The blind spot isn’t intentional but is a by-product of success. When an organization or leader is successful, they want to keep it going, causing them to place a high value on always looking “internally”. What do I mean by that? You listen to those within the organizations for ideas and creativity. With success, turnover is low, so there are rarely promotional opportunities. When they do happen, you promote from within. On the surface, it makes sense. We trust what we know. Yet over time, always looking internally for ideas and talent can lock in the “status quo” as a mindset because it’s what everyone knows. Why would we do anything different than what we’ve been doing because it’s always worked before. Whenever there is a new idea, the response is “it’s not how we do it”, or “that’s not who we are.”
Suddenly, you’ve lost the edge, and others begin passing you by. Your position on top erodes and before you know it, you’re looking up.
How do you avoid those blind spots? Make certain you always include outside input. How do you do that?
Relationships – When you have a trusting relationship with someone, they can give you honest feedback and you’ll listen because you trust them. Make sure you have some relationships outside of your organization and your industry. Those are the ones who are perfect to “bounce ideas off of”. Be wary of feedback from those who have a reason to seek your favor or your business because they will tell you what you want to hear in hopes of getting something from you. They won’t offer thoughts or ideas that you need to hear. Get to know your peers in other industries. Many of them have dealt with similar issues in their industry. And, they have no reason not to share honestly with you. They are also a source of information. They deal with similar issues. I once worked with a leader who only knew our industry. Within it he was well known and respected. We made a strategic decision to move into a niche area of a broader industry, where he had no relationships to ask questions about the potential impact. Had he reached out, he would have learned some key differences that impacted our success, or lack of it.
Conferences and Trade Shows – I’ve found when people are successful, they see attending conferences as a waste of time unless they’ve been invited to share their wisdom. I believe it’s a mistake. Early in my career, getting to a conference was a key part of my education. The more experienced and successful I became, attending those same conferences became less about “nuts and bolts” for me and more about relationships and new ideas. It was in the informal conversations I had over a drink or lunch when I could “pick the brains” of some very smart people. I could ask the questions I needed to ask.
Mentors – Yes, the word is plural. Most people think they need “a mentor”, usually within their organization. I think having multiple mentors is better because they provide you with lots of feedback, all from successful people who care about your success.
Volunteering – Volunteering to serve on a non-profit’s board or helping manage a big event for one is a great way to build new relationships. Sometimes those you meet provide unique insights that are valuable. Or, someone you serve with has relationship you don’t and can make a helpful introduction for you.
Make sure to protect yourself from blind spots and get feedback from the outside.
Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ’s presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren’t at all? 2 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB)
