| If you’ve ever been convinced you were 100% right… only to find out you were adorably wrong, congratulations: you’ve met your blind spot. Leaders have them. Humans have them (Some folks have the deluxe model). A mantra you’ve probably heard me say – whether in a program, on stage, or maybe even in line at the coffee shop – is: “All leadership begins with self-leadership, and self-leadership begins with self-awareness.” Translation: if you don’t know yourself, your blind spots will run the show. You know the driving kind – cruising along, about to change lanes, when suddenly: “Whoa! Where did that guy come from?!” Well, cars aren’t the only ones with blind spots – people have them too. Some more than others (you know who you are). In his book Blindspotting, Marty Dubin lays out six common blind spots that trip leaders up. These aren’t about glaring weaknesses – they’re about behaviors we’re so used to that we have no clue how they land with others. Here, I’ll share a few that really resonated with me. Too much of a good thing is still too much. I’ve been using DiSC with leaders for almost 20 years, and time after time, I see this pattern. DiSC is a behavioral tool that helps you understand your style and how to connect better with others. And yes, it’s magic — but it won’t save you if you overplay your hand. Here’s the kicker: it’s usually not our weaknesses that sabotage us. It’s our strengths… cranked up too high. Your strengths become blind spots when you use them too much. Too decisive = impulsive Too collaborative = can’t make a decision to save your life Too dependable = everyone’s dumping ground Too methodical = perfectionist Self-check: Which of your “bests” might be secretly turning into your “worsts?”Beware the Identity Trap. Meet Sam. Sam’s gunning for a promotion but still sees himself as an individual contributor. That old self-identity is holding him back like shag carpet in a 2025 kitchen. If you’ve ever sold a house (or binged HGTV), you know the first step is clearing out the personal stuff so buyers can picture themselves living there. Same deal here: your leaders need to see you in the next role – and you have to see yourself there first. Self-check: Where do you need an “identity update” so you’re showing up as the leader you want to be? What’s Really Driving You? This blind spot can go vurry, vurry deep. I’m not a psychologist and I don’t play one on TV, but I’ve been around the block enough to know that motives can be perty sneaky. Sometimes we think we’re acting in the best interest of the team… but really we’re chasing attention, status, or the thrill of achievement. Sneaky little devils, those motives. These personal agendas can derail the best laid plans of mice and men. And teams. And organizations. You get the picture. First of all, remember that before you’re a leader you’re a human being. Everyone has isht that they’re dealing with. We all have some need for recognition, achievement, status, or financial gain. The trick is spotting when they’re driving the bus. Self-check: Take some time to get really real with yourself here. Think about what personal agendas could be driving your behavior. What decisions would you make if no one could ever see or know what you did? |
| Look, I’m not immune. I’ve been there and I’ve got the T-shirt, shot glass, and scars to prove it. I’ve conducted the Hot Mess Express, been an excuse factory, and yes – even asked ChatGPT how to get out of my own way. But the thing is, when you’re going through hell, keep going. I didn’t stay there. I’ve invested in myself via coaching, I keep learning, keep growing, and keep catching my blind spots before they run me over. If you’d like a compassionate guide on the side to hold up the mirror to help you see what you’re unable to see on your own, let’s talk! We’ll find the right coaching package to help you show up as your best self. Through facilitated leadership team retreats, customized training programs, coaching, and keynote presentations with a hint of Cajun flavor, Jennifer Ledet, CSP, provides leaders with tools to help them be more intentional and live and lead by choice, not by chance. Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels |
