Professionals with a good and accurate self-assessment see their failures and weaknesses as opportunities for self-improvement and development because they are life-learners who are open to new perspectives. Their passion for learning and growth keeps them always looking for areas to change and improve. They learn from experiences by reflecting on the situations, hence they know very well what they can and cannot do. They are open to and even proactively seek out feedback from others because they want to know that they have gotten all the information possible for their self-assessment. They are able to laugh at themselves and accept their weaknesses as their current state, not their inevitable reality.

Professionals who lack self-assessment are easy to identify in your workplace and life. Usually, they cannot admit mistakes, take criticism, or even candid feedback. They cannot delegate and always micromanage others, don't ask for help, and are competitive instead of collaborative. They always want to be right, blaming others for their mistakes, and exaggerating their own value and contribution to the teamwork.

How to improve self-assessment:

• Ask for feedback: Simply ask your co-workers, manager, and stakeholders for feedback about your strengths and weaknesses. We all have blind spots in our thinking patterns and behaviors.

Asking for regular constructive feedback cuts through any self-deceit or one-dimensional views you might hold. When receiving feedback:

• Just listen. Avoid interjecting, interrupting, defending yourself or justifying your actions. You can ask clarifying questions. You don't defend, explain, or rebut what is said to you. Keep an open mind and listen to the other person with the understanding that what they are saying is how you appeared to them in your interchanges. This is a chance for you to learn about yourself, not an opportunity to justify past behavior.
• Don't hold anything against the person giving you feedback, even if you don't like what you hear. You need to be able to hear the good and the bad and to appreciate the other person's candor. You should appreciate that they feel comfortable enough to tell you what might be difficult to hear. And, if you find out you have something to apologize for, do it! Take the chance of cleaning up your relationship.