--- Begin Message ---
*The Blind Spot *
By Dr. John C. Maxwell
I have almost died on several occasions. I'd like to blame these near-death
experiences on others, but I suppose they might have something to do with
me. Let me explain…
Anyone who has driven for a length of time in Atlanta can testify to the
horrors of its traffic situation. I'm sure other cities can make the claim
of worst traffic in America, but I can't imagine anyplace worse than
Atlanta. To complicate the problem, I wouldn't describe myself as a
particularly patient person. In fact, my wife might describe me as downright
impatient—and she would probably be right.
When in traffic, I've always subscribed to the bob-and-weave philosophy. If
rampant lane changing can save me a car length or two, then I'll switch
lanes like Liz Taylor switches husbands.
Unfortunately, there have been a few instances when I've not been diligent
in checking my blind spot when shifting lanes. And, let me tell you, nothing
jolts a person like the angry honking of a car horn only a few inches to his
left or right! Thankfully, I've been able to survive without crashing or
receiving anything worse than a friendly wave of the middle finger from a
fellow driver. Since my blind spot has nearly caused my demise several
times, I now pay extra attention to it. I double and triple confirm no cars
are there before I merge into another lane.
Blind spots can wreck a leader's journey. In this edition of LW, I would
like illustrate one of the most common blind spots I have observed in
leaders. Next edition, I'll explore a second customary blind spot faced by
leaders, and in each lesson, I'll give you advice for avoiding the dangers
of the blind spot.
*THE BLIND SPOT*
*The Blind Spot* – *An area in the lives of people in which they continually
do not see themselves or their situation realistically. This unawareness
often causes great damage to the people and those around them.*
*WHY WE ARE BLIND – A SINGULAR PERSPECTIVE*
Most every leader has a blind spot, in fact, all probably do. We are trapped
in our own perspectives, unable to see the world completely from another
person's point of view. We are absorbed in our world, caught in our present
circumstances, consumed by selfish thoughts, and confined by our narrow
experiences.
To illustrate, consider King George III of England's journal entry on July
4, 1776: "Nothing happened today." Of course, unbeknownst to King George,
the American Declaration of Independence had been issued that day, and it
would change the course of history.
One reason for our singular perspective can be attributed to our
self-perception, or attitude toward self. As I wrote in the Lens Principle:
who we are determines how we see others. A naïve optimist may be blind to
the less-than-ideal intentions of those around them. Oppositely, an eternal
pessimist may be blind to the kindness of a co-worker, instead suspecting
ulterior motives.
A second cause of singular perspective comes from our tendency to judge
ourselves based on intentions, while judging others by their actions. Such a
bias allows us to cut ourselves slack and to justify our actions, because,
after all, we meant well. However, since we aren't able to see the motives
of others, we evaluate them solely by their actions. We attribute
shortcomings in their behavior to shortfalls in character without regard for
their present circumstances, mood, or emotional frame of mind.
We are fully aware of our history, but ignorant of the background of others.
For this reason, context is the third and final cause of a blinding singular
perspective. Decisions we take make perfect sense to us given our beliefs
and experiences, but they may surprise others who are not as familiar with
us. On the other hand, since we don't know the particulars of another
person's childhood, past relationships, or prior involvements, we often have
trouble conceiving why the person acts the way he or she does.
*CHECKING YOUR BLIND SPOT – OPENING UP TO THE PERSPECTIVES OF OTHERS*
As trite as it may sound, putting yourself in another person's shoes does
open you to their perspective. To broaden your limited perspective, try to
envision their opinions and feelings. Attempt to be aware of their motives
and the values they hold dear.
Leaders avoid the blind spot of singular perspective when they seek to
understand before seeking to be understood. As I wrote in *Winning with
People*, "The entire world, with one small exception, is composed of
others." Followers are focused inwardly, and they wonder, "How will this
affect me?" Conversely, leaders are focused outwardly, and they ask, "How
will this affect others?"
Finally, leaders may avoid the blind spot of singular perspective by
examining themselves before casting blame on others. As Jesus of Nazareth
taught, "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, or criticize their
faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit
has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face
and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own," (Matthew 7:1-3, *The
Message*).
--
J. Randell Tiongson, RFP(r)
http://www.rfp-philippines.com/
--- End Message ---
