Page 24 - Fearless Leadership

What It Means to Be a Fearless Leader 11

THE LEADERSHIP IMPASSE: BLIND TO BLIND SPOTS

Blind spots include an entire array of ineffective and damaging behaviors
such as conspiring against others, exhibiting an “I know” attitude, blaming
people and circumstances, or treating commitments casually. In Chapter
2, we explore the 10 most common blind spots that derail leaders. For now,
it is important to understand that both individuals and teams have blind
spots that limit their effectiveness. Before you become hopeful that your
company has escaped this malady, let me assure you that everyone has
blind spots, even you. No one is immune, from CEOs to staff; blind spots
abound in organizations of all sizes, geographic locations, and industries.

Behavioral Blind Spots
Unproductive behavior that undermines business results and work-
ing relationships.

Behavioral blind spots are similar to the blind spots we encounter when
driving a vehicle. When driving, there are areas of the road that you can-
not see while looking forward or through either rearview or side mirrors.
Without other aids or adjustments of mirrors, blind spots can cause a seri-
ous accident. Most of us have experienced a time when we narrowly
missed an alarming accident. As you begin to pull into a lane, you hear
the blast of a horn from an angry driver just in time to avert a collision.
Your heartbeat jumps, adrenalin pumps, and you quickly pull back into
your lane. If you have had this experience, you will recognize the similar-
ities between vehicular blind spots and behavioral blind spots:
1. They both have potential for causing serious damage.
2. They occur spontaneously and automatically.
3. There is no intention to hurt or injure another.

However, there is one significant difference between vehicular blind
spots and behavioral blind spots: most people do not know that behavioral
blind spots exist. Leaders who are blind to their blind spots have no way
of avoiding repetitive breakdowns or having a negative impact on others.
Self-awareness is essential in fearless leadership; without understanding
how they impact others, leaders cannot alter their effectiveness and abil-
ity to influence others.