Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Section 1: Why Blindspots Matter

Chapter 1: The Dangers and Rewards of Being Blind 3

Chapter 2: H ow to Spot Blindspots in Yourself and Others 17

Chapter 3: The Common Blindspots Holding Leaders Back 35

Chapter 4: Why Blindspots Are an Ever-Present Challenge 55

Section 2: How to Surface and Overcome Blindspots

Chapter 5: See It for Yourself: Customers, Colleagues, and Outsiders 71

Chapter 6: Seek Out That Which Disconfirms What You Believe 91

Chapter 7: Develop Peripheral Vision and See What Others Miss 117

Chapter 8: Build a Network of Trusted Advisors in Critical Areas 131

Chapter 9: Promote Productive Team Fights on the Vital Few Priorities 145

Conclusion 163

Section 3: Additional Resources

Resource A: Blindspot Q&A 173

Resource B: L eadership Blindspot Survey: Self-Assessment 177

Resource C: Common Leadership Blindspots: Feedback Worksheet 183

Resource D: Readings on Leadership Blindspots 187

Notes 189

Acknowledgments 205

About the Author 207

Index 209

About the Author

ROBERT BRUCE SHAW is a management consultant specializing in organization and leadership performance. He has worked closely with leaders and their teams in a wide range of industries and is the author of several books, including Trust in the Balance: Building Successful Organizations on Results, Integrity, and Concern.