STUMPED BY THE BLIND SPOT

“I've always wanted to try something new and different in the work that I do and yet I find myself hesitating and unable to act on many of my ideas.” This was the dilemma presented by a high potential coaching client who clearly had big picture orientation and a creative bent of mind. And he continued, “It is frustrating not be part of think tanks and new projects which I feel I can contribute to.”

We all experience these gaps when we are perceived differently by others, and regardless of what we may believe – reputation is in the hands of observers to be shaped. In this case, the individual simply hadn’t rolled out new initiatives or processes to earn the image of an out of the box thinker. Being in a disruptive industry didn’t help his cause any.

So what indeed gets in the way for us? How is it that we are not able to catch the behaviour that is shaping this undesired image? And why aren’t we able to buy into the feedback when it is indeed provided?

 Acceptance of feedback is critical to create awareness; as only then can sustained action follow. In this case blind spot was at play. Behaviours that were not part of day to day life, and often a result of external triggers.

#LuminaSpark measures separately the three persona of personality. Underlying scores measure what is natural to us and what we want to do. Everyday scores measure what we actually do – in response to expectations and our conditioning. And then, we can Over- extend behaviours under stress and act altogether differently.

Lumina Spark measure these 24 quality-traits impacting our behaviours and motivations separately, so a strategically planned action plan or coaching contract can be established.

This leader’s personal Lumina Spark portrait revealed high underlying scores on Qualities-traits of Radical and Conceptual - which generate both interest and desire to break the mold and think disruption. He did not have supporting Everyday scores on either quality, indicating that his behaviours did not support his need. To add to this - on the Cautious scale he had high scores on over-extended behaviour.

In essence, he became indecisive and avoidant when under pressure. But as this was not his everyday behaviour - he had little inkling of this unproductive quality playing out when pressure mounted and deadlines drew close. A classic blind spot!

It takes trust and desire to accept feedback which can cover a blind spot. #Luminalearning uses language of #positivepsychology and makes personality data non-invasive and accessible. The design and format of Lumina Portrait, and comprehensive information on strengths and gaps, development input across communication and leadership aids setting up a robust coaching contract and supports autonomous self-work. 

#luminalearning #Luminaspark #Coaching #positivepsychology #blindspot #developmentjourney