Three Common Leadership Blind Spots and How to Avoid Them

Are you seeing examples of strong leadership on the world stage these days?  

I think it is fair to say that we are all struggling with what we are seeing.  

As poor leadership dominates the headlines, many of us are feeling uncertain about the future and craving integrity, vision, and accountability. 

So, where does this leave us?  

Well, it doesn’t leave us with positive role models. 

But it does leave us with an opportunity to do some soul-searching.

Sometimes when you see something that you don’t like, it is a good reminder to do just the opposite.

Here are some examples of poor leadership that I have seen in organizations over the years: 

• Lack of Self-Awareness: Unfortunately, some leaders lack self-awareness, and hence, they unknowingly cause damage in their wake. I like to say, they are “unconscious.” Usually, they are well-intentioned people, but they have no idea that their bad behaviour is causing others an inordinate amount of stress. 

• Micromanagement: People need to feel that they are making a meaningful contribution to their team. When they are being micromanaged, they lack the autonomy necessary to do their best work. 

• Poor or negative attitude: Respect is a core leadership competency that needs to be demonstrated by people at all levels of an organization. Treating others respectfully is a core job requirement for all leaders. Anything else is not acceptable. I know I am stating the obvious here, yet it amazes me how disrespectful some leaders can be. 

To be honest, most leaders that demonstrate these behaviours are not doing so intentionally.

They tend to have a blind spot.  

I have coached many leaders with one or all of the above issues who have changed and improved with hard work and motivation.  

So, when you see bad leadership, learn from it.

Think to yourself, “What is this person doing that I don’t like?”  

Ask yourself, “What can I do that is different and more impactful?”    

Let’s all learn from other people’s bad behaviour and make it our mission to be the opposite.

This is how we can create positive change in the world. 

Are you in?