Your perception of me is more important than my perception of me.
The behavioural blind spot is your reputation that others are discussing - but not with you. In reality, the likelihood is that you will always have a behavioural blind spot, which others may always discuss without you being aware. The danger is that this behavioural blind spot could derail your career or, your business.
To avoid this, you must be proactive to learn about yourself and the perception of you, held by others. You can do this by:
- Improve your self-awareness by learning as much about yourself as possible by examining your thoughts, feelings and behaviours in order to assess your strengths and limitations. Why do you think, feel, or respond in particular ways?
- Obtaining information from those with whom you work. Volunteer to participate in multi-rater (360-degree) assessments, if that option is available to you.
- Take advantage of self-assessments that are available to you. The DISC Personal Profile Analysis is a popular instrument that can provide excellent information about the advantages and disadvantages of your work style. It can also help you to understand others.
Being willing to seek information is only part of the formula. The other parts are accepting and then using the information. Of course, you can deny that it is true...or...believe it, but do nothing about it...or...believe it and create the reputation of using the input to improve your interpersonal performance.
Character of Leaders
The quality of performance in most businesses is a direct reflection of the quality of leadership. The following four questions help identify the worthiness of leaders:
- Are you competent?
- Do you listen to your conscience?
- Is your character sound?
- Do you have compassion for others?
In the pursuit of power and control, many individuals choose to abandon what is right for what is popular. This egotism is truly the "PGA" of the ‘old boy’ network: power, greed and arrogance!
Because the character of leaders determines the destiny of organisations, we need more men and women who have the courage to stand for what's right and not compromise their souls.
A Chinese proverb states it best: “If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character. If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."
Wise leaders understand that living a life of integrity is simply doing the right thing in all situations, regardless of the consequences.
Reference: Byrd Baggett: Charisma Based Leadership: How to be the Leader that Everyone Wants to Follow (Good things to Know)
