“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” (Carl Rogers)
At Mind Values Leadership, we take that line from the pioneer of humanistic psychology to mean that you can’t expect to move or grow in the direction you want until you know where you’re starting from; until you’re self-aware.
That self-awareness and acceptance has long been understood as vital for effective leadership, especially when it comes with an awareness of other people’s needs and an authentic care for how they feel.
One of the great privileges of the work we do is seeing what happens when people are helped to become more aware of these things, and to work with others on improving how they interact within teams. And last week’s workshop with leaders from Viridor’s operations across the South West was no exception.
As part of a wider programme led by MVL's founder Emma Canter with teams across Viridor’s national business, we’ve used Insights Discovery to provide around 75 people so far with an understanding of how their own motivations, preferences, strengths and behaviours influence their relationships with others. Through a range of carefully designed activities at interactive workshops facilitated by Helen and Ben, we’ve explored how being more mindful and intentional about how one shows up in relationships with peers, reports and seniors can help achieve one’s own professional aims as well as better business performance. Critically, the programme has been supported throughout by senior leaders in the business, not just there in the room but also in the data.
The team here are delighted to be supporting Viridor’s teams and business in this way, and really excited to see how they build on their hard work and engagement so far …
How might we be able to help your teams?
The importance of self-awareness for effective leadership
4 December 2025
One of the great privileges of the work we do is seeing what happens when people are helped to become more aware of these things, and to work with others on improving how they interact within teams. And last week’s workshop with leaders from Viridor’s operations across the South West was no exception.
