- Posted on August 13, 2009
Hi !
Welcome to this week's issue of Executive Insight.
Managerial Blind Spots
Part 2
Last week's column addressed the topic of managers who have blind spots about particular employees, why this is a problem, and how to identify if you may have a blind spot.
The subject must have hit a nerve, because I received quite a few questions and comments!
As promised, today we're going to focus on tips for how to overcome these blind spots.
- Listen carefully. Objectively take in any feedback that you may receive from employees about your blind spot. Don't react; just listen.
- Analyze. As you review the feedback, consider what makes you uncomfortable. Separate the elements of truth from otherwise illusive comments.
- Evaluate. Is this a situation that requires a conversation with the employee (who is the object of the blind spot), or do you simply need to change your behavior? If you need to have a conversation:
- Prepare. Get comfortable with the facts that you can address.
- Script. Write down the key points you want to address (don't leave this to memory).
- Cool off. Approach the conversation objectively and unemotionally.
- Intent. In either case, ensure that your intent is to eliminate the blind spot to create an overall better working environment.
You know from other difficult situations that thinking about it is usually worse than actually doing it. Make a decision to face the challenge, prepare for it, then take the action.
Have a great week!

Leadership and the Bottom Line
When you praise individual team members for a job well done, make sure you include everyone who contributed to the success. Neglecting a key person - even accidentally - can diminish the goodwill created with the others.
Personal Power
If you feel overwhelmed on the job, ask for help! Rugged individualism is a wonderful character trait, but not to the detriment of your professional success.
Trend Watch
An article in Monday's New York Times described how technology is affecting our morning rituals. Is our morning coffee being replaced by logging onto email?