BLINDSPOT IN LEADERSHIP

BLINDSPOT IN LEADERSHIP

INTRODUCTION

Blind spots is said to be the Achilles heel of leadership.  Blind spots are personal traits or aspects unknow to us that may limit our action, reaction, behaviour or believe, and therefore limit our effectiveness.  Blind spots are personal traits or aspects unknow to us that may limit our action, reaction, behaviour or believe, and therefore limit our effectiveness.

According to Robert Bruce Shaw, author of Leadership Blindspots, blind spots are unrecognized weaknesses or threats that can hinder a leader's success.  Leaders are blind to what they most need to improve.

As leaders ascend through the organization, it was found that self-awareness and emotional intelligence decline.  According to Travis Bradberry, the author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, middle managers stand out with the highest EQ scores with CEOs, on the average, having the lowest EQ scores.

THE SPOTTED BLINDSPOTS

1. Doing it alone/afraid to ask for help

2. Being insensitive of own behaviours on others

3. Having an ‘I know’ attitude

4. Avoiding conflicts

5. Blaming others or circumstances

6. Treating commitments casually

7. Conspiring against others

8. Withholding emotional commitment

9. Not taking a stand

10. Tolerating ‘good enough’

THE COMMON CAUSES

1. Pride bordering arrogance

i. Overconfidence

ii. Overly positive

iii. Power 

2. Frequent unseen weakness

i. Spending time on operations rather than strategic thinking

ii. Relying on own opinions

iii. Inability to balance the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of reaching a goal

iv. Relying on assumptions

v. Over-valuing how things are done in the past

3. Old school leadership mentality

SUMMARY

A leader who really knows their own strengths, weaknesses, and effect on others is more successful in their leadership role.

REFERENCES

1.    https://www.discprofiles.com/blog/2021/01/uncover-your-leadership-blind-spots

2.    https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/05/08/overcoming-leadership-blind-spots

3.  https://www.inc.com/marissa-levin/the-top-10-leadership-blind-spots-and-5-ways-to-turn-them-into-strengths