In my work as an executive coach, I have seen a pattern of consistent blind spots on the part of leaders that dramatically limit their effectivenessOnce aware of these blind spots, motivated and bright executives take the appropriate action to increase their effectiveness.

These blind spots tend to fall into three general categories, including blindness to self, blindness to others and blindness to opportunityBecause of their prevalence, I have come to call these "the Three Blind Mice" of leadershipAllow me to introduce you to them.

Blindness to self typically involves a gross lack of self-awarenessThis gap is usually driven by ego issues, usually an immense amount of self-confidence, or an equally immense amount of insecurityThe key to diffusing either is to become more self-awareThis can be easily accomplished through the use of assessment instruments, external coaching and the likeBut it always requires being open to the view of yourself by othersThis is easier said than done, which is where external coaching can help greatly.