If others call out your issues or criticize you, what is your first reaction? Do you dismiss what is said, defend yourself, fight back, or receive and ponder what was said about you? Take a moment to reflect on this before reading further.

Instinctively, I defend myself, often explaining why I did something. However, I am also a reflective person, so after defending my case, I spend time pondering what was said. How about you? Feedback has never been a big part of my life. When I have asked for it, some friends gently offer input, while others, fearing they may hurt me, stay silent. Some may sugar coat their feedback. However, I never received proper feedback until I joined Toastmasters. The culture there encourages feedback. During speeches, everyone provides feedback on what went well and areas for improvement. I was surprised by how well we could all grow when our blind spots were pointed out. We don’t take feedback harshly; instead, we see it as the breakfast of champions.

As humans, none of us are perfect, and none of us can get a full view of how we do things. We all have blind spots—areas of our lives where we cannot see clearly. Acknowledging these blind spots and seeking guidance from others allows us to grow and flourish. In many ways, having blind spots is a gift, not a flaw. Why? Because it reminds us of our humanity and the importance of humility. Since others can see aspects of ourselves that we are not aware of, we need to collaborate to learn, grow, and improve. Blind spots may include behaviors, attitudes, or mannerisms that we exhibit unknowingly. For example, if you tend to interrupt others during conversations without realizing it, that behavior would be your blind spot.

You may wonder why I have included a picture of a giraffe and zebra in my post. I’ve chosen this image to illustrate how their different perspectives can complement each other, shedding light on our blind spots. The giraffe’s elevated vantage point allows it to see ten feet above the ground, offering a unique view of the surroundings. Conversely, the zebra, with its ground-level perspective, can provide insights and observations that the giraffe might miss. By collaborating and sharing their perspectives, the giraffe and zebra can help each other uncover blind spots and gain a more comprehensive understanding of their environment, enabling them to work together effectively.

Identifying blind spots can be challenging since they are areas where we lack awareness. However, there are several strategies we can use to uncover them. Here are three of my favorites:

Seek Feedback:

Actively solicit feedback from trusted friends, family members, colleagues, and mentors. Ask for honest input on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Pay attention to recurring themes or patterns in the feedback you receive. Be open to constructive criticism and resist the urge to become defensive. Remember that feedback is a valuable tool for uncovering blind spots and gaining new insights into your behavior and performance. 

When seeking feedback, ask direct questions about areas where you think you might have blind spots. For example:

• Can you provide examples of times when my contributions were particularly effective?
• Are there any specific skills or competencies I should focus on developing?
• How do you think I handle challenges or setbacks?

In our work we have the 360-Degree Feedback. We are encouraged to gather feedback from multiple sources, including peers, supervisors, and subordinates.

After careful examination, you might conclude that the feedback doesn’t accurately reflect your work habits or the quality of your output. In such cases, it’s crucial to acknowledge that feedback is subjective and may not always be accurate or relevant to your situation. It’s essential to remain open-minded but also discerning when evaluating feedback to determine its validity and usefulness for your personal and professional growth.

Self-Reflection

Make it a habit to regularly reflect on your thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Consider incorporating journaling or intentional thinking time into your routine to enhance self-awareness.

Journaling – Use its pages to express your thoughts, dreams, and fears. There is immense solace in putting pen to paper. Journaling is a simple yet powerful tool for self-reflection and introspection that can lead to transformative personal growth.

Conflict Resolution: Pay attention to recurring conflicts or misunderstandings in your personal or professional relationships, as they may signal areas where you may have blind spots.

Assessment Tools:  

Use personality assessments or behavioral assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Enneagram or the DISC assessment, to gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses.

Expand your knowledge and perspective by reading books, articles, or research from diverse authors and viewpoints. Surround yourself with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Engage in conversations and seek out viewpoints that differ from your own. Exposure to diverse perspectives can challenge your assumptions and uncover blind spots.

Conclusion:  

Remember that uncovering blind spots is an ongoing process that requires humility, openness, and a commitment to personal growth. It may be uncomfortable at times, but the insights gained can lead to greater self-awareness and improved relationships and performance.

When you illuminate your blind spots, the invisible barriers fade, and visible growth takes root.