In horror movies, there’s always an oblivious character in danger from the film’s antagonist. The camera creeps ever closer to the character’s back, music building and you internally scream, “Look behind you!” or “Take the exit!”
But they never do, do they? No…they seem to have an inescapable blind spot.
Leaders have blind spots too. Every leader has blind spots because every human has blind spots. And yours are escapable if you simply take the time to recognize them.
Let’s go over three of the spookiest bank and credit union leadership training blind spots, how to address them and how it improves your leadership.
Blind Spot #1: Going it Alone
Like that horror movie protagonist intent on descending the basement stairs by themselves, choosing to go it alone in leadership won’t get you anywhere good. Why?
- It increases your likelihood of burnout (in turn, increasing anxiety, irritability, etc.).
- Your team feels shut out.
- You feel like your team isn’t capable (because you don’t let them prove themselves).
- You risk implementing untested, potentially harmful ideas.
You need to let people in and let people help you. Maybe not everyone…but at least several trusted allies. Find your blind spot buddies who hold you accountable when you start to withdraw from the team.
When you allow others to help you lead, you become a happier leader who appreciates your team more. You also allow your ideas to undergo scrutiny and avoid disastrous pitfalls.
Blind Spot #2: Conspiring Against Others
Let’s be honest: this point makes you more akin to the horror movie villain hunting other characters than it does the hero of the story. And no one wants to be like that! What are the results of conspiring against others?
- Your culture is described as “political” or “toxic.”
- Your team retreats into silos, with each leader controlling their “territory.”
- People are afraid to voice contradictory views.
Yikes! Don’t let your organization become a torture chamber. Identify triggers that lead you to conspire against others and surround yourself with a diverse team (one that you intend to listen to). Bring people together and set a new course if the team is already silo focused.
When you stop conspiring against others, you facilitate the creation of a happier and healthier culture for everyone.
Blind Spot #3: Not Taking a Stand
The horror movie villain never magically vanishes. It continues to chase the main character forever…unless they take a stand.
And at some point, you need to take a stand too. As Alexander Hamilton said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” What happens when you refuse to have a position?
- Your organization is confused or directionless.
- Rival ideas and misalignment rip your team apart.
- You appear weak and easily ignored.
Indecision is not a strength. Look at your past and identify any patterns of indecisiveness so you adequately prepare to circumvent those instincts. When decision time comes, assess the information available to you, decide and push forward. You risk more by fence-sitting than you do by acting.
When you take a stand, you lead a unified organization into the future by assuring there’s a solid vision for everyone to rally around and support.
Don’t let your blind spots sneak up on you. Book a free consultation and get started on On The Mark Strategies’ bank and credit union leadership training to defeat your leadership villains.
