Addressing your blind spots

While we might not like to admit it, we all have blind spots in our professional lives - those sneaky little areas where we’re not as wonderful as we’d like to think we are. Recognising and understanding these blind spots can be a total game-changer in your career.

Firstly, let's clarify what we mean by blind spots. They’re those aspects of our skills, behaviour, or knowledge that we either don't realise we’re lacking or we outright ignore. It’s like having a smudge on your glasses – you might not notice it, but everyone else does. These blind spots can hold you back from reaching your full potential if left unchecked.

So, why is it important to uncover these blind spots? For starters, they can affect your performance and relationships at work. Imagine you're great at coming up with ideas but terrible at following through. You might be seen as unreliable or flaky, even if your ideas are brilliant. Or maybe you think you’re a fantastic communicator, but your team finds you hard to understand. These gaps can create friction and misunderstandings, ultimately affecting your career growth.

One of the best ways to start identifying your blind spots is by seeking feedback. And not just from your manager or other seniors – get input from peers, juniors, and even friends outside of work. They can offer different perspectives and highlight areas you might have missed. It can be tough to hear, but constructive criticism is valuable. It helps you see yourself more clearly and understand where you need to improve.

Another helpful approach is self-reflection. Take some time to honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses. Think about past projects or interactions that didn’t go as planned. What went wrong? What went well? Was there a pattern? Self-reflection can help you pinpoint recurring issues that might be tied to your blind spots.

You can also use tools like personality assessments or 360-degree reviews. These tools are designed to give you a comprehensive view of how others perceive you. They can shed light on areas you might not have considered and provide a more objective look at your behaviour and skills.

Once you’ve identified some potential blind spots, you’re closer to addressing them. This might mean seeking additional training, finding a coach or mentor, or simply making a conscious effort to change certain behaviours. For example, if you discover that your public speaking skills are lacking, sign up for a workshop or practice with small scale presentations. If your blind spot is more about interpersonal skills, maybe you can work on being a better listener and being more empathetic in your interactions.

Understanding your blind spots also means being open to continuous learning and growth. The professional world is always evolving, and so should you. Keep seeking feedback, stay curious, and never assume you’ve got it all figured out. It’s a journey, not a destination.

In the end, recognising and addressing your blind spots is all about self-awareness and humility. It’s about accepting that you’re not perfect and that’s not just OK but actually desirable. By understanding and working on these areas, you become a more well-rounded professional and a better team player. So, keep your mind open, embrace feedback, and watch yourself grow.