Self-Awareness as a Key Emotional Intelligent Skill for Secondary School Principals’ Leadership Toolkit

Abstract

This study explores the importance of self-awareness as a fundamental emotional intelligence skill for the school principals’ leadership toolkit. Globally, school principals face complex challenges and responsibilities in the education system. Failure to manage these educational challenges effectively may result in failure as a principal. However, self-awareness as an emotional intelligence skill for school leadership demonstrates promising results in dealing with these difficulties. This qualitative study was conducted at six Motheo districts, Free State, South Africa secondary schools. Participants totaled 19, comprising six school principals, two deputy principals, three Heads of Departments (HODs), and eight teachers. The findings revealed that self-awareness as an emotional intelligence skill might have positive and significant results for school principals in managing and dealing with educational challenges and overall school leadership. The results indicated that self-awareness should be necessary for school principals. Improving the sub-skills of self-awareness, such as emotional awareness, self-regard, self-confidence, assertiveness, and independence, may give school principals the edge for school and principalship success. It is strongly recommended that principals and staff consider self-development and workshops or seminars on emotional intelligence, specifically self-awareness.