Would you believe it if I told you that according to the Harvard Business Review, " 95% of leaders think they have accurate self assessment...!" Meaning 95% of leaders think they describe themselves in a way that others would agree with.
Picture this: You're steering the ship of your professional life, confidently navigating the challenges of leadership, workplace changes, and business operations. You're think you're armed with experience, skills, and a vision that your team admires. However, unbeknownst to even the most seasoned leaders, blind spots arise. You start to here things about you from other team members and you think, "No that's not true!" Your leaders express that some changes need to be made in your leadership, and you say, "I think I'm doing pretty good!"
Blind spots are the disrupters of our professional journey. We think we're showing up one way, only to find out we're being perceived in a completely different way from our team.
This can hurt, this can be triggering, and what we choose to do with this discovery can ultimately propel or cripple our leadership. Whether it's a reluctance to delegate, an aversion to feedback, or a fear of vulnerability, our blind spots are the gatekeepers to our untapped potential and a team that is engaged with loyalty and buy-in!
If you're wondering how accurate your self assessment is, follow these tips and strategies:
The Mirror of Self-Reflection Leadership blind spots are often elusive, camouflaged by our own perceptions. To unmask them, we must ask ourselves some tough questions to build more awareness.
What are our triggers?
What patterns repeat in my decision-making?
What's the energy of the team I am leading?
The Power of Vulnerability Leaders often shield themselves from vulnerability, fearing it might diminish their authority. However, it is in the raw honesty of vulnerability that true leadership blossoms. Connect authentically with your team, creating a bond that allows for safety in conversation and feedback.
The Dance of Feedback Blind spots often thrive in the absence of constructive criticism. As leaders, we must actively seek feedback, inviting perspectives that challenge our assumptions. It is in this dance of feedback that we refine our steps, ensuring that every move takes us closer to our goals. It can be scary, but it's a must for true growth to occur! In the hustle of leadership, clocking our blind spots is like finding the secret sauce to your success. Take a minute to look in the mirror, feel the beat of feedback, and pass the torch like you're handing out VIP passes. Your blind spots aren't roadblocks; they're the untapped gold mines of your journey and potential. It's not about the climb but about how you own every step.
Check out our podcast with host Nada Lena Nasserdeen that shares more about Leadership Blindspots!
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