Guy Shackleton of Positive Development writes:
Your strengths have got you successfully where you are today, but your blind spots are most likely blocking your success in future!
If I asked you to list two of your weaknesses, I imagine you’d be able to answer pretty quickly. The weaknesses you are aware of are not blocking your success, it’s the weaknesses you aren’t aware of that will continue to hold you back. These are your “blind spots” and everyone has them.
I consider my strengths as being independent and decisive which means I get things done quickly without relying on others. Sounds great, but what is the downside of this quality? In reality, major goals take longer to achieve because I work in relative isolation, despite knowing how effective teamwork is! I am also reticent to ask for advice or consult with others before making a decision, which can result in rash decisions. These are my weaknesses thatI am aware of and doing something about, but how do we identify our blind spots?
Three things; Failures, Feedback, and Self-awareness
Failures highlight areas where we lack knowledge, skills and motivation. In many ways our failures are the ultimate gift in terms of identifying how we can grow and improve in future. Reflecting on failures and what didn’t go well is crucial to your continual development. For example, when I failed to meet my own targets for attracting new customers, I checked my Motivational Map and realised that my need for recognition and admiration was very low and this was impacting my choices to promote my services and “blow my own trumpet” on social media.
Feedback from people who observe you from a different perspective is vital information if you want to know your blind spots. It is easy for us to observe the world through our own eyes and harbour thoughts and feelings that we are comfortable with because it is less painful than the truth and requires no effort to change! This is why people feel uncomfortable giving honest feedback despite its great value. If you want quality feedback, you can either ask for it from those around you or talk with an impartial and non-judgemental coach.
Self-awareness is developed over time but a quick and easy way to have a snapshot of what makes you tick today is to use a Motivational Map®. Motivational Maps identify what is most important to you and what influences your choices, actions and results. Getting quality feedback and really understanding your own Motivational Map creates greater awareness of your strengths, weaknesses and blind spots so you can take positive steps towards greater success in future. If you want to discover what your blind spots are, feel free to get in contact so we can arrange a coaching session together.