clickWe all have strengths and weaknesses. Some are obvious—things you and I can both see. Others are less obvious, or “partial blind spots”—things you can see but I can’t, or vice-versa. Then there are total blind spots nobody sees. This is best illustrated by the Johari Window.

The Johari Window

The Johari Window, a demonstration of how blind spots work

Executives can’t afford to think they’re good at something they’re not. They need accuracy, and must be able to rank their top strengths and weaknesses with precision. However, partial and total blind spots make this impossible and can derail the most promising executive career.

Hidden strengths and weaknesses come out during assessments. Fortunately, self-assessments shed partial light on these. Assessments by others, such as what occurs during 360° assessments, reveal what others see that you don’t. And in analyzing and acting on these results, total blind spots can be gradually removed.

Coaching Questions

  • What assessments have you taken to uncover your blind spots? 
  • Which ones did you find most helpful? 

SOLID’s assessment practice and free self-assessment resources can help you reveal your hidden strengths and weaknesses. One of these complimentary self-assessments is SOLID Executive Competencies.

Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect executive. Never stop improving!

If you would like to take a complimentary executive assessment just click on the download option below

About the AuthorDaniel J. Mueller driving near Austin, Texas

Daniel J. Mueller lives in Austin, Texas, where he has helped hundreds of executives see into their blind spots and become better leaders. He is the Managing Director of SOLIDleaders, LLC, a prolific writer, and an executive coach with decades of experience delivering transformational results. Learn more in Daniel’s bio.