How to Overcome Your Blind Spots
Let’s be real for a moment — and I mean really real.
We all have blind spots.
Take a breath. That’s not an indictment of your character or your leadership. It doesn’t disqualify you. But here’s what I know for certain: those blind spots do distract you, and they do limit your influence. And that matters, because you were built for more.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of working closely with a remarkable leader who did something incredibly brave — he said yes to a full 360 feedback process. His peers, colleagues, direct reports, and his boss all weighed in. Honestly? What came back was fascinating.
There were significant strengths. Glowing remarks. People genuinely respected this man.
But two blind spots kept surfacing — and everyone seemed to see them.
Blind Spot #1: Singular Perspective His unspoken working motto was essentially, “Save time — just see it my way.” He’d listen, sure. But people around him quickly caught on: conversations almost always circled back to his view. So they stopped sharing theirs. The voices in the room went quiet. And he had no idea.
Blind Spot #2: Withholding Information When people felt left out of the loop, something quietly eroded beneath the surface — trust. And once trust starts slipping, everything gets harder.
Here’s the beautiful part of this story: he took that feedback and did something with it. He didn’t get defensive. He didn’t make excuses. He got to work.
Today? He is genuinely a different leader. More open. More curious. More accessible. It’s like he received a full leadership makeover — and his influence has reached a whole new level because of it.
So what about you?
Here’s your action plan — I call it B.L.I.N.D.S.P.O.T.S.
Your blind spots don’t have to define you. But ignoring them just might.
The best leaders I know aren’t the ones with the fewest weaknesses — they’re the ones brave enough to face them.
Here’s to leading with open eyes!
—Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
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“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
