Every leader has blind spots, which are hidden patterns, assumptions and behaviours that shape how they lead without awareness. These blind spots influence decisions, relationships and team performance. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones with the fewest blind spots, they’re the ones who actively work to uncover and address them.
This guide introduces the seven essential questions every leader should explore to understand blind spots and begin the journey toward greater self-awareness and impact.
1. What exactly are blind spots and why do leaders have them?
Blind spots are the disconnects between how you believe you show up and how others experience you. They’re the behaviours, habits and assumptions you don’t notice in yourself, but others do.
Leaders have blind spots because the brain filters information to protect our self image and reduce cognitive load. These filters help us function, but they also hide important truths about how we lead.
2. What causes blind spots to form in the first place?
Blind spots develop over time through:
· automatic habits
· past successes that reinforce outdated behaviours
· stress and pressure
· limited or filtered feedback
· cultural norms in your organisation
· personal identity, values and lived experience
These influences shape what we pay attention to and what we overlook.
3. What is the science behind blind spots?
The brain processes for more information than we can consciously handle. To cope it relies on short cuts such as heuristics and biases. These shortcuts help us move quickly; bit they also distort our perception.
We tend to notice what confirms our beliefs, ignore what challenges our identity, and priortise what feels familiar. This means blind spots aren’t personal failings, they are neurological inevitabilities.
4. What are the consequences of not seeing your blind spots?
Unseen blind spots can quietly erode leadership effectiveness. They can:
· damage trust and credibility
· reduce team engagement and performance
· lead to repeated mistakes or poor decisions
· create conflict or confusion
· limit your ability to grow into more senior roles
· cause talented people to disengage or leave
The most challenging part is that leaders often don’t realise the impact until its too late.
5. What is the impact on your leadership when you finally see and address your blind spots?
Leaders who uncover and address their blind spots often experience:
· stronger relationships and deeper trust
· clearer decision making
· higher team alignment and performance
· greater adaptability and emotional intelligence
· increased confidence grounded in reality
· a reputation for humility and maturity
Seeing your blind spots doesn’t diminish your leadership, it strengthens it.
6. How can leaders uncover and address their blind spots in a practical and structured way?
The most effective approach combines:
I. external insight – assessment, feedback and coaching
II. self-reflection – noticing patterns, triggers and repeated outcomes
III. behavioural experimentation - trying new approaches and observing the impact
A structured assessment accelerates this process by revealing what you can’t see on your own and giving you a clear starting point.
7. How do you know which blind spots matter most for your leadership effectiveness?
Some blind spots are inconvenient. Others are costly, however the most common blind spots to address are those that:
· affect your relationship
· influence key decisions
· shape your teams culture
· create recurring challenges
· limit your ability to lead at the next level
Identifying these high impact blind spots require external insight which is why a targeted leadership assessment is so valuable.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
Understanding your blind spots is the first step. Addressing them is where transformation happens.
If you’re ready to uncover the blind spots shaping your leadership and the opportunities they’re hiding, then take our Leadership Blind Spot Assessment.
It’s a structured, evidence-based way to see what you can’t see on your own and begin leading with greater clarity, confidence and impact.