Quick Tip – Uncover What You Don't Know

It can hurt you – Issue #87

You probably know most of your strengths. You’re probably aware of your weaknesses, as well.

You can structure your work to capitalize on your strengths and talents. You can manage your weaknesses, and make a plan to improve them.

However, we all have blind spots. We know what we know. We also know some things that we don’t know. But, the riskiest areas are the things that we don’t know that we don’t know.

You may have a hunch that something is going wrong in your job interviews, but you don’t know why you’re not receiving offers. You keep getting passed over for promotions, even though you think you’re doing everything right. Great opportunities don’t seem to come your way, for some reason.

The problem with a blind spot is that there is little chance that you will suddenly be able to see the problem. Even if you are self-aware and focused on continually improving, a blind spot doesn’t magically reveal itself.

That’s why a trusted circle of advisors and mentors is so crucial. They see you in ways that you can’t see yourself. They can be more honest with you than friends or loved ones who may be afraid to hurt your feelings.

Great advisors and mentors know that improvement requires radical candor. They share feedback in the spirit of helping you, not harming you. They want the best for you.

Do you have someone in your life who can reveal these blind spots? If not, make that one of your goals for the New Year.