Little Blindspots Everywhere

The weather in NYC has been amazing and that means I work even harder to get outside away from the screen and take what feels like luxurious walks in Riverside Park. Last week, I was joined on one of those walks by Tasha Eurich, and we chatted about her work as a coach, speaker, and author. She helps people become aware of what they don’t see… both in themselves and others. Then, this past weekend, when I visited Marshall in Nashville, I found myself listening to his coaching stories of people who had misread situations and misconstrued what was really happening with them and to them. The conversations seemed like an echo and I began pondering the nature of perception and how it shapes our understanding of the world around us. Strolling through the lively streets of New York and the tranquil parks of Nashville, our conversations meandered through various topics, but one theme kept resurfacing: the impossibility of seeing things as they truly are. In life and leadership, we often find ourselves in situations with incomplete information, relying on our limited perspectives that we mistakenly believe to be complete and accurate. However, the reality is far more complex.

Consider how we perceive others. We tend to form impressions based on limited interactions, colored by our own biases and experiences. We see people through the lens of our own expectations and assumptions, and we fail to recognize the depth and complexity of their lives beyond our interactions. Just as a single photograph cannot capture the entirety of a person's essence, our perceptions of others are mere snapshots frozen in time and context. It takes effort to deeply see another, and in order to see we must first be willing to see. To truly understand and connect with those we love and lead, we must acknowledge the limitations of our perceptions and strive to see beyond the surface, fostering a sense of empathy and connection.

Recognize that situations are rarely static. They evolve over time, influenced by a myriad of factors we may not even be aware of. What we perceive as the complete picture is often just a momentary glimpse, a fleeting instance in a much larger tapestry. As leaders, it's crucial to approach challenges with a flexible mindset, ready to adapt as new information emerges and circumstances change. Some refer to this practice as “seeing with new eyes”, returning to the place of observation rather than judgment so that we can create fresh insights. Change is inevitable; we must accept it and prepare for it. By embracing the fluidity of situations, we can see things more accurately, allowing us to make more informed decisions and guide our teams through the inevitable ups and downs of the journey.

Acknowledge that our perceptions of ourselves are often just as flawed as those of others and situations. We may believe we have a clear understanding of our personal strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, but the truth is that we too are constantly evolving, shaped by our experiences and interactions. I find that a great coach can ask a question that unlocks something for me, allowing me to learn something about myself, my motivations, preferences, or limiting beliefs. Self-awareness is a lifelong pursuit, requiring us to continually question our assumptions and seek feedback from trusted sources. As leaders, modeling this commitment to self-discovery and self-acceptance can inspire those we love and lead to embark on their own journeys of personal growth.

In life and leadership, navigating the complexities of perception is an ongoing challenge. Every day, we are challenged by situations in which we think we know what is happening, that we are accurately perceiving the world around us. We assume we know someone’s story, motivation, thoughts, or experience. Sometimes that person is yourself. In reality, it is not possible to see things perfectly, accurately or objectively because we always see through our own lens and filter. And even when we are right about something, more often than not there are “other rights” as well. By recognizing the limitations of our understanding, embracing the fluidity of situations, and committing to self-awareness, we can approach our interactions with greater clarity and compassion. As we strive to see beyond the illusions of our perceptions, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, more effective decision-making, and, ultimately, a more fulfilling journey for ourselves and those we love and lead. It is sometimes valuable to remember we are human and acknowledge that built into our humanity are little blindspots everywhere.

With love, gratitude and wonder.

Scott