Black… White
On… Off.
Hot… Cold.
Wet… Dry.
Opportunity… Threat.
Strength…
Hang on. Have you noticed that when we talk about CliftonStrengths we never, and I mean never, ever talk about ‘weaknesses’?
blind spot (n) Unintended negative misperceptions that occur when a person uses their strongest CliftonStrengths.
You’ll never get a SWOT analysis about your talents from us. That’s because there are NO weaknesses associated with your CliftonStrengths. Just the knowledge of how your innate preferences work to make you the unique person you are and ways you can leverage those strengths to be constantly better.
That said… inherent in your strengths you will find some sneaky things to keep an eye out for. Just like you can over-flex a muscle (ouch!) you can inadvertently use your strengths in a way that may not benefit you or others.
We call these ‘blind spots’.
What Are Blind Spots?
As the name suggests, blind spots catch you out because you’re not always aware of them.
With every strength there are some predictable things to keep an eye out for. Here are some examples. See if you recognise any in yourself.
- High Empathy? Watch that your sensitivity doesn’t tip over into… being overinvolved.
- High Arranger? You might irritate others when you take control (even though you know you can do it well)
- High Input? How’s that intellectual clutter going?
- High Learner? Apparently not everyone will be as excited about enrolling in courses, don’t overwhelm others with your urge to learn… (sigh).
Yes, blind spots aren’t terrible but they can hold you back from achieving your best. Burnout, lack of engagement from others, even misunderstanding about your intentions, these blind spots can be insidious and exhausting.
Catching A Glimpse
You will get a few hints when you’re playing in your blind spots.
External – the reactions of others can be a huge clue. Feedback is a gift, right??? Are people avoiding you, changing the topic, or rolling their eyes? is there a change in how your team usually respond to you?
Internal – your emotional response can be incredibly honest. Are you overwhelmed? Overtired? Overcome with everything? Or is there a tickling sensation trying to get your attention?
Why Do I Care About Things I can’t See
A person should be aware of the blind spots that their dominant themes can create. This insight can help people prevent their CliftonStrengths from getting in their way.
So what do you do to prevent your blind spots interfering with your success? Why, you learn about them, of course!
When you come to know your strengths the blind spots most commonly encountered with each of them will be outlined for you in your report. When you know them, you can work with them. Avoid them if needed, manage them if necessary, manipulate them to flip back into the light as strengths once more. You may even come to love them (like that annoying cowlick at your temple you’ve decided adds charm 😉).
What you can see can never be unseen.
Make the blind spots of your unique strengths profile one of your superpowers.
Find out about your blind spots and the beautiful strengths they spring from with us. Sign up to our mailing list to become eligible for subscriber discounts to all of our coaching packages.
