Self-knowledge is an essential tool for all leaders. One of the cornerstones of self-knowledge is being able to identify and healthily express your feelings. It also means that at some level you can identify why you have those feelings. Most leaders are very hesitant to express their feelings, especially to those they lead. While there is great wisdom in being thoughtful and intentional about what feelings you express and to whom you express them, most leaders bottle up all feelings. This is beyond unhealthy and is poor leadership. In order to lead others, you must be able to recognize and express your feelings in a healthy and consistent way.