Self-awareness does not mean being self-conscious.

Self-reflection can often feel anchorless without some frame of reference.

But frameworks that label or categorise us (like psychometric tools) can feel limiting and inaccurate.

So, how does one review oneself,

• not in comparison to some external standard, norm or ideal;
• yet have some loose structure (scaffolding) as a frame of reference?

In our consulting work, we use a variety of such frames that enable self-reflection and group dialogue for aligned action.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗨𝗠 – 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿.

Developed by Ashok Malhotra, EUM is grounded in research with Indian managers at the workplace. More than 8000 professionals have used it in more than 200 orgs across the world.

The EUM tool maps the manager’s individual orientation and the organisation’s collective identity across six basic human needs (imperatives).

These needs are:

1. Safety, belonging and protection

2. Assertion of individuality (of strengths and desires)

3. Balance, stability, predictability

4. Growth, achievement and purposiveness

5. Connectedness, meaningfulness and compassion

The report offers insights and hypotheses that serve as triggers for deeper self-exploration and team dialogue for aligned decisions and authentic action.

For our long term culture transformation projects, we use the EUM tool for organisational diagnostic. It can also be used for leadership coaching.

I recently got certified to administer the tool. Grateful to **TAO Consulting** for the support.