Over the next number of posts, we are going to key on some of the blind spots that we could potentially have. Interestingly enough, there are those who would say that they are alright when in fact, those who are in close proximity would say otherwise.
Sometimes, the blind spot is something that just needs some tweaking; others are issues that needs an overhaul and we can’t be afraid to take a look and see where we are at.
Just like the passenger mirror says, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear”!
So one of my strengths is that I have been blessed with a number of talents. I’m not bragging (I am humbled that God has given me much) in the least because with that comes the responsibility to do right by those talents.
The flip side is that at times, because of the ability to do many things, I can get into doer mode where I am doing whatever “Those” things are but not sharing the load, showing/teaching others to do some of those “things” so I can do something else and then the weight can become too much.
The flip side is I can get into doer mode where I am doing whatever “Those” things are but not sharing the load.
This past summer, I worked in a maintenance position in the school board and one of the guys kept saying that I should carry a multi-tool with me. At first, I kind of balked at the idea but by the second week, I came to appreciate the advice.
Man, that multi-tool was the bomb! The things that I was able to do with it and not have to carry an assortment of separate tools were genius and less of a load around my belt.
It seemed to have disappeared when the fall school season started and now I need to get another one but I’m sold on it.
It’s like the Swiss Army Knife; many uses but what if there’s too much pressure to do so many things with it that it wears out over time? We could say no, it won’t happen but what if it does?
Last week, I was catering a Monster Breakfast Brunch affair for one of our schools. As I was prepping, one of the staff guys who’s a friend said if I needed any help.
Before I could say anything, he said, “let us know because, like me, you can do it because you know exactly what to do but you don’t need to shoulder the load alone”!
Wow!! And when he said it, there was no slight or slam, no condemnation or finger pointing, just a real view of a blind spot that shows up every so often in my life.
I think I have tried to become a better leader, advocate, trainer, etc. by training, teaching, coaching others over time but once in a while, those old tendencies show up and we must deal with those issues that we would consider uncomfortable in our lives.
Years ago, when my brother joined the staff of the high school I was working in, my boss took me aside and reminded me that although I could do anything and everything in my area of work better than most, I had to allow my brother to learn and fall forward.
Even if it meant things being slower than what I would be used too, I had to do it.
Sage wisdom from that man.
In the past 2 weeks, we hired a communications graduate to help us with branding for our schools and I have the task of being her immediate supervisor.
Interestingly enough, I have noticed that I have deliberately and verbally said that I will assist and help her as we make plans but that she is in the driver’s seat for the plans we are working through.
A teacher friend remarked today that I could do what we are about to do with my eyes closed and it would be done in no time.
I agreed that I could do that but…. We’re taking the other road and I am excited to see where the road takes us on this project.
So blind spots; we all have them and we need a few cures along the way to get better.
Here are a few...
Assume We Have A Blind Spot
The people who don’t believe that they have at least one blind spot are deluding themselves.
How many friendships, relationships have been gutted just because someone was too dead, too indifferent to their own blind spot?
We all have them, so can we not embrace the fact that we do and be curious to discover what it is and how it is impacting us and depending on what that blind spot is, those that we are surrounded by?
Ask Those Around You Who Know You Best To Help You Identify Them.
Getting a realistic external, outside of us perspective is priceless, vital and helpful. We need to make sure we get feedback from people who will be straight up with us.
After all, if we are going to work at growing and changing, we don’t want our blind spots sugar-coated!
So how about it?
Identifying blind spots is not easy by any stretch but necessary.
We really need to be bold and brave to ask those around us for honesty; and then to be humble, open, and vulnerable because we may not like what we hear.
However, the revolutionary impact of change to diminish them not only for us but for those around us once we are aware of our blind spots, can be powerful and make the difference between being average and exceptional!
Here’s to correcting those Blind Spots!!!
Next Week: Blind Spot #2 The Dirty Little Dance Of Anger
Here's to exceptional living,
Dave
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