflection,” explains Al-Zou'bi, who has led the growth of women’s football in Malaysia since December 2022. “I dedicated time to reflect on my actions and to better understand my emotions and reactions. Being aware of your emotional responses helps you manage them effectively and overcome personal difficulties, allowing you to perform at your best every day.”

Developing self-awareness can help leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses which, in turn, can lead to a better approach to the many varied challenges of a technical leadership position.

“Self-awareness helps you to create a positive environment, build trust, communicate effectively, and remain open to feedback, all of which contribute to a strong team culture,” explains Al-Zou'bi, who has worked as national women’s head coach for both Malaysia and Jordan. “Without self-awareness, a technical leader may unintentionally create fear, confusion, or resistance, even when they have strong technical knowledge and experience.”

Al-Zou'bi recently graduated from FIFA’s Technical Leadership Diploma. During the 18-month long programme, peer-to-peer discussion and feedback played a crucial role in helping the participants to develop their self-awareness.

“Peer-to-peer discussions with colleagues throughout the Diploma were very valuable, as they helped me to see myself from others’ perspectives,” she explains. “Receiving their feedback played an important role in improving my self-awareness.

“In addition, I frequently used the FIFA Training Centre Learning Hub to explore topics related to self-awareness, such as emotional intelligence, stress management and resilience. I applied these concepts to analyse my own behaviour and to learn how to respond in a balanced way — not too much and not too little, but just right for each situation.”

Developing self-awareness skills can help technical leaders remain calm and composed in challenging situations, says Al-Zou'bi. “Improving my self-awareness has made me more conscious of how I act and react,” explains Al-Zou'bi, who has also held senior positions in women’s football in Jordan. “This has been particularly important in challenging situations and helped me understand how I make decisions whilst ensuring I remain calm, positive, and composed.”

Through reflection and self-awareness, Al-Zou'bi now believes she leads with a more facilitative and empowering approach. “This process has helped me shift from a controlling style of leadership towards a more facilitative and empowering approach,” she explains. “This has resulted in more trust-based relationships, better conflict management, clearer expectations and a more positive learning and working environment.”

Al-Zou'bi’s purposeful leadership approach is founded on the belief that technical excellence and human development must work together. “My leadership is driven by passion and a strong belief that technical excellence and human development must go hand in hand,” she says. “I want to be remembered as a leader who is passionate about everything she does, remains true to her values, and leaves a meaningful impact and legacy. My purpose is to develop people and create more leaders, not just systems.”

1: Reflect regularly
Use a method of reflection that suits you and dedicate time to reflect after key events such as courses, games, meetings, and challenging situations. A technical leader who reflects and adapts sets a positive example for others.

2: View feedback as learning, not criticism
Do not rely only on your own perception. Ask people, peers and your team how they experience you as a leader and use their feedback to improve and don’t take it personally.

3: Be open to discomfort
Self-awareness often reveals weaknesses, and real growth begins with accepting them. Stepping outside your comfort zone and gaining new experiences will help you understand yourself better and develop as a leader.

• How often do you reflect on your leadership skills? What do you use to help you?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a technical leader?

• What would your close colleagues or team say about you as a technical leader?