VanderUnicorn Spotlight: Alec Lloyd is Self-Aware

With over 30,000 interviews to our name, Vanderbloemen has mastered the art of identifying the best. It comes down to 12 data-driven traits that set the greatest workers apart as “Unicorns.” These traits are covered in-depth in William Vanderbloemen’s new book Be the Unicorn. 

But even the best of the best aren’t expected to master all 12 traits simultaneously. Excellence in just one of these traits can qualify a candidate for a vital role on your team. We believe each member of our team of experts exemplifies these traits in various ways, and we’ve chosen one person to highlight how each trait translates in the workplace.

Meet our Self-Aware VanderUnicorn, Alec Lloyd

The next trait that makes a Unicorn is self-awareness. The Self-Aware unicorn has a unique ability to tune in with his or herself to stand out of a noisy, busy crowd. The Self-Aware recognizes their own weaknesses and understands where they fall within a conversation.

One of the most self-aware Unicorns on Vanderbloemen’s team is Senior Executive Search Recruiter Alec Lloyd. Alec has a keen awareness that his actions impact people. "Everyone’s footprint is different, he says. You have to know how you uniquely leave your mark and manage that for the better."

“Being Self Aware isn’t always comfortable,” Alec adds. “If you think you are self-aware, but everything is comfortable, then you probably aren’t self-aware. You have to wrestle with a lot of feelings.”

Take a beat, he recommends. Take intentional time to stretch your mind and see how people are reacting to you. Being self-aware means you have to put your pride aside to embrace what others are good at, even if their strength is your weakness. You’ll need confidence that goes beyond being right. 

“Be confident in who you are, but realize that other people can have better ideas than you, too,” Alec says. “Is there someone around you who you can ask for help from who might be able to do something better than you? And can you admit it?”

These are the questions to ask yourself to embrace self-awareness.

“Being self aware isn’t always warm and fuzzies,” Alec says. “There are realizations of myself constantly of where there is room for improvement.”

In the end, self-awareness is about everyone but yourself. It’s about getting yourself out of the way to be part of something bigger.

“Being self-aware impacts every relationship you are a part of, in work and in life,” Alec remarks. “You succeed when others succeed.”

Find your unicorn

We’re so blessed to have unicorns on our team like Alec, and we want to equip your team with candidates just like him. To start the search for your own top talent, get in touch today.

To learn more about the 12 traits the best employees share, order Be the Unicorn for yourself, a friend, or even your whole team. Buying in bulk can save you up to 47% off the cover price, plus it comes with bonus content and other extra perks. 

Finally, if you’d like to assess the strengths of your own team, check out the Vander Index, our new tool that's a companion to Be the Unicorn, based on our years of data collection and experience.