The most dangerous problems are the ones you don’t see.
Every leader has five blindspots that sabotage influence, execution, and decision-making.
According to Marty Dubin*, “Blindspots are what we don’t know about ourselves that hold us back as leaders.”
5 Blindspots Every Leader Has
#1. Identity: Who you think you are?
You act according to who you believe yourself to be. When you see yourself as a genius you don’t see your know-it-all tendencies. If you’re the fixer, you minimize others.
Leadership challenges go beyond self-identity.
Solution: Audit your calendar. Does your time reflect who you aspire to become or who you used to be?
#2. Motive: What drives you?
Are you leading for impact or applause?
Dubin says, “The drive for fame overwhelmed his ability to recognize what he ought to have been focusing on.”
Solution: Ask yourself: “What results matter if no one see them?”
#3. Traits: What strengths are overused?
Overplayed strengths are weaknesses. Visionaries overlook detail. Achievers burn out teams.
Solution: Identify your top two strengths. Ask: “Where do these create problems for others?”
#4. Emotion: Are you managing or being managed?
Some leaders avoid discomfort. Others chase excitement. Unchecked emotion leads to poor decisions and strained relationships.
Solution: Pause before reacting. Name what you feel. Choose your next best move.
#5. Intellect: Are you smart enough to know smarts aren’t enough?
Intellectual arrogance causes tunnel vision.
Dubin warns, “He assumed the things he didn’t understand weren’t important.” 🔹 Solution: Learn from people who see what you miss. Ask, “What am I overlooking?”
Power Action Step: Self-reflection is strategic, not soft. You can’t fix what you won’t face. Begin journaling about your potential blindspots.
Which blindspot hits home for you?
*Marty Dubin is a clinical psychologist turned leadership coach with experience as a CEO and entrepreneur. He blends psychological insight with real-world business experience. This post is based on his new book: Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader.
Keep reading: Seven Steps to See and Solve Blindspots