Principle #27 – What we know for sure is tiny. Blind spots are many.
Artists know a secret: you never see the whole picture at the start. A painter begins with a blank canvas and an idea, but halfway through? They discover the shadows are off, the colors don’t pop, or—oops—that nose looks weird.
The same goes for leadership and decision-making. What you “know for sure” at the start is tiny—like sketch lines on a canvas. The rest? It’s hidden in blind spots you can’t see until you step back (or someone gently says, “That arm looks…long.”).
The Hero’s Move
- Step back from the canvas: Look at the big picture before committing too much paint.
- Invite another set of eyes: Fresh perspectives see what you don’t (and save you from awkward “is that supposed to be a dog?” moments).
- Layer, don’t lock it in: Sculptors chip slowly; painters layer. Test, adjust, repeat.
The Next Step
Pick one project you feel “100% sure” about. Step back and squint like an artist. What’s missing? Who can give you a new angle?
Because in art—and in leadership—your blind spots can turn a masterpiece into a meme if you’re not looking for them.
