Getting Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Blind Spots for Leadership Growth
As leaders, it’s easy to focus on guiding our teams, managing projects, and pushing forward on goals. But sometimes, the biggest obstacle isn’t external—it’s internal. Acknowledging and addressing personal blind spots is one of the most powerful ways to amplify our impact and unlock new levels of growth.
What Are Blind Spots?
Blind spots are areas of weakness or unrecognized behaviors that hinder our effectiveness. These are often subconscious habits that may have served us well in the past but limit us as we grow. The first step toward overcoming these is awareness.
3 Common Blind Spots That Hinder Leadership
1.Micromanagement
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Challenge: Micromanagement often stems from a desire to control outcomes, but it can lead to decreased team morale and limit creative problem-solving.
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Solution: Shift your focus from controlling to empowering. Ask, “How can I guide my team toward self-reliance?
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2.Feedback Avoidance
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Challenge: It’s human nature to avoid uncomfortable feedback, but without it, leaders can become insulated and disconnected.
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Solution: Start by inviting feedback from trusted team members. Consider, “How can I create a safe space for my team to speak openly?”
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3.Decision Paralysis
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Challenge: Leaders often want to make the ‘perfect’ decision, but overthinking can waste time and lead to missed opportunities.
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Solution: Embrace an agile mindset. Reflect on the question, “What’s one small step I can take forward with confidence?”
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