Recognizing and Addressing Blind Spots in Leadership

Every leader, no matter how successful, has blind spots that can impact their team’s trust, engagement, and performance. These blind spots are often invisible to the leader themselves, making it crucial to address them proactively.

The Danger of Blind Spots

Blind spots become more challenging to see as a leader becomes more successful. These gaps in perception can erode trust, morale, and results if left unaddressed. It’s essential to bridge the gap between what a leader thinks is true and their team’s reality.

Three Critical Areas of Blind Spots

There are three critical areas where blind spots commonly occur in leadership:

1. Recognition: The Disconnect of What They Feel

Leaders often believe they provide enough recognition to their teams, but studies show otherwise. Team members often feel unseen and unappreciated despite managers thinking they give enough praise. Recognition is vital for reinforcing behaviors, fostering motivation, and strengthening relationships.

How to Fix it:

• Dedicate time for daily praise to each team member.
• Systemize recognition using tools or schedules.
• Ask for input on how team members prefer to be recognized.

2. Feedback: The Gap Between Giving and Receiving

Feedback is another common blind spot for leaders. While managers believe they provide regular feedback, team members often report receiving little or none. Constructive feedback is crucial for guiding and developing the team, ensuring clarity about expectations and opportunities for growth.

How to Fix it:

• Plan feedback before one-on-one meetings.
• Make feedback a regular practice.
• Improve feedback techniques using models like the “situation-behavior-impact” framework.

3. Collaboration: The Gap Between Teamwork and Synergy

Many leaders pride themselves on building collaborative teams, but without intentionality, collaboration can lead to miscommunication and conflict. Effective teamwork is essential for better ideas, faster execution, and stronger results, requiring psychological safety, clear communication, and mutual accountability.

How to Fix it:

• Ask for feedback on improving collaboration.
• Reflect and adjust after team meetings.
• Build psychological safety by creating an environment for open communication and idea sharing.

Addressing Blind Spots with Feedback and Coaching

Blind spots offer opportunities for growth and development as a leader. Seeking feedback, taking deliberate action, and seeking outside perspectives through coaching or mentorship can help address these blind spots effectively. By being self-aware and addressing blind spots, leaders can create an environment where their team can truly thrive.

Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. By recognizing and addressing blind spots, leaders can enhance their leadership skills and create a workplace culture where everyone can succeed.