There is no such thing as a perfect executive. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. But when these strengths and weaknesses hide in “blind spots,” they can sabotage performance.

We all have blind spots: areas where we have a lack of insight and clarity. However, the best executives have taken great lengths to eliminate their blind spots.A not-so-perfect executive with one eye covered, creating blind spots

You can eliminate blind spots in any number of ways.

Here are a few:

  1. Getting feedback from others.
  2. Introspection.
  3. Reviewing previously completed tests and assessments.
  4. Completing new tests and assessments (for example, DiSC, Myers-Briggs, Birkman, CliftonStrengths, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, and others).
  5. Completing qualitative (interview-based) or quantitative (electronic survey–based 360°) executive assessments.

Coaching Questions

  • What else can you do to gain better insight into yourself? 
  • How can you discover your blind spots? 

Remember, the best executive is not the one who is perfect. That creature doesn’t exist. The best executive is the one who has done all they can to eliminate their blind spots.

For advice on finding your blind spots, download our complimentary ebook, Eliminate Executive Blind Spots. Or, continue to our next One-Minute Coaching™ on Energizer Bunny syndrome.

Daniel J. Mueller Austin City Limits Festival PhotoAbout the Author

Daniel J. Mueller began executive coaching in 1987. He has provided tens of thousands of coaching sessions to over 1,500 top executives, improving performance, accelerating careers, and ensuring smooth transitions into new roles. You can find Daniel Mueller in Austin, Texas, where he has lived since 1977.