---
title: The role of self-awareness in high performing teams – Liz Crowe | PAC 2024
description: Explore the crucial role of self-awareness and genuine feedback in enhancing team performance and safety in healthcare. Insights from Liz Crowe at PAC 2024.
---

[PAC on Demand | APLS Australia ](https://www.apls.org.au/pac-on-demand)

# [The role of self-awareness in high performing teams – Liz Crowe | PAC 2024](https://www.apls.org.au/pac-on-demand/the-role-of-self-awareness-in-high-performing-teams-liz-crowe-pac-2024)

 Written by [Sample HubSpot User](https://www.apls.org.au/pac-on-demand/author/sample-hubspot-user) | Nov 7, 2025 4:46:43 AM

 

We all think we’re self-aware – just like we all think we’re above-average drivers.

Dr Liz Crowe explores the myths and blind spots of self-awareness in healthcare, and why genuine feedback (not just praise) is vital for safe practice. 

A highlight from the 2024 PAC Conference in Adelaide. 

Speaker biography:

Liz is a staff wellbeing specialist and organisational solutionist who works at the RBWH. After decades in the paediatric critical care specialising in trauma and grief, Liz did a PhD examining the risk and protective factors for staff wellbeing. Liz is an academic, a podcaster, an educator, a debriefing advocate, a disruptor and clinically supports staff day to day.

Insights:

(powered by OpenAI)

- Self-Awareness in Healthcare Teams:  
Most people believe they are self-aware – yet research shows less than 10% truly are.  
Without external feedback, reflection becomes a “database of one,” and blind spots go unchecked.

- The Feedback Illusion:  
Healthcare professionals often ask for more feedback but are subconsciously seeking affirmation.  
True feedback requires psychological safety and openness to discomfort – not just praise.

- The Impact of Low Self-Awareness:  
Lack of self-awareness in senior or influential team members can destabilise entire teams.  
People work around “difficult” colleagues, leading to hidden fractures, reduced communication, and patient safety risks.

- Everyday Behaviours and Psychological Safety:  
Seemingly small acts – like eye-rolling or dismissive comments – can undermine trust as deeply as overt misconduct.  
Teams must recognise that safety depends on empathy, authenticity, and consistent behaviour.

- Cognitive Bias and Team Dynamics:  
We judge ourselves by our intentions but others by their behaviour, reinforcing misunderstanding and tension.  
Addressing these biases is essential for genuine collaboration and effective teamwork.

- Conflict Roles and the Drama Triangle:  
In conflict, people tend to adopt roles of victim, rescuer, or perpetrator – often shifting between them.  
Recognising these patterns helps teams move from reactive dynamics to constructive communication.

- Practical Self-Awareness Strategies:  
Ask trusted colleagues or loved ones how they perceive your reactions and listening habits.  
Noticing subtle cues – like the “face you pull” before losing your temper – can build emotional control and relational awareness.

- Culture of Reflection and Learning:  
Debriefing should occur after every shift, not just after adverse events.  
Regular, non-punitive reflection strengthens resilience, trust, and learning across teams.

- Authenticity and Emotional Intelligence:  
Technical skill alone is not enough; authenticity and empathy make expertise accessible.  
Clinicians who balance competence with kindness create safer, more connected workplaces.

These insights remind us that healthcare is as much about self-knowledge as it is about skill – that awareness, humility, and empathy are what truly keep teams, and patients, safe.

From the 2024 APLS Paediatric Acute Care Conference in Adelaide.

[View full post](https://www.apls.org.au/pac-on-demand/the-role-of-self-awareness-in-high-performing-teams-liz-crowe-pac-2024)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Sample HubSpot User"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-01T05:13:56.630Z",
  "datePublished" : "2025-11-07T04:46:43Z",
  "headline" : "The role of self-awareness in high performing teams – Liz Crowe | PAC 2024",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 1080,
    "url" : "https://apls.org.au/hubfs/Liz%20Crowe%20-%20High%20Performing%20Teams%20-%20still.png",
    "width" : 1920
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.apls.org.au/pac-on-demand/the-role-of-self-awareness-in-high-performing-teams-liz-crowe-pac-2024",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "PAC on Demand"
  }
}
```