Blind Spots

I recently experienced an unexpected and unchosen challenge: a full thickness macular tear in my left eye. Idiopathic, they call it, when there is no obvious medical cause. 

My symptoms? The central field of vision in my left eye has a blind spot that results in dimmed and distorted vision. Thankfully I have good peripheral vision in that eye which helps me to function. The testing diagnosed the issue clearly. The measurement equipment they have at OSU (which is amazing in its technology and accuracy) made it perfectly CCD; it’s hard to deny what I saw in the images on the screen.  Thankfully I am not in pain, and my specific condition is not a medical emergency. Interestingly, my doc said it’s up to me if I want to get it fixed or choose to live with it.

Wow. Why would I want to live with this blind spot? 

Experientially this unwanted suffering has given me (ironically) clear insight into what we, at BTL, call our blind spots and the impact they have on our work, life, and leadership. 

Blind spots, whether physical or personal, give us distorted vision, a lack of clarity, discomfort, disorientation, and uncertainty. If our blind spots are not painful, we can become accustomed to them. Not exactly a Dream State, is it? 

As leaders we need to clearly see the vision for the work we do. If we have blind spots, how can we confirm the vision is accurate for our mission and not moving into mission drift? For our team? For the future of our organization? For our individual role?

My condition, thank God, can be corrected by surgery followed by an interesting recovery protocol, one that will provide me with time to slow down and think, write, reflect. There is a high degree of success in this procedure, and my retinal surgeon is extremely gifted and experienced. I have full trust in him and his team.

Trust in our truth tellers is key. 

For all who are blessed to not have a physical blind spot,  it raises the question that elite leaders must ask – what are my blind spots? We all have them. Who can show me what they are? Do I trust them to tell me the truth? And, the million dollar question is am I willing to walk the hard yards to fix my blind spots?

I confess that I have taken the gift of my eyesight for granted throughout my life and I’ve repented to the Lord for this. Many lessons are landing with me in this unexpected challenge. 

Friend, who is your diagnostic partner in work and in life? Are you ready to make the appointment and receive your d/x CCD? And are you ready to commit to the Productive Action steps to remedy your condition or will you instead choose to live with your blind spot? 

You have the power to choose… as you are the CEO of a cool company called ‘YOU.’ Thanks, LA, for this enduring truth. 

Your BTL Builder is on your diagnostic team. We are trained and experienced to angle your side mirrors and your rearview mirror so that you can see your blind spots. It’s up to you to decide what your action plan will be. We stand ready to help you transform. Always together. 

Me? I look forward to being able to see clearly again. Along with a daily appreciation for the gift of sight, on multiple levels. Trusting in the Lord with clarity of belief.