Executive Blind Spots

by Kathy Cooperman

What is a blind spot? You’re familiar with that annoying blind spot while driving a vehicle—that area that you can’t see just over your shoulder. Another definition comes from Webster’s Dictionary: “a prejudice, or area of ignorance, that one has but is often unaware of”. You may have experienced this in your leadership role.

What are your blind spots? Almost everyone has some. Many leaders assume that all is well until they receive feedback from people who work closely with them.

Executive coaching offers a rare opportunity to discover the candid opinions of others, including your boss, peers, direct reports and selected others. A 360° assessment is a survey where individuals rate your leadership skills. Their responses are anonymous to ensure honest feedback. When the surveys are collected and scored by your executive coach, you are then guided through a feedback session. This process helps you understand how others rate your leadership effectiveness and how their perceptions compare with your own.

The “gift” of feedback
I often introduce the feedback process as a “gift”. Many leaders say it doesn’t feel like a gift when they get their 360° feedback; they all agree, however, that after the initial shock, it is enlightening and helps them grow as a leader.
I’ve grouped the most common, unexpected feedback comments from 360° raters (peers, bosses, direct reports) based on my 30 years in executive coaching.

Arrogant
A common blind spot is self-centeredness.
• He thinks very highly of himself.
• He talks down to people—he’s very condescending.
• He thinks this is his ship to run.
• His tone of voice and bluntness shuts people down.

Doesn’t Listen

This is one of the biggest surprises.
• She asks our opinion but doesn’t listen to what we have to say.
• It doesn’t matter what we say; she ends up doing whatever she wants to.
• Her listening skills need improvement—she comes across like a dictator.

Bull in a China Shop
No one wants to hear that they “bulldoze” people.
• She’s pushy and rude; she’s insensitive to people’s feelings.
• She’s aggressive, demanding and insults people.
• She’s demeaning and dismissive of people.

Non-Communicator
Some leaders hoard information.
• He doesn’t tell us what his plans are.
• He keeps information secret . . . never tells us anything.
• He’s very slow to respond—difficult to get in touch with.

Competitive
The colorful leader or attention-hog is at the top of the list.
• She dominates meetings—talks way more than anyone else.
• She interrupts people constantly.
• She’s a drama queen—always wants to be in the spotlight.

To be fair, 360° feedback is not always unpleasant. Many leaders receive unexpected feedback that is a welcome surprise. Most receive a mix of positive and negative feedback.

What are your potential derailers or blindspots? Have you had a 360° assessment in the past few years . . . or ever? Step up and give yourself one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever get for becoming a better leader.
For more information, please contact Kathy Cooperman, kathy@kathycooperman.com, 1-866-303-1996, www.kathycooperman.com.

Kathy Cooperman, an executive coach and leadership expert, is the president and founder of KC Leadership Consulting LLC. For more information, contact her at kathy@kathycooperman.com, www.kathycooperman.com or 720.542.3324.