The Unadvertised Version of Leadership: Blind Spots

Leadership in 180 Seconds: Lessons I have learnt as a leader that few talk about

One of the most unadvertised parts of leadership? Facing your blind spots. In this episode, we explore how real growth comes not from praise, but from the honest feedback we often avoid. Great leaders don’t just speak—they listen, reflect, and grow from what they didn’t see coming.

• Transcript 1

  So… I must be a great leader, right? I mean, I’ve led plenty of teams. I run a leadership business. I host a podcast about leadership. Surely, if you asked people I’ve led, they’d all say I’m the best leader they’ve ever had…
  Or would they?

  The truth is, none of us have a perfect view of ourselves. Every leader—no matter how experienced—has blind spots. And the thing about blind spots is… well, we don’t see them. If we did, they wouldn’t be blind spots.

  That’s why one of the first things I do when coaching a new client is speak with 3–4 members of their team. I want to understand what’s really happening—not just from the leader’s perspective, but from those they impact every day. Because if we’re going to grow as leaders, we need humility. We need curiosity. And we need to be willing to hear hard truths.

  When we uncover our blind spots and deal with them, everything improves:

  • Our relationships become healthier

  • Our teams function more smoothly

  • Trust grows

  • And our leadership influence increases

  So here are two practices to help you find your blind spots:

  1. Invite an honest voice into your life.

  Find a coach, mentor, or trusted peer who will speak the truth—with care and clarity. Let them challenge your assumptions. And act on their feedback quickly.

  2. Ask for feedback—regularly.

  Not just from your team, but also peers, clients, your boss, even your family. And when they’re brave enough to offer feedback, don’t defend. Don’t justify. Just listen. Say thank you. That moment of humility creates trust—and invites more honesty next time.

  You don’t have to agree with every piece of feedback. But you do have to sit with it. Every blind spot you uncover is a chance to become a better, wiser, more effective leader.

  So… what might you not be seeing?