I recently became upset at someone because I observed certain behaviours and told myself a narrative about why this person did what they did. That started a spiral of negative emotion fueling an imagined narrative, that in turn amplified the negative emotion, and boosted the story with even more negative charge–over and over again.
When I finally confronted the person, others were present and pointed out that I too exhibited the same pattern of behaviours. Wow! I was not expecting that. I had counted on their support. After that episode, I paid more attention to my own behaviour and truth be told, the others were correct. I did exhibit the same behaviours.
It was my blind spot–and I am sure I have more than one. That episode was failure of self leadership. That failure to accurately observe myself with inner awareness meant that I could not lead others, not in that specific area anyway. On the positive side, the discovery of a blind spot is an opportunity to grow to become a better leader.
Was I sorry? Yes.
Did I wallow in failure? No.
I made amends then spoke to a wiser person to get a bigger perspective. Not only did I feel better after that; I also thought better. Positive emotion fueled positive thinking and cycle spiraled upwards. Part of leadership development is discovering blind spots and growing through them. This requires a practice of self observation and inner awareness.
Learn how to develop your leadership presence through inner awareness.