We know that the greatest successes in business come when we meet the needs of others. This is true in every sector, in every industry.

What do many successful people have in common? It is their unwavering force to not only understand stakeholder needs but also their driving desire to fix problems and make things better. Awareness here is the precursor – the core of which needs are revealed.

In the corporate world, without awareness, our vision is limited. We see without really observing. Without awareness, we exist in a bubble – oblivious to the changes around us, thus unable to recognize real needs waiting to be met. A lack of awareness also hampers our ability to adequately recognize shortcomings or, indeed, to capitalize on strengths.

Awareness is also the starting point for achieving life balance. Are you aware of what life balance means to you? Are you doing first-things-first to ensure you achieve life balance? If not, begin by recognizing when you are in an activity trap and very busy but not necessarily being efficient and effective.