In a recent post on LinkedIn, author and speaker Bob Burg emphasized that the foundation of personal and professional growth is self-awareness—and that without it, no meaningful development can occur.

“All self-improvement, all personal development, all life advancement, begins with awareness!” wrote Bob Burg in the post.

He explained that until someone recognizes a weakness—whether in character, behavior, or skill—they are not yet in a position to correct it. Once awareness is gained, however, that individual can begin taking strategic steps toward transformation and improvement.

Burg encouraged readers to seek feedback from trusted peers as a way of surfacing blind spots. He cautioned that the natural reaction may be defensiveness, but urged people to resist the impulse to argue. “Just thank them,” he wrote. “You can then logically consider later whether they may have a valid point.”

If the same feedback arises from multiple sources, Burg suggested, that’s an indicator it may be time to accept the insight and begin working through it—with humility and intentionality.

Bob Burg is the co-author of the bestselling Go-Giver series and a prominent voice in the field of influence, leadership, and relationship-driven success. His work centers on the idea that character and value creation are central to lasting achievement.