One of the most deadly challenges for leaders are blind spots. Everyone has them. The worst leaders don’t realize it, while the best are constantly on guard because they know how deadly those blind spots can be. For some, it’s being stuck in an unproductive way of thinking. For others, it may be staying blind to the poor performance of a friend who works for you. For still others, it may be living in denial of your talents and abilities.
I’ve seen pastors whose church membership is dramatically declining, yet they are still stuck in the thinking they used 20 years ago. I’ve also seen business leaders whose blindness about their own weak spots has created a lid they’re never going to grow beyond.
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It doesn’t really matter what your blind spot is — what’s important is that you find it and fix it. Years ago, I was stuck in a certain way of producing TV programs and documentaries. But by the grace of God I had enough honesty about my ability to see that I wasn’t keeping up with changing styles. So I surrounded myself with a talented young team and empowered them to push me in new directions.
How do you find your blind spots?
First, empower the people around you to be respectful, but honest. You’ll never discover your blind spots if you’re surrounded by “yes” men or women.
Second, be honest about yourself, because too many leaders live in denial. Insecurity can destroy leaders, so be generous when it comes to other people, but be ruthless when it comes to yourself.
Then, when you realize what they are, encourage others to keep you alert. Blind spots have a way of coming back because our past, upbringing, or personality often create them. Through treatment, addicts can overcome their drug use, but they never stop being aware of situations that may cause that addiction to rear its ugly head.
And if you don’t think you have any blind spots, then you probably do because that’s how they work.
We call them blind spots because we don’t see it until it’s too late — just like the oncoming car in our side mirrors. Start looking today, because once you discover them and start dealing with the problem, your effectiveness as a leader will be transformed.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by church media expert Phil Cooke and originally published at philcooke.com.
