The Leadership Blind Spot!

I have been a great fan of Otto Scharmer and his work, not only because he is a fellow German, but because of his work content, how it applies to leadership, and what he has developed in his theories. With the release of his newest book “U-Theory”, he seems to have brought all his previous work together in one amazing compendium. I haven’t finished reading it, and probably will have to read it more than once, but it is amazing none the less.

As you know, we are using the PerformanceIQ® system at AMC LLC to build a foundation for every person we offer coaching to. This foundation allows us to determine where an individual stands before we start working with him or her. It is basically a measurement of the level to which someone taps into the full performance potential we all have.

In the recent past I have written a number of descriptions and articles of the individual drivers and attributes our system identifies. Now, we can take a next step and learn from Otto Scharmer and the sources of his research how things actually tie together. My goal will be to put what Otto is describing in his publications into perspective with our own tools. I hope to do this in a way that allows the readers to benefit and apply the findings to their own life.

Today we start with a look at what Otto calls “The Blind Spot”. He describes this blind spot as a place within and around us where our attention and intentions originate. It’s the place from where we operate when we do something. The reason it’s blind, is that it is an invisible dimension of our social field, of our everyday experiences in social interactions. (U-Theory, P6)

If we apply this analogy to leadership, we can look at the leaders work from three different angles:

1. We can look at what leaders do
2. We can look at the how, the processes leaders use (typically used in management & leadership research throughout the last few decades)
3. We can look at the sources leaders operate from

The blind spot at issue here is a fundamental factor in leadership and the social sciences. It also affects our everyday social experience. In the process of conducting our daily business and social lives, we are usually well aware of what we do and what others do; we also have some understanding of how we do things, the processes we and others use when we act. Yet if we were to ask the question: “from what source does our action come?” most of us would be unable to provide an answer. We can’t see the source from which we operate; we aren’t aware of the place from which our attention and intentions originate. (U-Theory, P7)

This is where the similarities of the work shown in U-Theory regarding the Blind Spot in leadership and the work we do at AMC LLC starts. With our assessment we identify the extent to which certain personal attributes are developed, positive and negative. Based on the findings we create a foundation that allows us to dig deeper and get towards, if not always to, the source.

One of the fundamental differences between our approach and what many other coaches do lies in the goal of changing the origin of people actions and behaviors, specifically when these actions and behaviors are detrimental to the success for the person. That doesn’t only apply to private life, but at least as much to the management and leadership of the individuals we touch.

I believe the Blind Spot is correctly named because very few of us have the awareness of why we act as we do. You have read many times that I say: “Awareness is at least 50% of the solution.” In this case the solution is not a formula to solve a problem or complete a calculation, but a solution to the issues a person is facing, the issues that hold one back from being successful and excel.

Since we measure the human performance, or more accurately, the extent to which a person is actually using his or her full performance potential, we can see at what parts of the source we need to start. That does not mean that we shine a full bright light on the Blind Spot Otto Scharmer is describing, but for certain parts of this blind spot, we can provide a shimmer that can be used to begin the process of enlightenment and improvement.

Those individuals, who allow us to perform the measurement and then work with us to improve the areas that need it, while strengthening what is already well developed, always surprise me by the amazing speed with which they improve and become aware. It’s almost like a hidden ability is coming to the forefront and begins to shine – and when the friends and relatives of the client start asking what is going on, the transformation becomes tangible. In that sense the coaching we provide shines light onto the Blind Spot and allows awareness to make it smaller while improving life for the person, as well as everybody around him or her.

If you like to begin the journey to your Blind Spot and learn through measurement where your strength and weaknesses are, you can go to www.meierhoefer.net/welcome.htm for the first step. Then, when we both know how much you take advantage of your potential and where we can put our levers to get the rest activated, the coaching process starts.

I will be waiting for your and then be your guide through the darkness and into the light of fulfillment and joy. Don’t procrastinate – I am looking to help you on your journey towards a successful life as a leader and a member of society.

Axel Meierhoefer, President AMC LLC