Can I ask you a difficult question to gauge your leadership strengths? Will you be honest with yourself? If so, here we go…

“Are you tough to work with?”

Or how about this one…

“What is it like for the people who work with you?”

These two questions could completely change the way you lead. Why? Because as leaders, we all have blind spots – those pesky things about ourselves that we just don’t see. And the problem is, when you’re in a position of power, those blind spots don’t just impact you; they ripple out and affect everyone around you.

The Influence Trap: Why It’s Harder for People to Be Honest With You

Here’s what’s crazy: The more influential you are as the leader and the higher you climb, the harder it is for people to be honest with you. Why is that? Because they tell you what they think you want to hear, not what you need to hear. And that’s when your blind spots grow even bigger. But here’s the good news – you can do something about it.

Two Core Beliefs to Combat Blind Spots

Here’s how I handle it: I start with two core beliefs. First, I know I have blind spots – no matter how much I try to be aware, there’s always something I’m missing. Second, I recognize that people around me might be too intimidated to point them out. So, I ask the tough question: “What is it like to be on the other side of the table from me?” 

The answers? They’re not always easy to hear, but they’re absolutely necessary.

What I’ve Learned About My Own Leadership Blind Spots

Here’s a snapshot of what I’ve learned about myself:

– I tend to procrastinate because I want things to be perfect.

– I constantly underestimate how long tasks will take.

– I don’t always appreciate the struggles others face, assuming they can just push through. (Yes, I’ve been guilty of the “suck it up, buttercup” mentality.)

– I often assume people instantly grasp what I’m saying because it’s my area of expertise. (Thank you, curse of knowledge!)

– My focus can wander – my ADD is real.

– I believe anyone can do what I do if they just put in the effort.

– I move past difficulties quickly and expect others to keep up.

– I sometimes forget that others might not share my level of passion for my vision.

Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you might be wrestling with some of these same blind spots.

How to Keep Growing: Ask the Tough Questions

So, what’s the solution? I keep asking questions. “What’s it like to be on the other side of the desk from me?” “Can you help me see what I can’t?” I’ve given the people around me real, genuine permission to speak truth into my life. Because let’s face it – if you’re not actively tackling your blind spots, they’re running the show.

A Leadership Gut Check: Who Are You Really Serving?

Another question I ask myself often is: “Am I working to serve the people around me, or am I in this for my own gain?” Ideally, it should be both, but if the scale tips too far toward personal gain, it’s time for a leadership gut check. True leadership is about serving others, and when you prioritize that, personal success tends to follow naturally.

Embrace the Hard Questions for Stronger Leadership

So, I’ll leave you with this: What’s it like for the people who sit across the table from you? Have you really thought about that? The stronger your leadership, the tougher it can be for others to work with you. Cultivate a servant’s heart, and you’ll make it easier for everyone around you to thrive.

Remember, great leadership isn’t just about playing to your strengths – it’s about recognizing your weaknesses. When you actively seek out your blind spots, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re protecting your team, your organization, and your mission. So don’t shy away from the hard questions. Lean into them, and watch your influence grow!