Customer Reviews

Blind Spots: Achieve Success by Seeing What You Can't See

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As Claudia Shelton explains in the Preface, the material in her book is organized around "three simple focuses": guidance to the development of the perspective and mindset necessary to "see things about yourself that you previously couldn't see" (i.e. blind spots), strategies to help convert these blind spots into strengths on which to build success, and provision of a set of tools "to help identify personal information about one's specific blind spots." I appreciate Shelton's skillful use of several reader-friendly devices such as the statement of a key concept for each of the chapters which comprise one of the six Sections. For example, for Section Four, these are "The Strategies for Clear Sight":

Chapter 11: Identify what you do best in a "Statement of Strengths"
Chapter 12: Check counter-productive habits using an "Old Habits Blind Spots Grid"
Chapter 13: Convert stress into a positive source of energy
Chapter 14: "Tune your radar" to recognize non-verbal "clues" sent to others
Chapter 15: "Connect" more effectively with others to strengthen relationships

As these strategies correctly indicate, Shelton offers no head-snapping revelations (nor does she claims to offer any); in these and other chapters, she identifies the "what" and then devotes most of her attention to the "why" and "how." For that reason, she thoughtfully extensive material that can guide and inform a series of self-audits to help each reader determine the nature and extent of the gap between her or his current level or recognition and what is desired. In Chapter 15, for example, Shelton identifies and briefly discusses five of the most common causes of disconnection that include disengagement. That is, "not speaking clearly, not listening to what others have to say, [and] not providing useful feedback," any/all of which can prevent a convincing presentation of ideas. To paraphrase The Golden Rule, "Others will do unto you the way you tend to do unto them."

Many readers will be especially grateful for the Appendix that Shelton provides. In it, she offers brief descriptions of all recommended "tools"(with a handy page reference for each), a brief review of the five most common blind spots, and summary descriptions of nine models that comprise the "Blind Spots Profile." The ultimate objective is to develop the strengths while reducing (if not eliminating) the weaknesses of each, such as what Shelton rather clumsily characterizes as the "Optimistic Image-Oriented Producer" who tends to rend feelings first, is extroverted, is a high-energy multi-tasker who produces many projects valued by others but who can sometimes be disorganized and indecisive and, when under pressure, become distant (i.e. "disengaged") and thereby alienate others.

Make no mistake about it: What Shelton recommends in her book requires a full commitment of time, energy, and attention over an extended period of time, although those who carefully absorb and digest the material and then begin to identify their blind spots will immediately increase their understanding of themselves and probably of others, also. It is important to keep in mind that some blind spots are easier to recognize than others. Also, that certain revelations about one's self (i.e. one's inadequacies and their consequences, to date) will probably not be pleasant but are nonetheless especially important. Be grateful for having eliminated, finally, what have probably been the worst blind spots.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Lynda Gratton Hot Spots: Why Some Teams, Workplaces, and Organizations Buzz with Energy - And Others Don't, Michael Useem `s The Go Point: When It's Time to Decide--Knowing What to Do and When to Do It by, Howard Gardner `s Five Minds for the Future, and Tom Rath's StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths.

Although Claudia Shelton's new book, Blind Spots, was inspired by her work as an Executive Coach in many Fortune 500 companies, all those who are interested in both personal and professional success should make this a must read. The book's premise is that through overuse and old patters of behavior our strengths become our weaknesses. When we realize these Blind Spots, define and understand them, we can become objective about who we need to be to make our innate talents work for us at all times. Shelton clearly defines the nine Blind Spots Profiles, how each profile can have Clear Sight in an easy to understand manner. The other remarkable dividend is once an individual understands how to turn personal weaknesses into strengths, he/she can apply the Blind Spots methodology to others, whether a boss, co-worker, or significant other to gain Clear Sight about who they are and how they communicate; this objective assessment will lead to signifcant, honest communication which will allow all to realize their full potential.

Are you looking for the one book to help you manage your career? This is it. Well-researched, easy to read, immediately useful to self-diagnose obstacles to career success, BlindSpots should be required reading for anyone leading or aspiring to lead an organization. Claudia Shelton uses her expertise as an executive coach to quickly help the reader identify personal strengths that can hamper success. Using a five-part framework and individual stories of successful people going awry, she then works through five principles of clear sight - ways to turn those blind spots into strengths. Insightfully written, with on-line tools available [...]

What a rich and potentially life changing book. As a Business and Personal Coach, I will use both the book and Blind Spots Finder regularly with clients. This book is filled with information and insights that will benefit professionals as well as individuals on their own path to greater success and fulfillment.

Just as we recognize that there are blind spots or things we can't see in our car mirrors, Claudia Shelton provides a way to see personal blind spots without judgement. Blind spots are opportunities for discovery and new possibilities.

Claudia Shelton invites us all to learn more about ourselves, and, specifically about our Blindspots - - She has a welcome depth of insight into what keeps us from reaching our dreams and our goals - and, strategies to face and manage these obstacles and challenges squarely, in order to live the life we want to live. The good news is that Blindspots is as applicable to personal life issues as it is to leadership, because it gets to the source of seeing the truth about yourself. Blindspots is a great read and a must have!

Robin Stern, Ph.D.
author of The Gaslight Effect
The School at Columbia University
The Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership

I've read through the positive and negative reviews and would agree with most all that has been said in the former. I found the book most helpful relative to the dozens of self-help books I've read over the years. The author leverages the powerful (and unique to the human species) attribute of self-awareness by providing specific ways to develop a more thorough view of ourselves. Shelton then goes on to help the reader see how our strengths can have both positive and negative effects on those around us, and how to better manage those in a way that will improve the quality of our relationships.

An observation that has amazed many of us including the author is how many people, both intelligent and well-meaning wind up displaying self-destructive behaviors that ultimately limit or destroy their goals. This book explains why that happens and how it can be avoided. The lessons apply to every human endeavor from parenting to the pursuit of a CEO position.

We're an interesting bunch, us humans. So much potential it's scary. With works such as "Blind Spots" we're a solid step forward to realizing that potential.

A total waste of money. Don't bother. The essence of the book is: think of the things that are in the way of your achieving what you want to. Then think of ways to fix them. Unfortunately I bought the book, sight unseen. I'll never do that from Amazon, again.