Did You See That?

Blind spots can be a beautiful thing…provided you can see them.  An oxymoron I know.  How can you see a blind spot when…your blind?  The quick answer, by surrounding yourself with complimentary executive talent that sees what you don’t.  And most importantly, having the humility to listen to their perspectives, internalize their points of view and act on the higher conscious thinking that is created.

The most recent issue of Entrepreneur magazine shared an interesting interview with Chip Wilson, the founder of Lululemon.  Mr. Wilson, like many founders, built a beautiful business, attracted the attention of private equity and sold a majority stake. (Chip’s a billionaire and remains the largest shareholder).  Mr. Wilson has an ego, is comfortable sharing his opinions and has gotten himself into public relations purgatory by making derogatory comments about some customer’s body shapes.

For all his foibles, he’s also fairly circumspect having commented, “All good CEOs probably have a group of mentors, if not a board of advisors.  And a good CEO will be attuned to what I call their flat spots – everyone is good at something and everyone is NOT good at something.  So, a good CEO will have the right kind of advisors around them.”

Oh, so very true.  There have been ample times in my CEO / Executive roles, it became critical to bounce ideas.  To vet alternatives.  To humbly ask for insight.  In the haste of juggling so many pressure points, it becomes increasingly difficult to pause.  To be present.  To simply stop, look and listen.  More important, to truly hear both your trusted advisors and that inner voice trying to whisper wisdom in your ear.

Without fully acknowledging blind spots, managing a business can be treacherous.

As businesses grow and increase in complexity, it becomes more important to surround yourself with those that possess experience, perspectives and a level of consciousness that will allow constructive evolution.

Success can be sloppy.  Life’s greatest lessons come from challenge and disappointment.  Life’s greatest successes are those shared with others.  Only by engaging, enrolling and empowering those you have the privilege to lead, will the magnificence of co-creating desired outcomes be achieved.

A mentor many years ago shared “there is a fine line between the cutting edge and the bleeding edge.”  To ensure you and your team stays on the cutting edge of producing greatness, it’s a good idea to understand your blind spots.  The only way to “see” your blind spots is by asking others for help.  Together, collective vision creates a very bright future.

Now go find a mentor or two and see what you’ve been missing.

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