Finding Bright Spots

As a leadership coach, I spend several hours every week on the phone with leaders from all different industries. Most of our time is spent discussing challenges they’re dealing with at work, and sometimes outside of work. Almost without exception, I find that leaders tend to be very hard on themselves when they make a mistake or receive a piece of constructive feedback. To their credit, taking time to reflect on these things is, in part, what makes them successful leaders, because solving problems is a critical component of their job. Yet I’m reminded how important it is for all of us to also take time to shine light on the things we’re doing well.

Bestselling authors, Chip and Dan Heath, call this idea “finding the bright spots.” Suppose your kid comes home with five A’s and one D on her report card, they explain. We tend to immediately focus on the D and try to figure out how to improve it. “We all use our powers of analysis to primarily study what isn’t working, rather than to study what is working.” Our concerted effort to correct the D often causes us to fail and recognize the five A’s — those areas our kid is engaged and thriving. And neglecting the A’s in favor of correcting the D often eventually leads to all Bs and Cs.

Leaders—each of you has had to make hard calls that affect people’s lives and probably been criticized well beyond what you deserve. Reflect on those experiences and learn from them, but don’t be consumed by them.

You’ve gotten to where you are by capitalizing on your strengths—your A’s. Remind yourself what those are and keep them close.