Check Your Blind Spots Before You Go

I was sitting at a red light the other day, trying to make a right-hand turn. I was looking left waiting for a break in traffic so I could go.  Eventually, the light turned green and I was just about to hit the gas when the person in my passenger seat said, “Look out!”

I hit the brakes and sure enough, there was a pedestrian stepping off the curb on my right. I didn’t even see her. The Lord started speaking to me, not just because of what almost happened, but because of what it represents.

People have blind spots.

You can be moving in the right direction, paying attention to what’s in front of you, watching for what seems important and still completely miss something (or someone) in your blind spot. It’s not because you’re reckless. It’s just because you’re human. What was the difference between a collision and a clean turn? Having someone with you who see’s what you don’t.

You don’t see everything—and that’s not weakness

We all want to be decisive, focused and confident leaders, but the goal isn’t to be the kind of leader who never makes mistakes. It’s to be the kind of leader who builds toward increased awareness and doesn’t lead from isolation. That’s why we need people we trust to speak into our process. Not people who want to steer the car, but people who know they’ve been invited to speak up when they see something we don’t. That kind of relationship doesn’t just make us more careful, it makes us more effective.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

This isn’t about being overly cautious, second guessing every decision, or being afraid to move forward and take risks. It’s about staying humble enough to know you don’t see everything. It’s about being wise enough to surround yourself with people who believe in you, know you, love you and love the people you’re leading.

When you’re leading, people are with you and around you

If I had hit that lady crossing the street it wouldn’t have been intentional, but it still would’ve been damaging. Over the years, I’ve learned that’s one way that leadership works. Most of the time, when leaders hurt people, it’s not because they’re trying to. It’s because they were focused on what they were trying to do, but unaware of things they didn’t see. They didn’t check their blind spot.

Please understand: we’re not playing the blame game here. That’s not the goal. This isn’t about shame or guilt for leaders who missed it, or for followers who got hit in the process. This is about both sides growing in grace.

If you’re a leader: check your blind spots. Invite feedback. Slow down when needed. You’re not being weak, you’re being wise.

If you’re following a leader: give grace. Most leaders aren’t trying to hit people as they lead, they’re just following God the best way they know how. If something feels off, speak up (in a healthy way), but don’t assume bad motives when you might just be dealing with someone’s imperfection.

New Covenant leadership is relational, not reactionary

The beauty of the gospel is that we’re not defined by our mistakes, but we’re also not ignorant of them. In Christ, we’re free to grow, to be corrected, to walk in light and to lead in real ways. That kind of leadership culture helps everyone thrive.

So before you step on the gas to go, make a turn, change direction, or roll into a new lane—check your blind spots. Ask someone you trust what they’re seeing. Make sure you’re not just looking left while someone’s walking in from the right.

You don’t have to carry the pressure of perfection, but you are responsible for your self awareness.